June 18, 2023
The best way to spend your summer is at a sandy beach relaxing with the sounds of lapping water. The Brighton Howell Area is home to 184 lakes and 13 public beaches. You will never get bored exploring new beaches and lakes in the area. Follow this guide to the best Brighton Howell Area beach spots for a summer of fun.
Scofield Park
📍: Howell

Howell’s Scofield Park is a great place to spend the afternoon taking a walk, having a picnic, or enjoying the beach at Thompson Lake. Take advantage of their easy drop-in boat, kayak, paddleboards, and canoe launch located off Roosevelt Street. The park has a $10 gate fee, but it’s worth it! After a day spent at the beach, head to downtown Howell for dinner and drinks.
Bishop Lake
📍: Brighton Recreation Area
Brighton Recreation Area provides 4,947 acres of land to explore, but one of its most popular features is Jump Island at Bishop Lake. Parents and kids will both love the inflatable obstacle course and water park experience located in the middle of the Lake. You can also drop off a kayak or canoe right into the lake and spend the day wandering.
Spring Mill Pond
📍: Island Lake Recreation Area

Island Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park that offers an “up north” experience with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Spring Mill Pond has crystal clear water all summer long due to the pond being spring feed. While you’re here, you can find vending machines, bathrooms, grills, and picnic tables. If you are a strong enough swimmer, try swimming all the way across the pond! Be sure to get here early, as the beach tends to fill up fast.
Martindale Beach and Maple Beach
📍: Kensington Metropark

Kensington Metropark offers a ton of opportunities to splash around. Spend the day at Martindale Beach, Maple Beach, or hit the Splash Pad! At Maple Beach, you can rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboards to explore the lake. Martindale Beach offers a food bar, Splash Pad, baseball field, bathrooms, and two water slides. These water activities are fun for the whole family, so pack a picnic and bring lots of sunscreen.
Silver Lake and Half Moon Lake
📍: Pinckney Recreation Area
Pinckney State Recreation Area can keep you busy for days with bike trails, hiking, kayak/canoe rentals, and two beaches with public access. Take a dip in Silver Lake or Half Moon Lake to cool down on a hot summer day. Silver Lake has concessions, a volleyball court, boat rentals, and bathrooms. Silver Lake is the perfect place to bring your family. Half Moon Lake has a boat launch with 236 acres of lake to explore.
The Brighton Howell Area is swimming in sandy beaches where you can spend your summer. On your next beach day adventure, tag us @explorebrightonhowellarea or use #ExploreBHA. Before planning your trip, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter or request a Visitors Guide.
Stay Social with the Explore Brighton Howell Area
6 Spots for Fall Photos in the Brighton Howell Area
August 12, 2025
When autumn colors paint the Brighton Howell Area in beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to grab your camera and capture the beauty. You’ll find 50,000 acres of parks, 123 miles…
Continue Reading
Lesser Known Parks & Trails in the Brighton Howell Area
July 29, 2025
Outdoor enthusiasts love the Brighton Howell Area for its 50,000 acres of parks, 123 miles of trails, and ample recreation opportunities. Although the area is known for popular parks like Kensington Metropark and Island Lake…
Continue Reading
The Best Brighton Howell Area Summer Hikes with Water Views
July 8, 2025
During the summer season, the Brighton Howell Area is a haven for outdoor lovers with over 50,000 acres of parks and 123 miles of trails to explore. Spend your summer days experiencing what makes this southeast Michigan…
Continue Reading
Your Ultimate Summer Bucket List in the Brighton Howell Area
July 1, 2025
Summer is officially in full swing, which means now is the perfect time to make unforgettable summer memories in the Brighton Howell Area. When planning your next summertime getaway, choose a place that offers you the opportunity…
Continue Reading
10 Things to Do This Summer in Brighton Howell Area
May 31, 2025
Summertime in Southeast Michigan’s Brighton Howell Area is magical, filled with lively events, scenic natural landscapes, and countless opportunities for fun and relaxation. This picturesque region is conveniently located between Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Lansing, offering…
Continue Reading
Brighton Recreation Area, 6360 Chilson Road, Howell, MI, USA
Highlight On MapIsland Lake Recreation Area, 6301 Kensington Road, Brighton, MI, USA
Highlight On Map