Island Lake Campground & Cabins

About

Island Lake Recreation Area encompasses 4,000 acres of diverse Michigan landscape including hardwood forests, open meadows, four inland lakes, and the meandering Huron River. The park ranks among the busiest DNR facilities in the state, drawing over a million visitors annually for mountain biking, paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, and hunting. It connects to Kensington Metropark via bike trail and notably hosts the only hot air balloon launch area in the Michigan state park system. Overnight accommodations at Island Lake are decidedly rustic. Two centrally located cabins accommodate up to 15 guests each with bunk beds, tables, benches, and propane furnaces for heat. There is no electricity or running water inside, though a hand pump nearby provides fresh water. Each cabin features an outdoor fire pit, picnic table, and large charcoal grill, with vault toilets located nearby. The two Huron River canoe camps are boat-in only, offering a more secluded experience with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. Reservations for cabins require calling or visiting the park office, while general reservations can be made through MiDNRReservations.com. The park includes accessibility features such as track chairs that handle trails, snow, sand, and shallow water, plus an accessible fishing pier.

Directions

Located at 6301 Kensington Road, Brighton, Michigan, near the intersection of I-96 and US-23 in Livingston County.