Rifle River Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Plainfield Park Elbow Lake Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Rifle River Recreation Area is a state park located in Michigan, USA.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty, recreational activities, and wildlife. The park covers an area of 4,449 acres and is situated along the Rifle River.
There are several good reasons to visit the Rifle River Recreation Area. Firstly, the park offers a range of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats to explore the river. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy.
One of the main attractions of the Rifle River Recreation Area is its wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, bald eagles, and river otters. Visitors can also spot a wide range of bird species in the area.
There are several points of interest to see in the Rifle River Recreation Area. One of the most popular is the Rifle River Trail, a 14-mile hiking trail that winds through the park. The park also has several lakes and ponds, including Rainbow Lake and Cooke Dam Pond, which offer great fishing opportunities.
Interesting facts about the Rifle River Recreation Area include that it was established in 1959 and was originally used for logging and farming. The park is also home to the largest white pine tree in Michigan, which stands at over 165 feet tall.
The best time of year to visit the Rifle River Recreation Area depends on the activities visitors are interested in. Summer is the busiest season and offers warm weather for swimming and water sports. Fall is an excellent time to visit for hiking and wildlife viewing, as the park's foliage turns vibrant colors. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, the Rifle River Recreation Area is a beautiful and diverse state park with something to offer visitors year-round.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Rifle River-Spruce Rustic
Rifle River-Ranch Rustic
Rifle River-Devoe Lake Rustic
Ogemaw Sport and Trail Center – Motocross and ATV Campground
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground
Paul Bunyan Scout Reservation