Covering 4,449 acres (1,800 ha), the area provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, hiking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, biking, and swimming.

In 1945 the tract, then called Grousehaven, was purchased by the Michigan Department of Conservation from Mrs. Jewett after her husband's death.

The Department of Conservation renamed it the Rifle River Area and used it as a field laboratory for fish and game research.

All lakes and waterways within Rifle River State Recreation Area are closed to boats with motors.

Bluegills, bass, northern pike, yellow perch and trout can be found in Devoe, Grousehaven, Lodge, and Grebe lakes.