Glamping close to Glennie, Michigan centers around the Rifle River Recreation Area, which spans 4,449 acres of forested terrain with five inland lakes at elevations ranging from 850-1,050 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F, while spring and fall drop to 45-65°F with increased precipitation. Winter camping options remain limited with temperatures regularly falling below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Paddle sports on motor-free waters: Grousehaven Campground offers access to crystal-clear Grousehaven Lake which prohibits motorized watercraft. "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," notes Dennis B.
Hiking to observation points: The recreation area features several lookout points accessible by trail networks. At Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, visitors can access both shoreline paths and elevated viewpoints. "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," shares Tasha T.
River floating and fishing: The Rifle River provides opportunities for water recreation beyond the lakes. Spruce Rustic Campground offers direct river access points. "There's a access point to Gamble Creek between sites 171 and 173. I got my 20' trailer back there no problem," says Jason N., noting the convenience for trout anglers.
What campers like
Secluded sites with natural buffers: Spruce Rustic Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "Small, rustic, remote, clean and quiet. Large and level campsites that are well spaced," reports Jason N. Similarly, at Jewell Lake Campground, Halie C. notes, "Our campsite was great with plenty of room to house three tents as well as a fire pit and picnic table."
Lake and beach access: Many visitors appreciate the swimming options at Jewell Lake Campground. "The lake had a beach area to swim. Didn't actually intend on staying here but it was a happy accident and salvaged our memorial day weekend," writes Corey O.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife. At Old Orchard Park Campground, Michael A. mentions, "The area around here is beautiful with lots of sights and trails. This park has a wide variety of individuals and many long term residents but the staff were pretty friendly and the lake is beautiful (especially in the early morning)."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary by site: Old Orchard Park Campground has specific booking policies. "Our site was very large and it was very quiet on the fill hookup did of the park. Most of the staff is helpful and some even will teach the RV newbies how to care for their camper," notes Linda H. However, Stephanie C. cautions, "For most of the sites here, it is first come first served. We have driven all the way there before and not been able to get in."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns significantly impact camping experiences. Tasha T. notes that Devoe Lake offers year-round options: "Great location and our site had a nice shortcut through the woods that exited by the lake and bathrooms." Erin S. adds, "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...Quiet and lovely in late September."
Limited amenities at rustic sites: Facilities vary significantly between modern and rustic campgrounds. At Spruce Rustic Campground, RJ W. notes, "The vault toilets do need some attention," while D G. mentions, "Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beach areas: Tawas Point State Park Campground offers designed spaces for children. "It has a nice playground, and beach volleyball court near the entrance. There's a nice sandy beach that faces Tawas Bay in the campground," reports Marie H. She adds that "the public beach on Lake Huron has rougher water and more rocks."
Quiet weekday visits recommended: For families seeking less crowded experiences, timing matters. Michael A. from Old Orchard Park Campground suggests, "Camped here in early fall. The area around here is beautiful with lots of sights and trails...especially in the early morning." Similarly, Tracey R. notes, "Nice and quiet during the week."
Beginner-friendly glamping options: Northern Bear Paw RV Park provides comfortable glamping close to Glennie, Michigan for those with young children. Colin L. shares, "The campsites are nicely laid out with comfortable amenities. With a soothing creek whispering in the background of our campsite, we set our camper up for a two week adventure."
Tips from RVers
Site utilities require planning: At Northern Bear Paw RV Park, RV sites are well-maintained but require proper setup. Corey L. notes, "An awesome place to stay! Owners are very thoughtful, through, and considerate of the campers." The park offers full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Narrow interior roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access points. For Tawas Point State Park, Edward C. advises, "The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle." This can impact larger rigs, particularly during busy weekends.
Water hookup considerations: Many glamping locations near Glennie require extended hoses. At Old Orchard Park Campground, Tracey R. points out, "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords." RVers should pack additional length hookups, particularly for water connections that may be shared between sites.
