How much does camping cost at Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Brighton Murray Lake Campground range from $17/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Brighton Murray Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Brighton Murray Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Brighton Murray Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Brighton Murray Lake Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Brighton Murray Lake Campground is open Open weekends only, Memorial Day through Labor Day (Friday through Sunday).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Brighton Murray Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Brighton Murray Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Brighton Murray Lake Campground have?

Brighton Murray Lake Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Brighton Murray Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Brighton Murray Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Brighton Murray Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Brighton Murray Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Brighton Murray Lake Campground

4.31

29 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources Official Website

Get Directions

Brighton Murray Lake Campground

$17.00 - $17.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee $17 per site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Brighton Murray Lake Campground

42.5090, -83.8123

Nearby supplies

Brighton/Howell area (stores and services available

distances not specified)

Weather at Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Summer weekends are the only option here. Daytime highs from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically reach the mid-70s to low 80s°F, with nights cooling into the mid-50s to mid-60s°F. The warm season puts boating, fishing, and trail use at their peak. Mosquitoes are common near the lake and marsh areas, especially at dawn and dusk. With only 25 sites, weekends book up early.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open weekends Memorial Day–Labor Day; warm temps and trail/lake access make summer ideal.

Planning Tips

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

About Brighton Murray Lake Campground

Brighton Murray Lake Campground sits on 25 rustic sites in the oak-and-hardwood forest of Brighton Recreation Area, open weekends only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Sites cost $17 per night and fill quickly. The campground has vault toilets and a hand pump for water, with trailhead access to hiking and mountain biking routes and paddling on small Murray Lake.

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).

Weather and SeasonsSummer weekends are the only option here. Daytime highs from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically reach the mid-70s to low 80s°F, with nights cooling into the mid-50s to mid-60s°F. The warm season puts boating, fishing, and trail use at their peak. Mosquitoes are common near the lake and marsh areas, especially at dawn and dusk. With only 25 sites, weekends book up early.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling, wooded terrain at 909 feet elevation, with large sites surrounded by oak and dense understory that creates natural privacy screens. Murray Lake sits close enough for canoe and kayak launches. The surrounding recreation area holds a network of lakes, wetlands, and trails through hardwood forest. The thick canopy and hilly topography give the area a secluded feel despite its proximity to Brighton.

Scenic ViewsWooded, forested views with many sites surrounded by thick underbrush and trees; some sites are near Murray Lake and provide lake access rather than expansive lakefront views.

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Amenities available

Rustic campground with 25 sites in an oak forest. Facilities are basic: two vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water; no electricity or showers on-site. Firewood and ice are sold at the Bishop Lake modern campground office in the same recreation area.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

29 reviews

Recommended

Brighton Murray Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...

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...

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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Go if

Tent campers who want real privacy and trail access: sites are big, tree-buffered, and spaced far apart, with mountain-bike trails and quiet lake paddling right from camp. Repeat visitors book early for good reason.

Skip if

No showers, no hookups, and no swimming at Murray Lake itself (Bishop Lake is a few miles out). Weekend-only access means dates vanish fast, and sandy, steep camp roads make larger trailers a risky call.

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Brighton Murray Lake Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Brighton Murray Lake Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The Murray Lake rustic campground features 25 sites in an oak forest. There are two vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water. The campground has direct access to a trail open to mountain biking. The campground is open Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends only (Friday through Sunday).

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