There's a special kind of satisfaction that comes with camping in a state park. It feels more connected to the land, a bit more rustic, and often, a lot more friendly to your wallet. In the rolling, lake-dotted landscape of Mid-Michigan, Bishop Lake Campgrounds, located inside the beautiful Brighton Recreation Area, perfectly embodies this spirit. For RVers on the move between Detroit and Lansing, or for those simply seeking a weekend escape into nature, it offers a straightforward and incredibly affordable solution for one of our most basic needs: a place to empty our tanks. For a mere $10, you can use their sanitary station, which is conveniently located right on the exit loop. This means you can enjoy a weekend of hiking, fishing, and campfires, and then take care of business on your way out without having to go on a hunt for a dump station in town.
The location is a huge part of the appeal. The Brighton Recreation Area is a sprawling 5,000-acre park carved out by glaciers, leaving behind a stunning terrain of wooded hills and nine different kettle lakes. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. We’ve spent countless hours on the more than 35 miles of trails, which are popular with everyone from mountain bikers to horseback riders. The fishing on Bishop Lake is excellent, with a great ADA-accessible pier that makes it easy for anyone to cast a line for some largemouth bass. The park gives you that feeling of being deep in the woods, yet you’re conveniently located midway between two of Michigan’s major cities. If you get a craving for civilization, the charming downtowns of Brighton and Howell are just a short drive away, offering farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and lively farmers markets. In the winter, the area transforms, and the Mt. Brighton ski hill provides downhill fun just ten minutes from the campground. It’s a year-round destination with a rugged, natural heart.
The experience at a state park campground like Bishop Lake is decidedly more do-it-yourself, which is part of its charm. When you arrive, you’ll stop at the ranger station or entrance booth, where you’ll need a Michigan Recreation Passport for your vehicle or you'll pay a day-use fee. This is important to factor into your plans. The dump station itself is a simple, single-lane concrete pad. It’s effective, but it requires a bit of timing. On a Sunday morning, especially during the summer, you can expect a line of rigs waiting to check out. The savvy RVer knows to either get there early, before noon, or simply wait until the rush has passed. Another key detail is that the potable water spigots are located about 50 feet away from the dump pad itself. This is a common design in older state parks, intended to prevent cross-contamination. It means you absolutely need a long freshwater hose if you plan to refill your tank right after dumping. Also, be aware that the electric sites here are 20/30-amp only. If your big rig runs on 50-amp service, you’ll need to have an adapter, or as they call it, a "dog bone," to connect to the pedestal.
Looking at the amenities, it’s about covering the basics, and doing it well. You’ll find multiple potable water pumps scattered throughout the camping loops, so it’s easy to fill up with fresh water when you first arrive. The park is very pet-friendly, with dogs allowed on leashes throughout the campground, and there’s even a dedicated trail that leads to a swimming area just for pups, a feature our dog absolutely loves. The bathhouses are heated and modern, which is a huge plus as it extends the comfortable camping season deep into the crisp Michigan autumn. However, this is a more rustic experience, so you won’t find certain conveniences. There are no on-site propane sales, so you’ll need to make sure your tanks are full before you enter the park. There’s no laundry room, so plan on visiting a laundromat in Brighton if you need to wash clothes. And crucially, there are no full-hookup sites. Every camper who stays here will eventually need to visit the dump station, which is why planning your exit time is so important.
The value here is exceptional. A $10 dump fee is a fantastic deal, especially when you consider that it also typically covers your day-use access to the park. You can dump your tanks and then spend a few hours hiking a trail or enjoying a picnic by the lake before you hit the road. If you’re already camping overnight, the use of the dump station is included in your camping fee. The one major caveat for this location, especially in the near future, is the ongoing road construction. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been doing upgrades in the area, which have led to some temporary closures of the sanitary station. Before you even think about heading there, the most important tip I can give is to check the official Michigan DNR website for any alerts or closure notices for Brighton Recreation Area. A two-minute check online can save you from a completely wasted trip.
A few final pieces of advice for a great visit. Bring quarters for the showers at the beach house; they are often coin-operated to help conserve water. If you’re an angler, plan your day around the fish. The bass bite on Bishop Lake is best at dawn, so get out on the water early, and then worry about packing up and dumping your tanks later. And if you’re planning an autumn trip, time it for mid-October. The oak and maple trees covering the rolling hills create a spectacular display of crimson and gold that makes for an unforgettable camping experience. Bishop Lake offers a genuine slice of Michigan's natural beauty with a budget-friendly and practical approach to RVing necessities.
5210 Bishop Lake Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
(800) 447-2757
Cost: $10
Category: Campground
Has Water
michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=102&type=SPCG