Lake Hudson Recreation Area

5505 Morey Highway
Clayton MI, 49235

517-445-2265
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

2796 (Acres)

Required

Lake Hudson Recreation Area is home to a designated dark sky preserve, a semi-modern campground, a 502-acre lake with a designated swim beach, a boating access site, a 1.5-mile trail and more.
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More Information

Lake Hudson Recreation Area, located near the Ohio border, surrounds the park’s namesake no-wake lake and is home to a designated dark sky preserve, a semimodern campground, a designated swim beach, a boating access site, a 1.5-mile trail and more. The park is also popular for fishing – and known for muskie – paddling, hunting and more. The park encompasses a lake, native grass fields that are part of a pheasant restoration project and forested areas.

The park is home to a dark sky preserve – the first in Michigan’s state park system – offering excellent night-sky viewing. The preserve, located by the park’s picnic shelter, is open 24 hours a day year-round.

NEW! The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chairs is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

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Campgrounds

Lake Hudson - Bear Creek Cabin Tiny House
800-447-2757
(1)
Lake Hudson-Lakeview Cabin
800-447-2757
(1)
Lake Hudson-Semi-modern Campground
800-447-2757
(50)

Trails

Lake Hudson - Hiking Trail
Trail Length: 1.50 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

You'll find small town charm in the rural community of Hudson. Located 7 miles west of the park, visitors will find a grocery store, restaurants, a movie theatre and lots of history. The entire downtown was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Activities (Display as List)

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Lake Hudson, a 502-acre, man-made lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet, has a variety of fish species, including muskie, large-mouth bass, crappie and walleye.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting:

Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations. The park features a no-wake lake popular for waterfowl hunting and native grass fields, part of a pheasant restoration project.

The park has an accessible hunting blind available to reserve (for free) mornings or afternoons on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 517-445-2265 or email poolej@michigan.gov.

Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity in Lake Hudson. The lake is a no-wake lake.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the entire length of Lake Hudson except for the designated swim beach .
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
Snowmobiling: The park is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling) when there are over 3 inches of snow on the ground. Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails and in campground areas.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: A designated swim area is in the park’s day-use area.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: A boating access site with a courtesy pier and kayak launch (coming fall 2023) are located at the far end of the day-use area.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the park’s day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter, located in the dark-sky viewing area, which includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park surrounds Lake Hudson, a no-wake lake.