Your Guide To “Up North” Camping in The Brighton Howell Area

Summertime in southeast Michigan is the perfect time to create long-lasting memories with friends, family, or yourself.

The first step to planning the ultimate summer vacation starts with the best summer tradition: a camping trip. Luckily, the Brighton Howell Area boasts a variety of camping options. Pack the cooler, grab your sleeping bag, and head to the Brighton Howell Area for the ultimate “Up North” camping experience.

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1) Brighton Recreation Area

📍: Brighton

Bishop Lake Campground & Appleton Campground

The Brighton Recreation Area covers 4,947 acres of Brighton, Michigan, with 13 trails made for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This recreation area houses nine lakes perfect for non-motorized water sports, swimming, and, fishing. Two campgrounds are located within this state park, Bishop Lake Campground and Appleton Campground.

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2) Pinckney Recreation Area

📍: Pinckney

Pinckney Recreation Area sits on over 11,000 acres in the Brighton Howell Area, making it the perfect outdoor recreation oasis. There are multiple campsites to choose from, depending on your preference. Go for the full experience at the Blind Lake Rustin Campground on the Potawatomi Trail. If you prefer a more comfortable stay, try one of the two Yurts – Bruin Lake Yurt or Glenbrook Yurt to camp in true style.

Outdoors

3) Island Lake Recreation Area

📍: Brighton

In the Brighton Howell Area, you don’t have to go far to get that ‘up north’ feeling. Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton spans over 4000 acres and is a popular spot for bikers, hikers, water sport enthusiasts, triathlon trainers, swimming, and more – making this state park a one-stop shop for your summer vacation.

Within the recreation area, you can find four inland lakes, the Huron River, and a 4-mile out-and-back paved biking trail, all offering exceptional breathtaking scenery. The Meadow picnic area located inside the park is the only Hot Air Balloon Port in the entire state park system!

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4) Taylor’s Beach Campground

📍: Howell

Voted one of lower Michigan’s most beautiful campgrounds, Taylor’s Beach Campground, located in Howell, is truly a summer paradise. As the campground is situated on the spring-fed Cook Lake, the area boasts plenty of summer activities for all ages. Spend your day lounging on the beach while the kids are playing in the water, and then curl up at dusk to watch an outdoor movie. During your camping adventure at Taylor’s Beach Campground, enjoy a variety of amenities such as ping pong, putt-putt, an arcade room, and the cleanest bathrooms!

Best Beaches

5.) Hell Creek Campground

📍: Pinckney

If you’ve ever wanted to stay the night in Hell, now is your chance! The Hell Creek Campground houses 100 campsites and is located just 2 miles away from the Pinckney Recreation Area. Pinckney is known not only for its chain of lakes but also for the 26 miles of trails for hikers and bikers.

The Hell Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities, such as swimming, playgrounds, horseback riding, and more.

Hiking

When you’re planning your next camping adventure, save time and gas money by choosing one of these hidden gems in the Brighton Howell Area. Before you begin planning, be sure to request a visitor’s guide to get the inside scoop on all things Brighton Howell Area. Tag us at @explorebrightonhowellarea or use #explorebha.