About Ogemaw County — Land For Sale

Where the Rifle River winds toward Saginaw Bay, Ogemaw County blends quiet lakes, hardwood hills and working farm‑and‑timber country. West Branch (county seat) and Rose City anchor everyday services along I‑75/M‑55, with state forest and recreation land minutes from town.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — A true northern mix: aspen regen and oak/maple uplands meet cedar/spruce lowlands and cattail marsh. Whitetail, turkey, grouse and woodcock are regulars. Public access is strong across Rifle River Recreation Area, Au Sable State Forest tracts and county parks.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Parcels range from sandy‑bottom inland lakes (Sage, Lake Ogemaw, Clear/Peach areas) to Rifle River frontage and small creeks. Expect firm sand/gravel on many shorelines with softer marl in back bays. Check floodplain on riverfront and ordinary high‑water setbacks/any lake‑use rules on lake lots.

Farm & Tillable — Productive loams and sandy loams dominate uplands; heavier clays and wet pockets sit in drain bottoms. Ask for tile maps, outlet capacity and wide, all‑season field entrances sized for modern equipment.

Timber & Habitat — Uplands hold sugar maple, red/white oak and beech with red/white pine in mixed stands; cedar/tamarack in drainages. Many tracts show light/select cuts—good bones for trails, TSI and tucked plots along upland edges.

Cabin/Residential — Year‑round county roads are the norm; seasonal lanes pop up near state land. Power is typically at the road; wells/septic after a passing perc. Fastest internet sits near West Branch/Rose City and primary corridors; remote tracts lean on fixed‑wireless or satellite.

Public Land & Nearby Recreation

• Rifle River Recreation Area — Lakes (Devoe, Grousehaven), trout streams, swim beaches, campgrounds and miles of hiking/ski trails.

• Ogemaw Hills Pathway — 15+ miles of non‑motorized single‑track for hiking, XC‑skiing and biking on rolling glacial hills north of West Branch.

• Au Sable State Forest — Scattered state‑forest blocks with hunting access, rustic campgrounds and two‑tracks across the county.

• Rifle River Water Trail — Mapped put‑ins/take‑outs and trip planning through Ogemaw/Iosco counties.

Prefer privacy with more to roam? Parcels that border state‑forest blocks or stretch along quieter river reaches do come up—ask about what’s currently available.

Local Tips from a Michigan Land Specialist

• Perc & soils: Upland sands/loams often pass; peat/muck near marsh edges may need engineered systems—order a current perc.
• Frontage quality: On lake parcels, confirm bottom type (sand vs. marl/muck), wake/no‑wake zones and setbacks; on river lots, verify floodplain and bank stability.
• Tillable details: Request tile maps and outlet capacity; size entrances for semis and grain carts.
• Timber access: Stabilize wet crossings with geotextile and culverts; loop trails help you hunt the wind without bumping bedding cover.
• Utilities/internet: Electric/natural gas common near towns; fiber/cable strongest around West Branch/Rose City and I‑75/M‑55 corridors.

FAQs — Ogemaw County

What makes land for sale in Ogemaw County, Michigan appealing? Clear inland lakes, a scenic river corridor and deep state‑forest access—plus handy I‑75 connections—fit cabins, year‑round homes and mixed‑use tracts.

Is rural acreage “buildable”? Generally yes with township approval and a passing perc. Expect driveway/culvert permits and shoreline/floodplain considerations on water parcels.

Where can I launch a boat or paddle? DNR/county launches at Rifle River Rec Area lakes and mapped access along the Rifle River Water Trail; additional sites at public lakes around West Branch.

What parcel sizes are typical? 10–20 acre starters, 40–80 acre hunting pieces, larger 80–160 acre farm/timber tracts and select lake/riverfront lots.

Can I get reliable internet? Strongest near city/village centers and along I‑75/M‑55; remote pockets rely on fixed‑wireless or satellite.

Talk to a Michigan Land Specialist — contact us

Helpful resources: Michigan DNR hunting rules & regulations • MSU Extension Home Soil Test kit • District Health Department No. 2 — wells & septic • Ogemaw County Road Commission — permits