Rifle River Recreation Area encompasses over 4,000 acres of forestland in northeastern Michigan with elevations ranging between 800-950 feet. The recreation area contains five named lakes and numerous streams, providing ample camping options near West Branch. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F, making seasonal planning essential for camping trips.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: The Rifle River Recreation Area features extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "I spent four days here summer of 17. Well maintained sites. Lots of hiking opportunities. Both modern and rustic camping available," notes a visitor at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground. Another camper mentions 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."
Water activities: Paddling opportunities abound on the multiple lakes and rivers. "We could drag or carry our canoes/kayaks from lake to lake with the exception of Grebe Lake and Jewitt," explains a camper. For river adventures, River View Campground & Canoe Livery offers equipment rentals and river access. "This is a fun camp with lots of stuff to do. Nothing like grabbing a tube a flowing down the river with friends," reports one visitor.
Fishing spots: Multiple lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities across the region. At Devoe Lake, one visitor explains, "You can't keep the bluegills and sunfish off your hook." The Rifle River offers additional opportunities for anglers, especially at Spruce Rustic Campground which is "ideal for trout anglers. There's an access point to Gamble Creek between sites 171 and 173."
What campers like
Lake accessibility: Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA provides access to one of Michigan's clearest lakes. "Nice campground. Only thing that makes it 4 rather than 5 for me is lake access, required a drive or carrying everything on a lengthy hike," notes one camper. The surrounding area offers multiple lake options within short driving distances.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize spacing between campsites. At Spruce Rustic Campground, visitors appreciate the "large and level campsites that are well spaced." Another visitor notes that Devoe campground features "very private sites are open and surrounded my trees," creating a more secluded glamping experience in West Branch, Michigan.
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. "We were fortunate enough to see mink, beaver, muskrat, loons, eagle, osprey and three swan," reports one camper describing their luxury outdoor stay. Morning wildlife viewing is particularly productive, with many visitors reporting animal sightings directly from their campsites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking. "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," notes a camper at Devoe Lake. For premium glamping accommodations near West Branch, reservations should be made months in advance during peak season.
Seasonal considerations: The area experiences distinct seasonal changes affecting camping conditions. "Quiet and lovely in late September," reports one camper about their fall visit. Another mentions, "Shoulder seasons would be incredible, especially with the color change," highlighting opportunities for upscale glamping experiences outside peak summer months.
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At South Higgins Lake State Park Campground, "The restrooms (which I am told were recently renovated) were very clean." However, at rustic sites, "the vault toilets do need some attention," according to visitors at Spruce Rustic Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Multiple lake beaches cater specifically to families with children. "The beach was great, soft sand bottom, water was clear & cold!" reports a visitor at North Higgins Lake State Park. Another camper notes the shallow swimming areas: "The water is less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep," creating safe swimming zones for children.
Themed weekend events: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling offers special weekend activities for families. "I love going to the Halloween themed weekends with trick-or-treating at the campground. People decorate their sites, dress up, and hand out candy," shares one visitor. These events add structured activities to glamping experiences for families with children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Grousehaven Campground, a visitor notes it's "extremely family friendly with a nice beach, park, and picnic area." Another campground offers "a pool, outdoor movies, horseshoes, inflatable blob (kids love the blob), putt putt, sandbox, small bikes to rent."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Northern Bear Paw RV Park, the pine tree coverage provides natural shade for RV sites. "Pine trees left intact. It sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit," notes a visitor describing the luxury glamping amenities. When booking, request information about site leveling, as one camper mentions: "Site 61 did take some time to get all leveled out almost didn't have enough blocks."
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when setting up. One RVer notes that at some campgrounds "our water hook up was on the opposite side of the site from the power and sewer hook up so we had to have a hose running across our site; glad we had an extra hose to use as an extension." This arrangement can affect optimal RV positioning at your site.
