Lake Hudson State Recreation Area

Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is a 2,796-acre state park located near Clayton, Lenawee County, Michigan. It is a recognized dark-sky preserve and one of the least used state parks near Detroit. 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! Lake Hudson Recreation Area has 2,796 acres of recreational opportunities around Lake Hudson. The park, which lies in southeast Michigan, offers premier muskie fishing and game hunting. The terrain is gently rolling with a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. An open beach area provides users a place for sunbathing and swimming. If shade is needed, users should bring a beach umbrella or something to provide shade. Dark Sky Preserve: Since 1993, Lake Hudson has been designated a dark sky preserve for observation of the nighttime sky. The goal of creating this designation was to show that preserving night skies for enjoyment is fully compatible with other recreational uses. Amateur astronomers should remember that Lake Hudson is a public park and other legitimate night time recreation users may not share the same sensitivity toward dark skies. The Dark Sky Preserve Brochure explains in more detail what this unique feature is about. Contact the park manager if you'd like to use the park resources after 10 p.m. in any areas outside the campground.