5210 Bishop Lake Rd

For Michiganders, the call of the wild and the desire to escape to a serene natural setting is deeply ingrained. Our state is blessed with an abundance of lakes, forests, and recreational areas, providing countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Among these cherished destinations, Bishop Lake Campground, nestled within the expansive Brighton Recreation Area at 5210 Bishop Lake Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, stands out as a beloved spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking that quintessential "up north" feeling without venturing too far from home.

Bishop Lake Campground is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and its integration into a vast recreational landscape. It offers a blend of modern amenities with access to diverse outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for various camping styles, from RVers looking for electric hookups to those who enjoy lakeside activities. While the campground is currently undergoing significant upgrades, which will delay its reopening until later in 2025, the enhancements promise an even better experience for future visitors, ensuring it remains a premier camping destination in Southeast Michigan.

The Brighton Recreation Area itself is a marvel of Michigan's natural beauty, characterized by glacial features like rolling hills, numerous lakes, and extensive trails. Bishop Lake Campground serves as a gateway to this natural playground, inviting residents from across Michigan to immerse themselves in a peaceful and picturesque environment, perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Bishop Lake Campground is strategically located at 5210 Bishop Lake Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, USA, within the Brighton Recreation Area. This prime position in Southeast Michigan offers exceptional accessibility for residents throughout the Lower Peninsula, particularly those in the Detroit and Ann Arbor metropolitan areas.

Brighton is easily reached via major highways such as US-23 and I-96, making the journey to the campground straightforward for both cars and RVs. The well-maintained roads within the Brighton Recreation Area ensure smooth access to the campground itself. For those living in major urban centers like Detroit (approximately 45-minute drive), Ann Arbor (around 30 minutes), or Lansing (about an hour), Bishop Lake Campground provides a convenient escape to nature without the need for extensive travel.

The campground's location within the Brighton Recreation Area means campers are immediately surrounded by 4,947 acres of diverse landscapes, including nine lakes, extensive trail systems, and various day-use areas. This direct immersion in nature is a significant draw, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition from their campsite to a wide array of outdoor activities. Furthermore, being relatively close to the charming community of Brighton provides convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and other essential services, blending the tranquility of a state park with the practicality of nearby town amenities.

Bishop Lake Campground, as part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) state park system, provides a range of modern amenities designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors. While the campground is currently closed for upgrades, the following services are typically available upon its reopening:

• Modern Campground Sites: The campground features numerous sites, often described as open with shade trees, providing space for both RVs and tents.
• Electrical Service: All sites are equipped with 30-amp electrical service, accommodating a wide range of RVs and allowing campers to power their devices and appliances. Some sources indicate the potential for 50-amp service in the future with upgrades.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Centrally located, the modern toilet and shower building provides clean facilities, including nine showers, standard restrooms, and a family restroom, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all campers.
• Sanitation Station: A dedicated sanitation station is available within the Bishop Lake modern campground area, featuring potable water and two lanes for convenient black and gray water disposal. Please note this station is currently closed due to upgrades.
• Concession/Store: A campground office or concession stand typically offers essential items such as firewood and ice for sale, ensuring campers have access to basic supplies.
• Boat Rental: Kayaks and paddleboards are available for half- and full-day rentals at the campground office (5210 Bishop Lake Road), usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing easy access to water recreation on Bishop Lake.
• Water Access: The modern campground is close to Bishop Lake, with some sites offering lake views. Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground for filling water jugs, even if individual site water hookups are not universally present.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area, including a gaga ball pit, human foosball pit, and a sensory play area, is located adjacent to the campground, offering engaging activities for children.
• Winter Camping: The campground traditionally offers weekend-only winter camping from January through March (Thursday through Sunday), providing a unique experience for cold-weather enthusiasts.

The extensive upgrades currently underway are expected to further improve these services, particularly regarding electrical systems and roads, promising an even more comfortable experience upon reopening.

