Explore Brighton Howell State Recreation Areas

The Brighton Howell Area is home to three separate state recreation areas that offer a variety of activities for endless fun.

Each of these three recreation areas is unique in its own special way. Don’t just take out word for it. Visit each recreation area to enjoy the great outdoors and recreation activities they offer. What are you waiting for? Explore Bright Howell Area’s State Recreation areas!

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Brighton State Recreation Area

Brighton State Recreation Area is a summer favorite for those who enjoy paddlesports, swimming, hiking, biking, and more. Bishop Lake offers opportunities to rent stand-up paddleboards to explore the recreation area by water. During the warm months, the lake is home to Jump Island, an inflatable obstacle course. Bring children here to bounce out excess energy or encourage adventurous adults to channel their inner child.

In the winter enjoy camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Take time to enjoy the wildlife in the park.

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bishop lake in brighton recreation area in brighton michigan

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Pinckney State Recreation Area

Pinckney State Recreation spans over 11,000 acres and attracts avid hikers and mountain bikers from all over. This spot is home to over 40 miles of trails, with magnificent views of pristine nature. Surrounding Pinckney’s trails are lakes offering boating, fishing, and swimming access so adventurers can cool down after exploring trails.

The winter season allows for hiking, fat tire mountain biking, camping, and more! Other activities to add to your itinerary are horseshoes, playgrounds, picnics, and trail horse rides.

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Island Lake State Recreation Area

Island Lake State Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park home to mature forests and pockets of open meadows. Unlike the other recreation areas, Island Lake has a few amenities that are unique to their area. Island Lake is home to one of the nation’s safest shooting ranges. The shooting range offers clay target shooting, rifle, pistol, and archery shooting. During the hunting season, guests are also permitted to hunt here.

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Island Lake Stand up paddle boarding and fishing in Brighton, Michigan

Another unique feature is the Meadow Park Area, which is the site of the only hot air balloon port in the state park system. You can come here to watch balloons take off in the sky, usually early morning or late evening depending on the weather.

Other activities to partake in here are volleyball, biking, picnic shelters, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.

Plan Your Trip

No matter the weather or season, all of the Brighton Howell Area’s recreation areas offer ample outdoor activities to fit any desire. On your next adventure, be sure to use the #ExploreBHA hashtag and tag @explorebrightonhowellarea in your photos for a chance to be featured!