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 equestrian amenities, including an equestrian-only campground, staging area and Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables.
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 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.
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.
The park’s nine lakes are popular with paddlers. There’s an accessible kayak launch located at the Bishop Lake Boating Access Site.
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.
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.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
A buoyed 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.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the Bishop Lake day-use area April 1 through Sept. 30.You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the Bishop Lake day-use area April 1 through Sept. 30.
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).
There are vending machines located in the Bishop Lake day-use area.
Chilson Woods Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course, is open year-round.
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.
Fishing is a popular activity in the park’s nine inland lakes.
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 is permitted in specific park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and applicable metal detecting rules and regulations. Campground areas are exclusively for registered campers.
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.
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.
The park’s sanitation station is located at Bishop Lake modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
The park is home to nine lakes, including Bishop and Appleton lakes.
The park's modern campground features open sites with shade trees. The campground is well known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The campground is within walking distance to the Bishop Lake day-use areas, trailheads, a boating access site and a fishing pier.
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The Appleton Lake rustic campground offers 24 sites surrounded by oaks. There are two vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water. The campground is within walking distance to the Appleton Lake Boating Access Site and provides direct access to trails open to mountain biking.
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The equestrian campground includes 15 rustic campsites in a hardwood forest. Each site has a fire ring, a picnic table and either a picket post or a two-bay corral (sites #6, 9, 11, 13 and 17). There are vault toilets, manure pits and a faucet for potable water.
The campground connects to the 21-mile Brighton Equestrian Trail. The trails and staging area are maintained with the help of the Brighton Trail Riders Association. Follow them on Facebook.
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The accessible Hilltop rustic yurt - located in a private area of the park - sleeps six people and includes three sets of bunkbeds (two twin over twin and one full over twin), a counter, a table and chairs, and a propane heater (propane provided). A picnic table and a fire pit can be found outdoors.
You must provide your own linens, cookware and cooking stove. There is a hand pump for water.
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The Migizi Frontier rustic cabin – located in a private area of the park – sleeps 20 people and includes six triple bunkbeds and a standard bunkbed, a counter, a table and chairs, and a propane heater (propane provided). A picnic table, a fire pit and a sand volleyball court can be found outdoors.
You must provide your own linens, cookware and cooking stove. There is a hand pump for water.
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There are four rustic cabins, including Wegwaas (Family 1), Windigo (Family 2), accessible Aji-jaak (Family 3) and Wabizi (Family 4), located in a more private area of the park.
Each cabin sleeps eight people and includes four sets of bunkbeds (three twin over twin and one full over twin), a counter, a table and chairs, and a propane heater (propane provided). A picnic table and a fire pit can be found outdoors.
The accessible Aji-jaak rustic cabin has a deck that overlooks Caroga Lake.
You must provide your own linens, cookware and cooking stove. There is a hand pump for water.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
