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Map showing campground location near Brighton, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation AreaView 16 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Brighton, Michigan

Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area

8 ReviewsAdd Review

Murray Lake Campground, near Brighton, Michigan, is a rustic retreat that offers a peaceful escape for those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites surrounded by greenery, it’s a great place to set up camp and enjoy some quality time away from the hustle and bustle.

This campground is perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of outdoor living. Visitors have highlighted the large, private sites and the small fishing lake ideal for paddling. As one camper noted, “This is rustic camping at its best,” emphasizing the charm of the natural surroundings. While there are no electric hookups or showers, campers can access pump water and vault toilets, keeping things straightforward and close to nature.

For adventure seekers, the area boasts excellent mountain biking and hiking trails that weave through the campground. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Bishop Lake Beach and Jump Island, making it easy to enjoy a day of swimming or exploring. Campers have mentioned that it’s a great spot for families, with plenty of opportunities for fishing and outdoor fun.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors, Murray Lake Campground is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, this campground offers a refreshing break from everyday life.

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Planned improvements at Bishop Lake Campground including road and electrical are underway. Thanks to steady progress, were pleased to announce that the majority of sites have reopened; however, 14 sites will reopen July 2. A proposed $2.97 million in federal relief funding from *Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan* made these renovations possible. (Updated 5/26/26)

Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.

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Map & DirectionsMurray Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Brighton

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

I-96 to Exit 140, go south 6 miles to Chilson Road. Drive south 1.5 miles to Bishop Lake Road. 20 miles north of Ann Arbor, 35 miles southeast of Lansing.

Address

5210 Bishop Lake Rd
Brighton, MI 48116

Coordinates

42.50865824 N
83.81409182 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Murray Lake Campground

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the large, private wooded sites and peaceful atmosphere as standout features. Several reviews noted the rustic facilities with vault toilets and pump water, appealing to those seeking a back-to-nature experience.

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2023

Bring bug spray

We stayed at lot M18 of the rustic site, Murray Lake. The site was large and had a picnic table and fire pit. There are TONS of mosquitos.

Gas and convenience is not far away. I had spotty Verizon service but I did get all of my notifications. Internet use was slow.

SiteM18
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Rebecca M., July 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Rebecca M., July 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Rebecca M., July 16, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2021

Lake Murray Rustic Sites

This was our first camping experience in Michigan, so we weren’t exactly prepared. My rating takes this into consideration.

First of all, if it’s rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site.

Our site wasn’t level, so we were rolling around a bit. If I went there again I’d try to find a spot towards the end of the loop by the exit. These sites were higher and some of them were private. I’d examine the map carefully because some of the sites were horrendously open and basically on the road. Maybe good for a vehicle with a rooftop tent or a trailer of some sort, but it would have been annoying for us. Site M22 was big and far enough away from other campers, but again not level. Probably a good location for a group of hammock campers.

All that aside, the biggest problem was mosquito activity. The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area.

When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up.

We didn’t have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire. It was pretty miserable. Yes, I realize this is mostly our fault.

I’ve since purchased a thermacell backpacker and some bug net hats and stuff. I’m looking into constructing an ultralight screen house that can be suspended from trees.

The last problem was drunk campers hooting and hollering all night but that isn’t the camping areas fault.

This place is super close to where we are living so I’ll probably schedule it next spring and come prepared. There are lots of nearby lakes and recreational trails so it’s a fun place to be with family.

SiteM22
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Ryan F., October 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Ryan F., October 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Ryan F., October 20, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Lake camping

It’s always nice to have a lake near by, not very busy.

Great mountain bike trails Near large lakes - Brighton rec lake and smaller lake Appleton.

Kid friendly

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2019

Peaceful and semiprivate

We love the large sites with walls of greenery separating the campsites. This is rustic camping at it's best. Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground. Bishop lake beach and jump island are a 5 min drive away.

  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Jennifer H., July 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Jennifer H., July 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Murray Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area by Jennifer H., July 6, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

Peaceful, rustic camping at its best!

This often overlooked campground is part of Brighton Recreation area in lower Michigan. Only 25 sites, with no electricity and vault toilets. Pump water available. It’s only open on weekends throughout the summer, but oh how special it is!  Extremely spacious and private wooded sites and so peaceful. No amenities at Murray Lake, but campers have use of showers, dumpsters at the developed Brighton Lake campground just 6 mins away. t’s my new favorite campground!

Site22
Month of VisitJune
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of Murray Lake Rustic Campground available online?

Yes, photos of Murray Lake Rustic Campground can be found online through various camping websites and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources official site. These images typically showcase the wooded campsites, the small fishing lake, and surrounding natural areas. To view the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the Michigan DNR website, official Brighton Recreation Area pages, or camping platforms where visitors share their experiences at the campground.

What amenities are available at Murray Lake Rustic Campground?

Murray Lake Rustic Campground offers basic amenities consistent with its rustic designation. The campground features vault toilets and a water pump for accessing drinking water. There are no electrical hookups available. The campground is situated on a small fishing lake perfect for paddling, and has mountain bike and hiking trails running through the area. Despite its minimal facilities, the rustic nature provides a peaceful, back-to-basics camping experience with spacious, wooded sites that offer privacy between neighbors.

Where is Murray Lake Rustic Campground located near Brighton, Michigan?

Murray Lake Rustic Campground is located within the Brighton Recreation Area in lower Michigan, near the town of Brighton. This small, 25-site campground is situated on Murray Lake and is part of the larger recreation complex. It's conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Bishop Lake beach and Jump Island. The campground provides access to the recreation area's extensive mountain biking and hiking trail network, and is also near Lake Appleton and Brighton Recreation Lake, offering multiple water recreation options in close proximity.

Are tent sites available at Murray Lake Rustic Campground?

Yes, tent sites are available at Murray Lake Rustic Campground. The campground offers 25 spacious, wooded sites that are ideal for tent camping, providing excellent privacy with natural vegetation separating neighboring sites. The rustic nature of the campground, with no electrical hookups and only basic amenities, makes it particularly well-suited for tent campers seeking a more primitive outdoor experience. Note that the campground is typically only open on weekends throughout the summer season.

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