Rifle River Ranch Campground

4.58

154 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$13/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

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Quick Facts

Price

$13/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Rifle River Ranch Campground

$13.00 - $13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee: $13 (per provided fee info).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 154 reviews

537 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglakebeachfriendly

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the scenic setting, extensive waterways (Rifle River and several lakes), large and private rustic campsites, abundant trails and wildlife, and a strong repeat‑visitor base."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Rifle River Ranch Campground

$13/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at Rifle River Ranch Campground

Spring through fall transforms this riverside retreat into a hub of activity, with warm weather campers enjoying paddling adventures, fishing expeditions, and ranger-led interpretive programs that run throughout the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. When winter blankets the region in snow, the landscape takes on a serene beauty perfect for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enthusiasts who venture out to explore the area's trails and open spaces.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Rifle River Ranch Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Rifle River, Rifle River Ranch Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 25 rustic sites. Whether you're gliding down the river in a kayak, casting a line into crystal-clear waters, or exploring wooded trails in search of wildlife, this hidden gem provides the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

Campground is classified as rustic (basic facilities); the park offers a mix of camping options across its loops, including tent, primitive and RV-capable sites plus cabins.

Weather and SeasonsSpring through fall transforms this riverside retreat into a hub of activity, with warm weather campers enjoying paddling adventures, fishing expeditions, and ranger-led interpretive programs that run throughout the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. When winter blankets the region in snow, the landscape takes on a serene beauty perfect for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enthusiasts who venture out to explore the area's trails and open spaces.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the Rifle River flowing past your campsite, surrounded by towering hardwoods and the sweet scent of pine. The landscape here tells a story of Michigan's natural diversity—rolling wooded hills give way to tranquil wetlands, while small lakes dot the terrain like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The river itself is a paddler's dream, with crystal-clear shallow waters flowing over sandy and gravelly bottoms that practically beg you to dip your toes in. Your campsite might nestle you beneath a canopy of mixed forest, or perhaps you'll find yourself in a sun-dappled grassy clearing—each spot offers its own slice of wilderness charm.

Campsite details

Total Campsites25 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Dump station

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The park and campground area offer water-based recreation on the Rifle River and several lakes, extensive hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing, and seasonal winter activities.

Hiking

Numerous trails and miles of roads and paths for short pond loops and longer hikes through mixed forest and sandy uplands are mentioned repeatedly in reviews.

Fishing

Reviews and web research cite fishing in the Rifle River and the park’s lakes (including trout and panfish species).

Swimming

Reviewers reference beaches and designated swim areas on park lakes and family-friendly beach settings.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Quiet hours are generally enforced in the recreation area campgrounds.

Hazards

General hazardsExpect typical backcountry/woodland hazards: biting insects (mosquitoes) near wetlands, encounters with wildlife such as raccoons, deer and coyotes, and standard water‑related risks when paddling or tubing. Secure food and trash to avoid attracting animals.

Weather at Rifle River Ranch Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 6 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsA few reviewers note springtime rutted/muddy roads, occasional noisy neighbors or maintenance equipment, and inconsistent availability of potable water pumps at some loops; holiday weekends can be busier/rowdier.

Campground Map

Rifle River Ranch Campground

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6

154 reviews

Top-Rated

Rifle River Ranch Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the scenic setting, extensive waterways (Rifle River and several lakes), large and private rustic campsites, abundant trails and wildlife, and a strong repeat‑visitor base.

Review Summaries

Based on 154 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic river and lakes for tubing, kayaking and fishing; large, private campsites in the rustic loops; varied terrain and many hiking/biking opportunities; good wildlife viewing and family-friendly...

Based on 154 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pick a rustic/old loop for privacy and proximity to trails and the river; reserve early or select a site on arrival; bring bug spray in warm months; expect to drive within the park because areas are...

Based on 154 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sites are huge and clean"; "Take a site in the old rustic area... The sites are huge and you're much closer to hiking trails and the river."; "5000 acres of unadulterated natural beauty!"

Based on 154 reviews