Bishop Lake Campground, within the Brighton Recreation Area, is celebrated for its diverse features and highlights that cater to a wide range of outdoor interests:

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground is widely known for its welcoming and inclusive family-friendly environment, making it a popular choice for Michiganders looking for wholesome outdoor fun.
• Access to Nine Inland Lakes: The Brighton Recreation Area boasts nine inland lakes, including Bishop Lake, providing ample opportunities for swimming, fishing (with an accessible fishing pier on Bishop Lake), and paddling.
• Extensive Trail System: With 35 miles of trails, including 13 trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and a 1-mile accessible Access-to-Recreation Trail connecting the modern campground to other areas, there's no shortage of paths to explore.
• Boating Access Sites: Paved boating access sites on Bishop Lake, along with additional sites on Appleton Lake, Chilson Pond, and Chenango Lake, offer convenient launching points for various watercraft.
• Disc Golf Course: The Chilson Woods Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course, is open year-round, adding a unique recreational activity for campers.
• Equestrian Facilities: Brighton Recreation Area offers 19 miles of equestrian trails, a rustic equestrian campground, a riding stable with rentals and lessons, catering to horse enthusiasts.
• Variety of Playgrounds: In addition to the main playground, a sensory play area and activity pits provide diverse options for children's entertainment.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Multiple picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills, plus six reservable picnic shelters with electrical service, are available for day-use gatherings and events.
• Winter Activities: Beyond winter camping, the park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing during the colder months, extending its appeal year-round.
• Beautiful Natural Landscape: The park is characterized by its unique glacial topography, offering scenic views, rolling hills, and kettle lakes, providing a picturesque backdrop for any outdoor activity.

As a Michigan State Park campground, Bishop Lake Campground's pricing and any special offers are primarily managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). While direct "promotions" like those found in private campgrounds are less common, there are specific aspects and programs that offer value to Michigan residents:

• Recreation Passport: The primary "offer" for Michigan residents is the Michigan Recreation Passport. For an annual fee (typically around $13 for a vehicle), residents gain unlimited access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas for a full year. This is significantly more cost-effective than paying daily entrance fees for each visit, especially for frequent campers or those who explore multiple state parks.
• Seasonal Rates: Campground rates may vary slightly by season (peak vs. off-peak) and day of the week (weekends vs. weekdays), which can provide opportunities for more affordable stays if your travel dates are flexible.
• Booking Window: While not a promotion, the MDNR allows reservations up to six months in advance. Planning and booking early, especially for popular sites or peak weekends, ensures you secure your desired spot.
• Future Reopening: The ongoing upgrades funded by federal relief (Building Michigan Together Plan) represent a significant investment into the campground, promising enhanced facilities without necessarily increasing the immediate cost to the user. This "upgrade" itself is a future benefit.

It is important to note that the campground is currently closed for major upgrades and its reopening in 2025 will be announced two weeks after a confirmed completion date. Therefore, specific availability and any updated pricing for the reopening season will be released closer to that time. Always check the official Michigan DNR website (MichiganDNR.com/parksandtrails) for the most current information on reservations, rates, and the reopening status of Bishop Lake Campground.

For inquiries regarding Bishop Lake Campground and the Brighton Recreation Area, including its reopening status, future reservations, and park amenities, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 5210 Bishop Lake Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, USA (This is the address for the campground office/Brighton Recreation Area headquarters)
• Phone: (810) 229-6566 (Brighton Recreation Area Park Office)
• Website: For reservations and detailed information, visit the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources website: Michigan DNR Bishop Lake Campground

Given the current closure for upgrades, it is highly recommended to frequently check the Michigan DNR website for the official announcement of the reopening date and when reservations will become available for the 2025 season and beyond. The park office staff will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For Michigan residents, Bishop Lake Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly anticipated destination for outdoor recreation. Its location within the vast Brighton Recreation Area offers an immediate and accessible escape to nature, providing that beloved "up north" feeling without the long drive. This proximity means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time on the road, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even spontaneous day trips for those living in Southeast Michigan.

The campground’s strong emphasis on a family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with its wide array of activities, directly caters to the diverse interests of Michigan families. From swimming and paddleboarding on Bishop Lake to exploring miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, there's truly something for everyone. The presence of a modern playground and sensory play area ensures that children have engaging spaces to expend their energy, while adults can relax by the campfire or enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings.

The fact that the campground is undergoing significant upgrades, funded by state and federal initiatives, speaks volumes about Michigan's commitment to enhancing its outdoor recreational infrastructure. This investment ensures that upon its reopening in 2025, Bishop Lake Campground will continue to offer top-tier amenities and a high-quality experience, solidifying its position as a gem within the Michigan State Parks system. For any Michigander seeking a comprehensive, convenient, and continuously improving outdoor adventure destination, Bishop Lake Campground is undoubtedly a top choice for creating cherished memories in our beautiful home state.