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Brighton Bishop Lake SRA
Overview
Brighton Bishop Lake SRA, located within the expansive Brighton State Recreation Area, offers a classic Michigan outdoor experience. Spanning nearly 5,000 acres, this destination is known for its **diverse topography** and scenic beauty. RVers flock to this park to enjoy a balanced mix of high-energy recreation and quiet woodland retreats. It serves as a vital green space in Southeast Michigan, providing a **natural sanctuary** that feels worlds away from the nearby urban centers while remaining easily accessible for travelers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Howell, MI, the park is characterized by its unique **glaciated landscape**, featuring rolling hills and deep kettle lakes. The Bishop Lake Campground is the primary hub for RVers, nestled along the shores of its namesake lake. Its central location between Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Detroit makes it a prime spot for those traversing the I-96 corridor. The surrounding area is a lush blend of **dense hardwoods and open marshes**, offering vibrant colors throughout the changing Michigan seasons.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters specifically to the modern traveler with several convenient features designed for comfort. The **Bishop Lake Campground** provides a variety of sites equipped to handle different rig sizes. Key features include:
- Electrical hookups available with 20, 30, and 50-amp service.
- Access to modern restrooms and hot shower facilities.
- A dedicated sanitation station and potable water for RV prep.
Most sites are well-shaded, providing a sense of privacy and a true wooded camping atmosphere for guests during their stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The park is a premier destination for **mountain biking enthusiasts**, boasting some of the most technical and scenic trails in the state, such as the Torn Shirt and Murray Lake loops. Hikers can explore the **Penosha Trail**, which offers a rigorous trek through hilly terrain. Water lovers can take advantage of the boat launch for a day of fishing or paddling on the calm waters. For those looking to explore beyond the park, the **historic charm of downtown Howell** and local shopping outlets are just a short drive away.
Who This Park Is Best For
Brighton Bishop Lake SRA is an ideal fit for **active families and outdoor athletes** who want adventure right at their doorstep. The challenging trails and lake access make it a paradise for those who enjoy staying busy in nature. It is also a top choice for **local weekenders** seeking a quick getaway without a long drive. If you prefer a park that combines rugged trail systems with the convenience of modern RV amenities, this Michigan gem is the perfect match for your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nick Oliver
I only go to disc golf, but the park is massive with tons to do from fishing to bike courses. Make sure to get a yearly passport for $11!
Joe D
Camped at Murray Lake Campground. It was very nice. Sites are spaced apart for privacy. Has an excellent mountain bike and hiking trail system. Also has a skills area for mountain bikers with a wall ride, skinnies and various sized jumps and drops. My son loves this.
Brian Voris
The course was challenging! Pretty flat, for the most part. Anything after hole 9, Be ready to take on a few hills! Will be returning
Albert Emery
Not a bad place, not a great place either; I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. The best feature of the this park has to be the hiking. There are many nice trails that are small and large and some that are open or out in the woods. The trails are good for biking as well. The camping is another strong attribute to this place. There are two campgrounds right in the area; one being a little bit more spacious than the other. From what I was researching, there is a rustic campround in the area as well, but when I went to visit, it was closed. The roads leading into the park can get quite rough. I ran into a massive pot hole and I'm thankful to have not gotten a flat tire. The Beach area is quite underwhelming as well. Both the beach and swimming area is very small. Also, from what I observed, none of the campsites are located on the beachfront. So driving to the beach may be your best bet. Overall, not the best recreational area for swimming. Hiking and biking seem to be this park's strong suit.
Maureen Laneski
Gorgeous place, very clean. Most fellow campers were families. Tons of RVs. We were in the Lower Campground. There were a few loud talkers camping near us who stayed up past 11 pm, but that only bothered me bc my kid was afraid. They were actually not too bad, just had a few drinks and said a few bad words, but I was this close to going over and speaking with them because my guy was scared. Near the trail there is a play area with this (octagonal?) ball pit for gaga ball. There is also a kind of field and something else (I can't remember)...but not swings or slides or anything. Just a place to gather. Metal ring firepits for building campfires. Bathrooms had running water and showers were across the hall. There are handicapped combination bathroom plus showers. There are 4 or so parking spots in front of the big bathrooms. There are also vending machines there for drinks, snacks, and ice cream bars. Down a bit from the bathroom parking is a water spigot for dishwashing and I guess dousing water. The well water in the bathrooms smells okay, but we brought water. They restocked the bathrooms often and they were pretty clean with working toilets and sinks! Lots of doggos. There is a visitor guide in an RV in the upper area. The bathrooms are lot but there are dark spots. Have a light for the walk. Phones had decent service. A little spotty. I had two Zoom meetings. For the second one I had my student call me on my phone for the audio so I used less bandwidth and I kept my signal so long as I stayed up at the ice/wood station. I can't remember the voltage situation. We had no problems but also had a tent and no big appliances. Curiously few bugs or critters. But then, it was a very crowded Labor Day weekend. Pics are from 2021 and 2023. Bishop Lake area.
Lauda Sisung
This place has large mostly grassy sites in the modern campground. There is information on trees and wildlife posted around. Lots of good playground activities instead of simple swings and slides. There are tree trunk carvings and the most lovely Lending Library I've ever seen. The bathrooms and showers are clean. Whatever Ranger is managing this place is doing a fabulous job
Char E
Nice trail, marked well for the most part. You have to walk down the road a short distance to catch back up with the trail (may have been a poor interpretation on my part 😉) Bathrooms were clean and the grounds well maintained. People were friendly on the trail.