Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Star4.63
29 reviews
Brighton Murray Lake Campground
Peace & QuietSummer Destination
Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open weekends only, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website
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Brighton Murray Lake Campground
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee $17 per site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(800) 447-2757
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikinglakebeach

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviewers rate Murray Lake highly (mostly 4–5 stars) for its rustic, wooded character, large private sites, and proximity to trails and small-lake paddling. Many repeat visitors call it a favorite rustic campground in southern Michigan."

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Campground Map

Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Brighton Murray Lake Campground

42.5090, -83.8123

Nearby supplies
Brighton/Howell area (stores and services available
distances not specified)

Best Time to Camp at Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Plan your visit for summer weekends when this seasonal loop opens its gates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pack your bug spray—the lush lakeside and wetland setting means mosquitoes can be active companions, especially during dawn and dusk. This is true rustic camping, so come prepared without expectations of electrical hookups or modern conveniences. The trade-off? Authentic outdoor experience and the sounds of the forest as your soundtrack.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day weekends; prime time for trails, paddling and quiet summer camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Labor Day; not available through fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Loop opens Memorial Day weekend; not available in spring months before opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day weekend season.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open weekends only, Memorial Day through Labor Day (Friday through Sunday).

About Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Escape to Murray Lake, a hidden gem tucked into Brighton Recreation Area's oak and hardwood forest. This intimate 25-site campground offers weekend-only camping from Memorial Day through Labor Day, where you'll find just the essentials—vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and direct trailhead access to some of the area's best hiking and mountain biking.
Murray Lake is a rustic, weekends-only campground (Memorial Day through Labor Day) with 25 wooded, private sites and basic facilities (vault toilets and hand pump).
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor recreation focused on trails, quiet lake paddling/fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground offers direct access to a multi-use trail network including mountain-bike-specific features nearby.
HikingDirect access to an extensive trail network for hiking and trail running through mixed hardwood woods and hills.
FishingMurray Lake is a small inland lake used for fishing and quiet paddling (canoe/kayak/small boats).
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes in summer and generally wooded/insect hazards; reports of rough park roads and potholes leading into the recreation area; limited services in the rustic loop.

Weather at Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
29 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Brighton Murray Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers rate Murray Lake highly (mostly 4–5 stars) for its rustic, wooded character, large private sites, and proximity to trails and small-lake paddling. Many repeat visitors call it a favorite rustic campground in southern Michigan.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, well-spaced, highly private sites surrounded by trees; quiet and scenic; excellent access to hiking and mountain-biking trails; close enough to Bishop Lake for beach and campground office...
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Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for weekend dates; bring bug spray and headlamps/flashlights; expect rustic conditions (no hookups or showers) and use the hand pump for water; firewood and ice can be purchased at...
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Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Large private spots. Beautiful and quiet!"; "One of my favorite places! Super rustic"; "We stay at Murray Lake Campground every summer... Our favorite campsite to date is #2."
Based on 29 reviews
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Last updated February 2, 2026
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