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

July 5, 2022

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 to choose from the following campsites.

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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. There are two campgrounds located within this state park, Bishop Lake Campground, and Appleton Campground. One of the best parts about these campgrounds is during the summertime, Bishop Lake is home to Jump Island, Michigan’s first outdoor inflatable water park!

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2.) Waldenwoods Resort – Hartland

The glorious Waldenwoods Resort sits on over 400 wooded acres containing a 140-acre spring-fed lake, full-service campground, unique cottages, a banquet center, and a water park! Waldenwood’s Resort has an endless list of activities and event calendars to keep the whole family engaged on your next camping adventure.

This resort offers kayak and paddle board rentals for the water sports fans, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, jacuzzi, and a sauna! The clubhouse features a lounge and bar that overlooks the beautiful lake for when you’re in need of air conditioning.

The best part? Become a member and camp for free!

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3.) Island Lake State Recreation Area – Brighton

In the Brighton-Howell area, you don’t have to go far to get that ‘up north’ feeling. The Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton spans over 4000 acres and is a popular spot for bikers, hikers, water sport enthusiasts, Triathalon 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 is boasting with plenty of summer activities for all ages. Spend your day lounging on the beach while the kids are playing in the water 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!

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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.

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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 visitors guide to get the inside scoop on all things Brighton-Howell area!

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Attractions Outside Activities