Brighton Recreation Area

Due to unexpected construction delays related to road & electrical upgrades, the opening of Bishop Lake Campground has been delayed. Once we have a confirmed completion date, we'll announce the date when reservations will become available 2 weeks in advance. All other campgrounds will open and operate as scheduled. A proposed $2.97M in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made these renovations possible.

Address

6360 Chilson Road
Howell MI, 48843

Phone

810-229-6566
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

4900 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

Located in southeast Michigan, the park is home to nine lakes, five campgrounds, a designated swim beach, 35 miles of trails, boating access sites, picnic areas and a disc golf course, as well as fishing, boating and paddling amenities.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

Located in southeast Michigan (west of U.S. 23 and south of I-96), the 4,947-acre Brighton Recreation Area is home to nine lakes, five campgrounds, a designated swim beach, boating access sites, picnic areas and a disc golf course, as well as fishing, boating and paddling amenities. The park boasts a 35-mile trail system open to horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and more.

The park features high, irregular ranges of hills, an oak forest, open spaces, grassy fens and shrub marshes, among other highland and lowland natural communities.

The park is also home to an equestrian-only campground, a staging area, the Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables and 35 miles of trails. The trails and staging area are maintained with the help of the Brighton Trail Riders Association.

The park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chairs are available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

Brighton - Bishop Lake Modern Campground: 800-447-2757
(145)
Brighton - Migizi Frontier Rustic Cabin: 800-447-2757
(1)
Brighton - Murray Lake Rustic Campground: 800-447-2757
(25)
Brighton Appleton Lake Rustic Campground: 800-447-2757
(24)
Brighton-Equestrian Campground: 800-447-2757
(15)
Brighton-Hilltop Rustic Yurt: 800-447-2757
(1)
Brighton-Rustic Cabins: 800-447-2757
(4)
BrightonThree Fires Youth Organizational Camp: 810-229-6566
(6)

Trails

Brighton - Appleton Lake Mountain Bike Trail: Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)
Brighton-Bishop Lake Trail: Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)
Brighton-Equestrian Trail: Trail Length: 21.00 (Miles)
Brighton-Kahchin Trail: Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)
Brighton-Murray Lake Trail: Trail Length: 3.40 (Miles)
Brighton-Penosha Trail: Trail Length: 5.00 (Miles)
Brighton-Torn Shirt Mountain Bike Trail: Trail Length: 8.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the Bishop Lake day-use area April 1 through Sept. 30.

Biking

Biking: The accessible, 1-mile Access-to-Recreation Trail connects Bishop Lake modern campground and the Youth Organizational Group campground. The hard-surface trail (mix of concrete and crushed limestone) is suitable for bicycles and other nonmotorized uses.

Boat Rental

Boat Rental: Kayaks and paddleboards are available for half- and full-day rentals at the campground office, located at 5210 Bishop Lake Road in Brighton, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call the park at 810-229-6566 for more info.

Disc Golf

Disc Golf: Chilson Woods Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course, is open year-round.

Equestrian

Equestrian:

Brighton Recreation Area offers 19 miles of equestrian trails, a riding stable, a rustic equestrian campground and a staging area. The riding stable is operated by Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables and offers rentals, riding lessons and guided trail rides.

The Brighton Trail Riders Association helps support equestrian activities in the park.

Fishing

Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in the park’s nine inland lakes.

Hiking

Hiking

Hunting

Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Nature Programs

Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

Paddlesports

Paddlesports: The park’s nine likes are popular with paddlers. There’s an accessible kayak launch located at the Bishop Lake Boating Access Site.

Pet-Friendly Area

Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the park’s lakes except for the designated swim beach. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

Swimming

Swimming:

A designated swim area is in the Bishop Lake day-use area. There is an accessible walkway to the water and a water chair available to borrow.

Winter Camping

Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch

Boat Launch: There are boating access sites on Bishop Lake (paved with a skid pier and an accessible kayak launch), Appleton Lake (dirt with concrete ramp), Chilson Pond (dirt with concrete ramp) and Chenango Lake (dirt ramp).

Cabins & Lodges

Cabins & Lodges

Concession/ Store

Concession/ Store: There are vending machines located in the Bishop Lake day-use area.

Equestrian Camping

Equestrian Camping

Fishing Pier

Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier is located along the Access-to-Recreation Trail between the Bishop Lake day-use area and boating access site. Parking is available at the boating access site or day-use area. A short walk is required.

Group Use Area

Group Use Area

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: Picnic areas – located in the Bishop Lake and Chilson Pond day-use areas – include picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Shelter: There are six picnic shelters located in the Bishop Lake and Chilson Pond day-use areas that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.