Brighton Recreation Area encompasses more than 4,900 acres of wooded terrain with multiple lakes distributed throughout the property. Winter temperatures average 25°F, while summer brings 80°F days and moderate humidity. The area contains three distinct campgrounds with varying amenities, plus access to over 40 miles of multi-use trails connecting the various recreational sites.
What to do
Water activities at Bishop Lake: The lake features Jump Island, an inflatable water park attraction. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" notes a visitor to Bishop Lake Campground. During summer, the water park operates in 45-minute sessions for $15 per person.
Hiking the Potawatomi Trail: This 17.5-mile loop trail connects several recreation areas and campgrounds. A camper at Blind Lake Rustic Campground mentions, "Hiked in here after work on a Monday, 7 mile minimum if you start at silver lake and take the shortcut. Not very secluded, but a nice spot on the lake still."
Kayaking multiple lakes: The interconnected waterways provide paddling opportunities across several recreation areas. "The campgrounds restrooms and showers were clean. Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive. Nice walking trails. Our favorite was the lake for kayaking," shares a Bishop Lake visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Murray Lake Campground offers more secluded camping experiences. "We love the large sites with walls of greenery separating the campsites. This is rustic camping at its best. Small fishing lake for paddling. Mountain bike and hiking trails run through the campground," reports a visitor at Murray Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain their amenities well. A camper at Proud Lake Recreation Area states, "Bath house is newly built with amazing showers including large Family/Handicap showers," highlighting the modern accommodations available.
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access. "I had campsite 3, which is right on the lake. Sites 4, 5, 6 and 7 are right along the trail," notes a Blind Lake visitor, while another adds, "You can hike or paddle in, no car access. The hike can be done a few different ways with the shortest being around 4 miles."
What you should know
Crowds vary by location: Some campgrounds experience higher traffic than others. At Camp Dearborn, a camper observed, "It was extremely crowded and people were very rowdy late into the night and obviously intoxicated. There was a karaoke machine set up which is a fun group activity but it also took away from the nature experience."
Seasonal pests: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near marshlands. "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," reports a visitor to Brighton Recreation Area.
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal. At Appleton Lake Campground, visitors note "The sites were not as secluded as I'd prefer but we made do," while another mentions, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Some campgrounds require walking to reach swimming areas. "The beach is pretty good for swimming," notes a visitor to Bishop Lake, while another mentions, "The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive."
Activity options for kids: Haas Lake Park RV Campground provides water recreation with "4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water." Camp Dearborn offers additional entertainment with "activities for both children and adults, two beautiful beaches, a pool, tennis courts, and now a zip line."
Off-season visits for quieter experience: Weekdays and shoulder seasons provide a more peaceful atmosphere. "During the nice summer days there will be lots of hiking and biking traffic through the campground as the Potawatomi Trail runs directly through it. Many stop to take a break at the campground and have a look at the beautiful lake."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "This site was very nicely kept but felt a little like a sardine can. SO many RVs and children EVERYWHERE kind of ruined the relaxed calm one looks for when camping," reports a visitor to Proud Lake Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Brighton Recreation Area offers various camping options from full-hookup to rustic. "Large sites big campground. Rained the whole weekend so couldn't enjoy it like we wanted to. Will go back," notes a camper at Haas Lake, while another points out, "Large site with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch."
Terrain considerations: Some camping areas have challenging access. "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."
