See Homes for Sale Now

Hamburg Township waterfront homesAll my lake guides

Welcome to Appleton Lake

Appleton Lake is a lake in Hamburg Township, Livingston County, in the Brighton Recreation Area west of Brighton and about 20.8 miles from downtown Fenton. When I checked in October 2026, my site had no Appleton Lake homes for sale, so the button above shows all Hamburg Township waterfront homes, and I'm happy to set up a saved search just for Appleton Lake. My site did have one vacant Appleton Lake lot.

Lake Overview

• Location: Hamburg Township, Livingston County, in sections 2 and 3 of the township (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls), next to Bishop Lake (MichiganLakes.com).
• Size: about 57 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); Outdoor Michigan lists 57.2 acres, and MichiganLakes.com reports depths of 89 feet.
• Boating: high-speed boating and towing skiers are not allowed from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. during daylight saving time (6:30 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. otherwise) (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).
• Public access: a Michigan DNR boat launch on the south side off Bishop Lake Road (MichiganLakes.com); Outdoor Michigan notes a Recreation Passport is required.
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 16 buildings near the shore.

Living on Appleton Lake

Appleton Lake sits right next to the Brighton Recreation Area, so trails and parkland are close by. Outdoor Michigan lists rainbow trout here. The Stonegate lot on my site describes common areas, a walking path, a dock for canoes and kayaks, and a spur trail into the recreation area.

Hamburg Township & Schools

Appleton Lake is in Hamburg Township, with Brighton mailing addresses. The current lot is in Brighton Area Schools, while Hamburg Township waterfront homes on my site today are in Brighton or Pinckney Community Schools. I confirm the district and utilities for every address.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Hamburg Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• The Stonegate lot shows an annual HOA fee and minimum home sizes. I didn't find a lake association or lake special assessment for Appleton Lake, so I'll confirm dues and any assessments in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• If you're buying land, confirm the well, septic approval and building rules before you close.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with the recreation area next door and the trail access.
• Be clear about boating hours and the public launch.
• Have well, septic, dock and HOA records ready.

FAQ

Is there a public boat launch on Appleton Lake?

Yes. The DNR launch is on the south side off Bishop Lake Road (MichiganLakes.com).

Are there boating time limits?

Yes. High-speed boating has set hours under a DNR local control (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls).

How big is Appleton Lake?

About 57 acres in DNR data (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA).

Let's Talk Lake Life

Dreaming of lake life next to a state recreation area? I'd love to help you watch Appleton Lake. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.