Campgrounds in the Lupton, Michigan area include several options within the Rifle River Recreation Area, offering a mix of rustic and modern camping experiences. Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, Grousehaven Campground, and Spruce Rustic Campground provide tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. The region also extends to dispersed camping opportunities in the nearby Huron-Manistee National Forests. Campers can choose from established campgrounds with electric hookups and modern facilities or more primitive sites along lakes and rivers. Several locations accommodate cabin camping and glamping options for those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV setups.
Recreation areas near Lupton require advance reservations for most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. As one visitor noted, "Sites require a reservation either at the office or online. Not somewhere you can just pay for on spot because it's in the Rifle River Recreation Area." Access to camping areas varies by season, with some campgrounds open year-round while others operate from spring through fall. The Rifle River Recreation Area features multiple lakes and waterways that attract paddlers and anglers, though weather conditions can affect water activities. Rustic campgrounds typically offer vault toilets and water pumps, while modern campgrounds provide shower facilities and electric hookups. Winter conditions may limit accessibility to some areas, especially for larger RVs or trailers.
Campers consistently highlight the natural surroundings and water recreation as primary attractions in the Lupton area. The lakes within the Rifle River Recreation Area receive particular praise for their paddling opportunities. According to reviews, "The water is super clean and crystal clear...and usually sand or rock bottom." Visitors appreciate the spacious, private sites at rustic campgrounds, with many mentioning the tree coverage and natural screening between campsites. Families find the modern campgrounds particularly suitable, with one reviewer noting that Grousehaven is "extremely family friendly with a nice beach, park, and picnic area." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with reports of loons, eagles, osprey, and beaver sightings. While most camping areas maintain a peaceful atmosphere, some reviewers mention increased activity and noise during holiday weekends.
"Rifle River Recreation Area is located directly east of Houghton Lake within the AuSable State Forest, near the city of Lupton. The RRRA offers several camping areas within its borders."
"This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to."
"There are a few sites on the lake and a boat launch. Sites have tables, pits and trees. They are also well separated with trees. Pretty easy access to the campground and the place was clean."
"Nice rustic campground located just north of west branch. No showers, privy is is decent shape. Not the worst not the best. Several lake front sites to choose from with excellent views."
"Right on Grousehaven lake with a small beach and playground and a large open grassy area for kids and dogs to to run."
"But the beach was nice as were the trails. Once in the camp itself, we loved how much better it was than Tawas. It's more spread out and I didn't feel like people were staring at me."
"The absolute BEST campsite I have ever camped at in Michigan! The perfect morning and evening view of the river. Directly across from the best fishing spot and shoreline to soak up the summer sun."
"You are surrounded by forest and dunes and the sites themselves provide ample space for a group of 5 or more."
$10 - $14 / night
"River Trail."
"We walked this trail for 5 days and 4 nights. Cell service was spotty, which was the goal. Lots of wildlife and great views. You need to carry everything out that you carry in."
"I wish I would have picked a different spot as I was right next to the bathroom but it was fine. Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river."
$16 - $30 / night
"I had cabin #3, very beautiful on the lake. Wish they had a grate to cook some things, however I failed to bring my own. It made do with what I had."
"This is a great campground and very close to canoe rentals. They pick up trash right at your site! Also, buy the wood from the people driving around."
$30 / night
"Great place for Moto wonderful peaple and trail riding and kid track we’re awsome"
$15 / night
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The sites are big, most are well shaded."
"We brought our own kayaks and spent the day at on loud lake which was about a 15 min drive away. There were plenty of vault toilets which were very clean and water stations."
$15 / night
"We were able to get a site right on the lake. The Beaver loop sites have a hand pump available for water. The warbler loop has a spout on what must be pump house next to the host's site."
"we like rustic and not too many people and to be near a lake."
TravelerStayed at Tawas State park in October of 2025. was not crowded and the park was very clean. Nice shower houses, campfire rings and tables. Nice walking paths and the walk to the lighthouse and beach was a nice clean trail. Not to many water views from the campground, but could be seen with a short walk.
ScoutThe manger is very rude disrespectful and threatening. He blew out the door like he was going to abuse someone swearing yelling and threatening. Not a way to run a business.
ScoutOnly camper in cluster of sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Only negative is that the lake is very low and not really a part of the camping experience
TravelerDecent amount of road and ORV noise, great spot to get things on the MI shore to shore trail.
