Craft & Seasonality
✗
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✗
Jet Ski / PWC ✗
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampCarry-in only, 0 lanes
Trailer Parking0 spots · grass/soil
Vehicle-Only5 spots
FeeNo fee
HoursOpen at all times
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier · Restrooms · Pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
No Real Ramp
Despite being listed as a launch, there are no paved lanes here — it's a gravel slide into the Rifle River. Fine for canoes, kayaks, and small jon boats, but don't show up expecting to back a big trailer down a concrete ramp.
Parking Is Tight
There's a small gravel area to park, but no designated trailer spots. If two or three rigs show up, it gets cramped fast. On summer weekends you might end up improvising along the shoulder.
Former Campground Site
This used to be the Rifle River State Forest Campground before it was closed years ago. The bathroom is still standing and functional, which is a nice bonus for a launch this remote — just don't expect it to be pristine.
Good Float Access
This spot works great as a put-in or take-out for paddling the Rifle River. The current is gentle through this stretch in Arenac County, and you can set up nice float trips pairing this with other access points upstream toward Ogemaw County.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews
About This Lake
Rifle River →