Rifle River Recreation Area, a Michigan Park

USA

Michigan

Rifle River Recreation Area

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Park Link:
Rifle River Recreation Area

Nearby Parks:
Ogemaw State Forest

Park Contact Information:
	Rifle River Recreation Area 2550 E. Rose City Road Lupton, Michigan 48635-0098 Phone: 989-473-2258 Reservations: 800-447-2757	Area Accommodations Area Places to Eat
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Park Overview:
	Over 4,000 acres with streams and ten scenic lakes. A modern 75 site partially shaded and mostly grassy campground features a swimming beach, playground and boat launch. Three rustic campgrounds with 99 campsites. Rustic trailside cabins. Observation tower, picnicking, fishing, ice fishing, boating, canoeing, hunting or trapping, wildlife viewing and sports areas. 14 miles of pathways meandering throughout the park offering hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobiling is available at the nearby AuSable River Scenic Byway.
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Camping:
	Rifle River Grousehaven-Modern(800) 447-2757 75 site(s)Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms Rifle River-Devoe Lake Rustic(800) 447-2757 58 site(s)Boat Launch, Rustic Site, Swimming, Vault Toilet Rifle River-Group Use Area(989) 473-2258 Group Use Area, Vault Toilet Rifle River-Ranch Rustic(800) 447-2575 25 site(s)Rustic Site, Vault Toilet Rifle River-Rustic Cabins(800) 447-2757 5 site(s)Vault Toilet Rifle River-Spruce Rustic(800) 447-2757Rustic Site, Vault Toilet
Trails:
	The 14 miles of pathways meandering throughout the park offer hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Numbered posts keyed to the map will help keep you oriented while on the pathways. There is an observation tower that gives sightseers a fantastic scenic view of the recreation area. Rifle River-Multi-use Trail Trail Length: 14.00 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking, Mountain Biking Rifle River-Pintail Pond Trail Length: 0.75 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking
Picnicking:
	Day use facilities with swimming beach and picnic areas are available to park visitors at Grousehaven Lake. Fire pits/grills available.
Boating:
	For the fishing enthusiasts, ten scenic lakes offer all types of fishing. Fisheries research is being conducted on Jewett Lake. This lake is closed to fishing without a permit which is available at park headquarters. All lakes are closed to boats with motors.
Fishing and Hunting:
	Fishing For the fishing enthusiasts, ten scenic lakes offer all types of fishing. Bluegills, bass, northern pike, yellow perch and trout can be found in these lakes. Brook, brown and rainbow trout are present throughout the many miles of streams in the recreation area. Fisheries research is being conducted on Jewett Lake. This lake is closed to fishing without a permit which is available at park headquarters. All lakes are closed to boats with motors. Consult the Rifle River Fishing Guide for more information about which species can be found in the many lakes in the recreation area. Hunting The wilderness setting of Rifle River Recreation Area is ideal for those who enjoy hunting or trapping. Ruffed grouse, ducks, geese, turkey, woodcock, rabbits, squirrel, raccoon, fox and deer may be hunted during their respective seasons. Beaver, otter, mink and muskrat are in abundance and may be trapped. Regulations may be obtained at the park headquarters.
History of the Area:
	This area was formerly a private hunting and fishing retreat owned by the late H.M. Jewett, a pioneer auto manufacturer. In 1945 the tract, then called Grousehaven, was purchased by the Department of Conservation from Mrs. Jewett. The Department of Conservation renamed it the Rifle River Area and used it as a field laboratory for fish and game research. In 1963, the Parks Division acquired the area and it is now known as the Rifle River Recreation Area.

Area Accommodations

Hotels/Motels

Comfort Suites Lakeside - Houghton Lake, MI
Located on the shores off of Michigan?s largest inland lake, Comfort Suites Lakeside offers a beautiful hotel, conference center, water park and restaurant. Take a pleasure cruise or use a number of available golf packages. We have you covered for all your accommodation needs.
Web Site: http://www.comfortsuiteslakesideresort.com/

Area Places to Eat

Restaurant

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