Contact Information
6360 Chilson Road
Howell, MI 48843
810-229-6566
This 4,947-acre area has a combination of high, irregular ranges of hills, interspersed with a number of attractive lakes. Oak forest, thick hedgerows and open spaces blend on the uplands, while grassy marshes, shrub masses and dense swamp timber mark the lowlands. This park boasts a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, rabbit, woodcock, duck, goose, and squirrel.There are several campgrounds offering a total of 215 sites. Bishop Lake Campground offers 140 sites with modern facilities. Appleton Lake and Murray Lake campgrounds each have 25 rustic sites. The Horsemen's Campground also has 25 rustic sites with an adjacent riding stable, horse rental and access to approximately 20 miles of bridle trail. This equestrian area is rated among the best in the State of Michigan! Camping is available from April 1 to December 1 with modern facilities (Bishop Lake) open April 15 to October 15 only.
There are four family cabins and three frontier cabins. These are rustic cabins located in an outlying area of the park. They are equipped with hand pumps, vault toilets and LP gas space heaters and are available all year. Because they are heated, winter use is quite popular. Cabins may be reserved in advance by contacting the park directly.
Brighton Recreation Area provides 7 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of designated trail for mountain bikers. Hiking trails range from an easy walk to a moderately difficult hike. Mountain bikers should be novice riders or better. The terrain is 5% steep, 25% hilly, 40% moderate, and 30% flat. Numerous unmarked trails are open for exploration as well.
Nestled amid the rolling hills are a number of fishing lakes and ponds, many of which may be reached via a multi-use trail. Boat launches are strategically located within the park.
Hunters enjoy their sport between September 15 and March 31, with goose hunting beginning September 1. The park forests and wetlands are home to white-tailed deer, rabbit, woodcock, duck, goose, and squirrel. State regulations apply.
Several beaches and picnic areas provide a wonderful summertime retreat. In winter, the park stays nearly as busy with snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, ice fishermen, and ice skaters. Shelters may be rented through the park office.
The park is in close proximity to the Mt. Brighton Ski Lodge and less than an hour to the Silverdome, The Palace of Auburn Hills, Greenfield Village, and Comerica Park.
Recreation features of this park include a swimming beach, bridle trails, riding stable, hiking and biking trails, boat launches, a number of campground and cabin choices, group camping, fishing, paddling, hunting, picnicking, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, children's playground, softball diamonds, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating.
Southeast Michigan is the warmest region in the state with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C) but it is not infrequent for days to reach the high 80s. Winter temperatures are warmer as well with averages hovering just below freezing. Yearly moisture amounts range between 18 - 32 inches.
