07/15/2026
Come see Brighton Rec from the water, we offer kayak and stand-up paddle boards rentals at our kiosk OR bring your own. Look at our beautiful views.
Our neighboring state parks also have beautiful water views. Listed below are options for your viewing pleasure. It's hot come on over, take a ride on our waterways.
ο§ Brighton Recreation Area β Brighton Recreation Area offers a variety of paddling opportunities with access to six lakes, plus a connection to Caroga Lake through Bishop Lake, giving visitors access to a total of seven lakes to paddle on. The recreation area features six boat launches and one designated kayak launch at Bishop Lake. Three lakes are no-wake, providing a quieter paddling experience, although Appleton Lake permits wakes from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. Kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available at Bishop Lake.
ο§ Hayes State Park - Hayes State Park offers paddling opportunities on three lakes: Wamplers Lake, Round Lake, and Watkins Lake. The park has two boat launches but no designated kayak launches. Round Lake and Watkins Lake are no-wake lakes, making them ideal for a peaceful paddling experience. Kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals are coming soon to Wamplers Lake. For those looking to explore beyond the park, nearby Allen Lake provides access to a scenic chain of connected lakes linked by canals that are well suited for paddling.
ο§ Ionia Recreation Area - Ionia Recreation Area offers paddling on Sessions Lake, a no-wake lake with calm waters ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The park features one boat launch, and three kayak launch carry down sites, including one at the point and two along the beach, all with natural dirt or grass access. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at the concession stand just north of the beach. Paddlers can also access the Grand River from a carry-down launch, providing an additional opportunity for river paddling.
ο§ Island Lake Recreation Area β Island Lake Recreation Area features four lakes and multiple Huron River access points for paddle sports, with Kent Lake, Trout Lake, and Spring Mill Pond designated as no wake areas. The park does not have a traditional ramp-style boat launch but does have an accessible kayak launch at Kent Lake and offers rentals including single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand up paddleboards there as well. The park has numerous river access points also that provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
ο§ Lake Hudson Recreation Area - Lake Hudson Recreation Area offers paddling on the 600-acre Lake Hudson, featuring a largely natural shoreline with plenty of coves and shoreline to explore by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. Lake Hudson is a no-wake lake, providing calm conditions that are ideal for paddling. The park features a boat launch and a designated kayak launch. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) at the beach during the season.
ο§ Pinckney Recreation Area - Pinckney Recreation Area offers diverse paddling opportunities on 13 lakes, the Halfmoon Chain of Lakes, the Huron River Water Trail, and connected rivers and channels. The park features 10 improved boat launches, with routes ranging from short, quiet paddles on smaller lakes like Pickerel, Crooked, Sullivan, and Gosling to longer adventures through interconnected waterways. Paddlers can enjoy opportunities to view bald eagles, beaver lodges, and other wildlife. Kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available through Hell Canoe and Kayak on Bruin Lake, with delivery throughout the park.
ο§ Sleepy Hollow State Park - Sleepy Hollow State Park offers paddling on Lake Ovid, the park's no-wake lake, making it an excellent destination for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The park features one boat launch and one designated kayak launch for easy water access. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent through the Campground Office, with rental boats located at the beach.
ο§ Sterling State park - Sterling State Park offers paddling opportunities on Lake Erie, Clearwater Canal, lagoons, and marsh areas. The park features a large boat launch with access to Lake Erie along with carry down opportunities throughout the park. The lagoons, marshes, and Clearwater Canal are no-wake areas, and kayak and canoe rentals are available at the campground office.
ο§ Waterloo Recreation Area - Waterloo Recreation Area offers paddling access to ten lakes with fantastic wildlife viewing and fishing. Eight of the lakes have boat launches and two have carry-down launch sites. There are no designated kayak launches within the park. Mill Lake is unique as it does not allow gas-powered motors. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Sugarloaf Lake Campground for campers, while Portage Lake offers two rowboat rentals.
