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Appleton Lake Campground

8 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Appleton Lake Campground, near Brighton, Michigan, is a rustic spot that’s perfect for those who love the great outdoors. With designated tent sites surrounded by mature trees, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for camping enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals and evenings around the fire. Visitors have noted the tranquility of the area, with one camper mentioning, “I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other.” Just keep in mind, there are no showers or drinking water available, so plan accordingly.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the nearby trails are great for hiking and trail running. The lake is ideal for kayaking and small fishing boats, although there’s no real beach area. If you’re looking for a more developed experience, Brighton Recreation Area is just a short drive away, offering RV sites and indoor plumbing.

While some campers have had encounters with local wildlife, like raccoons, the overall vibe is laid-back and friendly. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Appleton Lake Campground provides a solid base for enjoying nature and making memories.

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Location

Appleton Lake Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Address

6360 Chilson Rd
Brighton, MI 48116

Coordinates

42.50626333 N
83.83598036 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Myers Lake Camping & Cabins

Myers Lake Camping & Cabins

35 min away

Camp Agawam

Camp Agawam

48 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

D G.
Reviewed May. 29, 2025

Great starter campground

Great starter campground which is just what we wanted - my buddy and I took his 6 year old camping for the first time.

The sites were not as secluded as I’d prefer but we made do. Nice hiking trails around the camp.

Watch out for ticks though.

SiteA10
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by D G., May 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by D G., May 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by D G., May 29, 2025
A
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2021

Trash pandas

The camp site itself was nice, but once it got dark, we were fighting off about 10 raccoons all night. Definitely went somewhere else the next night.

Site17
Month of VisitAugust
P
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2021

Very pleasant.

Rustic and mature trees. 

Great trails - perfect for trail running.

Site6
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Peter , April 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Peter , April 24, 2021
Erika N.
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2021

Quite Campground tucked in the woods

Picnic table pit ring outside toilets best site was 24 17$ dollars a night 3 parks Brighton recreational is for Rv and electric sites indoor plumbing hot showers Murry is only for weekend visits Appleton campsite is Rustic (Hint)You can take a shower and the Main site

  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Erika N., April 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Erika N., April 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Erika N., April 13, 2021
Melissa M.
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Rustic tent camping

Appleton has a few sites, very rustic and perfect for tents.

Not for RVs and no hook ups.

Appleton lake is perfect for kayaking or very small fishing boats. No real beach area at this lake but Brighton rec is minutes away

Mike B.
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2018

Quiet, private rustic campground

I liked that this campground had sites that were fairly secluded from each other. Each site has a fire ring and ample space to park your vehicle and set up a tent or small trailer.

My only complaint is the vault toilets were not clean and very full.

  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Mike B., September 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Mike B., September 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Appleton Lake Campground by Mike B., September 3, 2018
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Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Appleton Lake Campground located in Brighton, MI?

Appleton Lake Campground is located in Brighton, Michigan, offering an 'up north feel' while being conveniently close to town. It's situated next to Appleton Lake with access to the water. The campground is just minutes away from Brighton Recreation Area, which offers additional camping options with more amenities. The location provides a nice balance of seclusion while still being accessible to nearby facilities.

Are there photos available of Brighton Appleton Lake Rustic Campground?

Yes, photos of Brighton Appleton Lake Rustic Campground are available online through various camping websites and official park resources. These images typically showcase the campground's rustic setting with mature trees, spacious campsites, fire rings, and the nearby lake access. Photos help illustrate the natural wooded environment and relatively secluded sites. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or camping platforms that feature user-submitted photos of the grounds, lake area, and surrounding trails.

What amenities are available at Brighton Appleton Lake Rustic Campground?

Appleton Lake Campground offers basic rustic amenities. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with ample space for vehicle parking. The campground features vault toilets (though maintenance can vary). There's access to Appleton Lake for kayaking and small fishing boats, though there's no designated beach area. Hiking and trail running paths surround the campground through mature trees. No hookups or RV facilities are available. The nightly fee is approximately $17, and campers can access shower facilities at the main Brighton Recreation Area nearby.

What camping options are available at Appleton Lake in Brighton?

Appleton Lake in Brighton offers rustic tent camping opportunities ideal for those seeking a more primitive experience. The campground has several sites that provide good separation and privacy from neighboring campers. It's specifically designed for tent camping and small trailers, not suitable for larger RVs as there are no hookups available. Site #24 is noted as one of the best spots. For those wanting more amenities, Brighton Recreation Area nearby offers electric sites with indoor plumbing and hot showers. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including raccoons, and check for ticks after hiking the trails.

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