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River View Campground & Canoe Livery
Overview
River View Campground & Canoe Livery offers a classic Michigan outdoor experience centered around the scenic Rifle River. This destination blends traditional camping with active water sports, making it a staple for those seeking a river-focused getaway in Sterling. The park's atmosphere is relaxed and family-centric, emphasizing the natural beauty of the river valley. Whether you are arriving for a weekend of paddling or a longer stay in the woods, the park provides a welcoming environment that celebrates the great outdoors of Mid-Michigan in a friendly, communal setting.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in the heart of Sterling, MI, the campground sits directly along a gentle, winding bend of the river. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense woodlands and lush riverbanks, providing a secluded feel despite being easily accessible from major state routes. This location serves as a gateway to the Sunrise Side of Michigan, where the air is crisp and the pace of life slows down significantly. The immediate area is a haven for local wildlife, making it common to spot deer or various bird species from your wooded RV site.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is well-equipped for RVers, offering a variety of sites that include water and electric hookups. Guests have access to a range of on-site conveniences designed for comfort, including:
- A modern shower house and clean restroom facilities.
- A well-stocked camp store offering ice, wood, and camping essentials.
- A large playground, volleyball courts, and a game room for family entertainment.
The standout feature is the full-service canoe livery, which facilitates tubing, kayaking, and canoeing trips with convenient shuttle services that depart directly from the property, ensuring a seamless river experience for all skill levels.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the river activities, visitors can explore the local charm of Arenac County. A short drive leads to the expansive shores of Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, which is famous for its world-class walleye fishing and sandy public beaches. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area, offering miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching. For a change of pace, the nearby community of Standish provides local dining and shopping options to supplement your camp meals and supplies.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for active families and groups who thrive on water-based recreation and social camping environments. It caters perfectly to those who prioritize direct access to nature and outdoor adventure over high-end resort luxuries. If your ideal vacation involves spending the afternoon drifting down a river and your evenings sharing stories around a campfire, this Sterling destination offers an authentic, rustic experience that captures the true spirit of a Michigan summer.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Konrad X
I have been renting a canoe from River View, for a September or October float, for probably 10 years or more now. I love this place. One noticeable thing, over the years, is the constant improvement they make to their site. Something is always being done to benefit their customers. They have the newest/cleanest bathrooms and showers I've encountered in a campsite / canoe livery. As for the canoeing, they offer fiberglass canoes, and what I really like is that the bus ride is at the beginning of the trip, rather than the end. A short 20 minute bus ride gets you to the Greenwood launch for the long trip, and then you end up at their campground. No waiting for a bus to take you back to your car. The Rifle is a great mix of slow float, maneuvering around some downed trees and boulders, and also some shallow rapids with rocks/boulders to avoid. And every year, there are eagles, great blue herons, and kingfishers accompanying the journey. Also, when on the Greenwood trip, the Moffatt launch (origin of the short trip) is a great spot to stop for lunch. Definitely give River View a try!
Spartan Dave
Campground was nice - definitely get a site along the river. Tubing was awesome. Weekends are packed - every campsite was booked. River was really crowded, due to all the other outfitters in the area. Weekdays are 10-20% occupied. Great time had by all - but we are definitely going during the week next year.
Zomb
We stayed here for a few nights, and went down the river in kayaks. When we were there it had just rained, so the river was nice and full, and we didn't have any troubles. Campground was a little noisy, but nothing out of the ordinary. There are plenty of showers, and bathrooms close by. There's an "arcade" with a pool and air hockey table, and a few other games. There's a well stocked store with almost everything you would need. Helpful if you forgot something. Overall we had an awesome time.
Andrea P
Very friendly and organized!! They are not over corporate!! We did not camp, we tubed. We wanted to extend our tubing trip, we called the call button at the 1st stop and they happily said we could continue without issue (would cost us the extra for the extension-no biggie!)!! The store is well stocked with goodies, last-minute needs, and souvenirs :) They have water shoes for the river~ If you don't have them-buy them! The staff is VERY friendly and helpful! They will make sure you get with your group reservation :)
Scott Petkov
We did not stay in a room. We stayed on a water and electric site . Wow, wow, wow, absolutely the best campground i have ever stayed in. we camp a lot all over the state .we had a large group with us 16 total .super clean restrooms and shower houses . We did the tubing while we were there so much fun. What an experience. The front office store, ect, was like a 5 start hotel set up . Very well organized grounds and area . We also brought motorcycles with us so we all could ride the area. No complaints were made about us . Met a lot of friendly people, aka other campers Highly recommend staying here . Hope to see you there because we will be back very soon.