Fishing, kayaking, and stargazing drive most visits to Lake Hudson Recreation Area, a state-managed campground in Clayton, Michigan where the lake is the main draw. Around 11 of the roughly 50 sites sit directly on the water, and campers who land one of those spots, particularly lots 37 and 38, get lakefront views and enough space to accommodate larger rigs. The lake itself sees no wake-style use, no jet skis, and anglers report catching sunfish, largemouth, and smallmouth bass from the boat launch. Hiking trails connect the campground to a sand beach, and the Pittsford section of the North Country Trail is accessible within a short drive.
The campground carries a Dark Sky Preserve designation, which means exterior lights are kept to a minimum and the night sky is genuinely visible. Michelle M. caught the Perseid meteor shower here, noting the fire pit was "well equipped" and the sites large and private. Tree growth between sites gives most spots a sense of separation even when the campground fills up, which it tends to do on summer weekends. November brings noticeably fewer crowds, drawing hunters, anglers, and off-season campers who find the place much more accessible then.
Facilities are rustic. Water comes from a single hand pump near the campground entrance, so bringing filled jugs is advisable. Toilets are vault-style with no flush option, and there are no showers or on-site dump station. Electrical hookups are present at every site, but the boxes are often 50 to 70 feet from where an RV would park. Bring a long extension cord, at least 50 feet, to avoid a return trip into town. Hayes State Park, about 30 minutes away, provides the nearest dump station.
The access road is unpaved and bumpy, and rain makes it noticeably rougher. Reservations are available through the Michigan DNR and are worth booking well in advance for summer weekends. Campers exploring sites around Lake Hudson Recreation Area will also find Lake Hudson Recreation Park nearby, along with Green Valley Campground to the south. Bug spray and a portable fan are worth packing for warm-weather stays, when mosquitoes and gnats can be persistent in the evenings.
Description
Lake Hudson Recreation Area is located in southern Michigan near the Ohio border. The park is home to a Designated Dark Sky Preserve and offers a rustic campground, a no-wake lake, a large swimming area, a boat launch, trails and a picnic shelter. In addition, there are opportunities for hunting and fishing (known for muskie), geocaching, metal detecting and more. The park features numerous grassy fields and wood lots.
Lake Hudson is located in an area of open farmland, near the Ohio border. The nearest shopping is located in Hudson, approximately 7 miles west of the park. Users will find a laundry-mat, grocery store, as well as a bowling alley and movie theatre. Eating choices vary from fast food to family dining, as well as a place to get ice cream!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Hudson Recreation Area is located in Michigan near Clayton
Directions
Located on M-34 east from Hudson 7 miles. 1 mile south on M-156. 40 miles south of Jackson; 15 miles southwest of Adrian.
Address
5505 Morey Highway
Clayton, MI 49235
Coordinates
41.82476119333874 N
84.2596997044557 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 39 min from Jackson, MI
- 52 min from Toledo, OH
- 1 hr 6 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 1 hr 8 min from Monroe, MI


































