Best Campgrounds near Clayton, MI
The Clayton, Michigan area encompasses both modern campgrounds and more rustic options within southeastern Michigan's lake country. Lake Hudson Recreation Area provides spacious, private sites separated by trees for a secluded camping experience with 20/30 amp electrical hookups but no water connections. Located approximately 5 miles southwest of Clayton, this state park offers camping for tents, RVs, and some sites include cabin accommodations. Other developed campgrounds in the region include Green Valley Campground in Morenci and Ted Ranch Campground near Brooklyn, which cater primarily to RV and tent campers with varying amenity levels.
Camping facilities throughout the area range from primitive sites with vault toilets to campgrounds with full hookups. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally with peak availability from April through October, though Lake Hudson Recreation Area remains open year-round. Water access varies significantly between locations, with lakefront sites at Lake Hudson being particularly sought after but limited in number. Extension cords are often necessary at Lake Hudson as electrical boxes can be up to 50-70 feet from camping spots. Some campgrounds, particularly the more rustic ones, have limited infrastructure. As one visitor observed, "The park is in the middle of nowhere and truly is a dark sky area. For about 50% of the drive I did not have cell phone service."
Campers consistently highlight the night sky viewing opportunities at Lake Hudson Recreation Area, which carries a dark sky preserve designation. The campground enforces lighting restrictions to maximize stargazing conditions. Sites at Lake Hudson are noted for their privacy and generous spacing between neighbors. Several visitors mentioned the peacefulness of the area, with one camper noting that "Each site is separated from the next by young forest, so it lends to a very private and secluded atmosphere." Many campgrounds in the region provide access to water recreation, with fishing being particularly popular at Lake Hudson and nearby state parks. The mix of modern and primitive campgrounds allows visitors to choose their preferred balance of amenities and natural immersion within relatively close proximity to the Indiana and Ohio borders.
