With a population of roughly 8,000 people, Brighton is a Detroit suburb with small-town charm. Founded in 1832, its population grew slowly over the years. In fact, it did not become an incorporated city until 1928. However, it had essential infrastructure for its residents early on. In 1835, the first schoolhouse was built, and this was followed by a log church the following year.
Brighton is flanked on the west by Brighton Lake and on the northeast by Woodland Lake. Within the city limits, you will find additional waterways, including Brighton Mill Pond, South Ore Creek and a few others. Next to Brighton Mill Pond, the Brighton Amphitheater brings residents together for live entertainment hosted by the Kiwanis Club throughout much of the year. At Malten Lake, you can enjoy natural serenity on the observation deck or by walking along the scenic trails. At Huron Meadows Metropark, you can spend time golfing at the par-72 golf course, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fishing, using the playground, kayaking and even cross-country skiing. A bowling alley, numerous retail centers, restaurants and night spots are also in the area for you to enjoy on your next RV trip.
There are several other great ways to spend your time in the Brighton area. If you are traveling with children, a visit to the playground in Imagination Station is a fun option. You can admire the period architecture and the town's history at the Old Town Hall. Concerts and other musical performances are held often at the Brighton Center for Performing Arts. Plus, with Detroit located a short drive to the east, you can also visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Motown Museum, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Michigan Science Center and other top-rated attractions.
Campgrounds Near Brighton, Michigan
Detroit Greenfield RV Park sits on a large plot in Ypsilanti near a 30-acre lake. From the beach, you can swim, use the waterslide or fish. Paddle boat rentals and a jumping pillow are also available. The RV park has 212 sites that each feature water and electric hookups, a fire ring and a picnic table. Nightly rates start at $33. During your stay at the Detroit Greenfield RV Park, you can spend time playing mini golf, letting your dog run free at the dog park, playing basketball or horseshoes, going on a hayride and more.
Apple Creek Campground & RV offers 135 campsites spread across 20 landscaped acres. At this Brown County RV park, you can fish in a stocked point, swim in a heated pool and partake in various planned events. The RV sites have gravel pads, electric and water connections, a campfire ring and a picnic table. They are available for $47 per night. Visitors have access to firewood, a dump station, showers, a convenience store, wireless internet access and propane refills.
Ja Do Park Campground in nearby Tipton is conveniently located just off U.S. 12., and it features a rustic ambiance and a natural setting. The spacious sites offer grassy areas, fire pits, picnic tables, electricity and water. Wireless internet access is available. The nightly rate is $42 with a two-night minimum stay. You can enjoy full use of a variety of amenities during your stay, including a sports field, a picnic area, a sanitation station, hot showers and restrooms, a clubhouse, a fishing pond, a store and a playground.
State Parks Near Brighton, Michigan
Brighton Recreation Area in nearby Howell spans 4,947 acres and has a diverse, stunning landscape. The grounds feature both serene lakes and irregular hills for you to explore. There are also hardwood forests, shrub marshes, swampy areas and other environments. Brighton Recreation Area offers many miles of trails that are suitable for equestrian activities, hiking and biking. Boat rentals, disc golf, a fishing pier, a boat launch, geocaching, hunting, a beach and wildlife viewing are also available for your enjoyment.
Pinckney Recreation Area is another popular location for outdoor recreation close to Brighton. Located in Pinckney, this preserved area offers a 40-mile trail system for backcountry camping, hiking and biking. Several lakes are on the grounds and are well-suited for fishing and boating activities. Two of the lakes have fishing piers, and Silver Lake has boat rentals. Hunting, metal detecting, wildlife watching, a picnic area, a playground, camping and yurts are offered at Pinckney Recreation Area as well.
Proud Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County spans 3,030 acres and runs along the Huron River. Its tranquil setting includes thick forests with mature hardwoods and rolling hills. On the park's 20-mile trail system, you can take in the sights and look for wildlife while horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. Fishing and boating on the Huron River are fun ways for visitors to spend their free time. Rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboats. In addition, the park has opportunities for hunting, swimming, cross-country skiing, picnicking and camping.
National Sites Near Brighton, Michigan
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial stands in recognition of those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie. This battle in the War of 1812 helped to secure the long-lasting camaraderie between the U.S., the U.K. and Canada that persists to this day. The main structure on the grounds is a Doric-style column that stands 352 feet tall. The column sits near Lake Erie and the world's longest undefended border. At the visitors' center, you can view artifacts, a film, exhibits and artwork from or about the battle. You can also enjoy the observation deck, ranger programs and gunfire demonstrations.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio, preserves the home where Garfield resided during his presidential campaign. In fact, some of his campaigning took place on the home's front porch. In addition, this location holds the country's first presidential library. After Garfield's assassination, his wife created the Memorial Library in the house, and this later transitioned into the presidential library. You can learn more about Garfield through a movie and exhibits at the visitors' center.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park pays tribute to three notable men in aviation history, and these are Paul Laurence Dunbar, Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright. Covering 86 acres, the grounds include the Wright's bicycle shop, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, Hawthorn Hill, the Wright Company's factory and others. It also offers the brothers' third airplane, the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, the Wright Brothers Aviation Center and a visitors' center for you to explore.
National Forests Near Brighton, Michigan
Huron-Manistee National Forests are two distinctive forests on opposite sides of the Lower Peninsula, and they are managed together. These forests offer 978,906 acres of wilderness with shorelines on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Au Sable River and Pere Marquette River. You can conveniently explore the landscapes via the River Road National Scenic Byway, and you may spot wildlife while hiking or biking on the 330-mile trail system. At Lumberman's Monument, the early days of the state's logging industry are on display. Endurance biking, hunting, camping, snowmobiling and other activities are available on the grounds as well.
Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio is located on the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau near the Hocking River. The grounds were heavily forested and eroded many years ago, but a reforestation program has revived the area. On this 244,265-acre wilderness, you can find the Door Run ATV Trail, the Stone Church Horse Trail, the Utah Ridge Recreation Area, the Wildcat Hollow Trail and other features. In addition to its forests and rivers, this area is popular for its geology. Dating back to the Paleozoic era, redbeds, shales and sandstones are commonly found.
In Indiana, Hoosier National Forest extends across 202,814 acres. While the landscape boasts dense forests, it also features the Hemlock Cliffs Valley, many waterfalls and tall sandstone cliffs. Hoosier National Forest has a 266-mile trail system for horseback riding, hiking and biking. On the grounds, you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the area's history by visiting the Jacob Rickenbaugh House, Potts Creek Rock Shelter and Lick Creek Settlement.
