Brighton Recreation Area is a terrain of high, irregular ranges of hills interspersed with a number of attractive lakes. Oak forest, thick hedgerows, and open spaces blend on the uplands while grassy marshes, shrub masses, and dense swamp timber mark the lowlands.

This recreation area provides facilities for swimming, picnicking and camping, and there are unlimited opportunities for hiking, boating, nature study, and the enjoyment of Michigan scenery in all of its colors. There is easy access to many lakes for fishing and boating. The park is also developing improved mountain biking trails. Wildlife is abundant, and hunting is allowed during legal seasons.

In the winter, many visitors enjoy the snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, as well as ice fishing and skating.

• Equestrians: many consider this to be is a rider's paradise.
• Go for a pleasant boat ride on one of the park's many crystalline lakes.