Bishop Lake sits within the forested interior of Brighton State Recreation Area, roughly three miles southwest of Brighton, Michigan, where pine-shaded sites give way to open lakefront views on the lower loop. The campground divides into upper and lower sections, each with a distinct character. Wooded sites on the upper loop provide shade and tend to stay drier after heavy rain, while lower-loop sites run sunnier and sit closer to the water, though only a couple of them actually face the lake. Campers exploring the region can browse campgrounds around Brighton or look at nearby options like Appleton Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area, about a half-mile east, and Brighton Recreation Area Rustic Cabins a bit further southeast for a different style of stay.
Sites are spacious with fire rings and picnic tables, and every site in the modern campground includes electric hookups. Full hookups with water and sewer are available for RVs up to 80 feet. The bathhouse sits in the lower campground, which puts it a five-minute walk or short drive from upper-loop sites. Dawn C. describes it as "bathhouse is always clean, staff is always smiling," though at least one reviewer noted inconsistent hot water during an extended stay, so it's worth keeping expectations measured.
Activities extend well beyond the campground boundary. The beach on Bishop Lake has both sand and grass, with two inflatable water parks, one sized for children under 48 inches. Kayak and canoe rentals are available on-site, and the lake is free of residential development, which keeps it open for swimming and paddling. A mountain bike trail known locally as Torn Shirt runs through the recreation area. Hiking trails operate throughout the full camping season, and the park hosts a harvest festival in October with a haunted trail and pumpkin carving.
Access to the campground involves a dirt road, which reviewers note can get rough after rain. Reservations are available online and carry an $8 fee. The season runs from mid-April through early November. Pets are allowed, though dogs are restricted from the sand beach area. Sites can be visible to neighbors, and groups booking multiple adjacent sites have occasionally run loud late into the night, so site selection matters if quieter conditions are a priority.
Jeff V. notes that "just a couple of sites face the water," so those looking for lakefront camping should reserve early. The Horseman's Campground — Brighton Recreation Area provides an alternative about a mile to the west for equestrian campers or those wanting a different setting within the same park.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBishop Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Brighton
Public CampgroundDirections
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
42.50551689 N
83.84408028 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 21 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 21 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 39 min from Lansing, MI
- 39 min from Lansing, MI
- 41 min from Flint, MI
- 41 min from Flint, MI
- 52 min from Jackson, MI
- 52 min from Jackson, MI