TravelerVery quiet and remote, if you go as a hiker pick times when the water conditions are poor. This is primarily a paddling campground.
Toilet has no TP, lots of hidden sites if you venture off trail
ScoutThe new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.
ScoutBeen camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.
ScoutLots of road noise and no water or electricity and it’s not free as stated online $20 isn’t bad per night but other places near charge $27-35 per night and have water and electric hookups there is tons of random traffic through the grounds which is a little uncomfortable. They do have bathrooms and you can fish but if your looking for a peaceful place this is not it or a free campsite it is not
ScoutNot what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice, horrible customer service. His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs. It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place. Ya, look elsewhere.
When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park. Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.
Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host. Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.
Stay away and look elsewhere!
Cabin camping options near Lupton, Michigan include accommodations for different camping styles across the Rifle River Recreation Area and surrounding forest land. The area sits within Michigan's northeastern Lower Peninsula at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, with mixed hardwood forests and multiple waterways. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach the upper 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit.
Mountain biking trails: Devoe Lake Rustic Campground offers excellent biking opportunities for all skill levels. According to Dawn C., the campground features "amazing views and great riding for all ages!" The trails wind through wooded areas with varying terrain difficulty.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rollways Campground provides convenient access to the Au Sable River. Kelsey P. notes, "What's really awesome about this place is if you pay a little extra, they will provide dropoff and pickup of both your party and all your kayaks to the appropriate points so you don't have to deal with transporting everything yourself."
Wildlife viewing: The lakes within the recreation area support diverse wildlife. Tasha T. from Devoe Lake Rustic Campground shares, "The wildlife is plentiful... The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look."
Lake access: Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground offers waterfront sites with easy swimming and paddling access. D G. explains, "Rustic first come first serve sites. Well water pump and vault toilets... All the spots are very large with picnic table and fire pit... The lake is small but good for kayak & paddle boarding."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Spruce Rustic Campground within the Rifle River Recreation Area. Jason N. describes it as "Small, rustic, remote, clean and quiet. Large and level campsites that are well spaced."
Four-season recreation: While most visitors come during summer, the recreation areas remain open year-round. Zack L. from Ambrose Lake notes that the campground offers "Pretty easy access to the campground and the place was clean. The trailhead is maybe 1/8th of a mile down the only road in and trails were fun on the bike."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds within the recreation area require advance planning. Erin S. explains at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, "Sites require a reservation either at the office or Online. Not somewhere you can just pay for on spot because it's in the rifle river recreation area."
Holiday crowds: Several campgrounds experience significant visitor increases during peak weekends. Ashleigh M. from Devoe Lake Rustic Campground shares, "I camped in one of the rustic campgrounds over a holiday weekend and it got a little too rowdy for my tastes."
Water access points: Campgrounds vary in how easily you can reach water. At Spruce Rustic Campground, Jason N. notes, "Although only one of the sites has a river view this campground is ideal for trout anglers. There's an access point to Gamble Creek between sites 171 and 173."
Beach facilities: Grousehaven Campground offers family-focused amenities. Jessica J. mentions it's "Extremely family friendly with a nice beach, park, and picnic area. The campground was always well maintained and had some of the cleanest bathrooms and showers of any campground I have stayed at."
Swimming options: Dennis B. appreciates Grousehaven's water recreation: "The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind. The water was warmish and crystal clear, my 2.5 y/o daughter loved playing at the beach and the shallow swimming area."
Winter preparation: If camping outside summer months, pack additional layers. Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in spring and fall. Hallee L. notes that Grousehaven sites offer "some shade, perfect to park under as we car camped."
Site access for larger vehicles: Alcona Park accommodates various RV sizes, though some preparation is needed. Ralph E. advises, "Sites are clean and many have good space for larger campers... some rustic sites could use some dirt to level them up but manageable."
Rustic site considerations: For campers seeking more primitive options, Jason N. from Spruce Rustic Campground confirms, "I got my 20' trailer back there no problem."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies by campground. Alex H. from Rollways Campground cautions, "Only drawback having an RV is there is no dump/fill station so keep that in mind before you arrive, but it is a state forest campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lupton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lupton, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 188 campgrounds and RV parks near Lupton, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lupton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lupton, MI is Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lupton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lupton, MI.
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