Lake Hudson Recreation Area

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Clayton, MI
Lake Hudson Recreation Area

Michigan State Recreation Area: Semi-modern camping, hunting, fishing, designated dark sky preserve;

05/14/2026

This weeks bird is a rare visitor to this part of the state. The Willet is a large shore bird (about crow size), which breeds in northern states and Canada, and winters along the southern U.S. shoreline. They are grey brown in color when standing, blending in with other shore birds. When they fly however, their striking black and white wing pattern makes them an amazing sight. This group stopped over at Lake Hudson’s beach for a few days to rest, before heading on to northern breeding grounds.

04/25/2026

The bird of the week is the Common Loon!

Usually thought of as a bird of the far north, each spring 2-3 pairs arrive at Lake Hudson. They will stay on the lake feeding and resting until an increase in boat traffic drives them off.

After leaving Lake Hudson they will fly to the Upper Peninsula, Northern States and Canada to their nesting sites. They will pass through again in late fall. In fall they have molted to their drab winter plumage, a major change from their striking breeding plumage.

These large water birds use their webbed feet to chase down fish, often staying underwater for over a minute.

Their call is a loud, eerie sound, with a yodel like cadence. These birds can easily be seen at Lake Hudson from first ice melt until mid April each year.

The video shows a Loon at Lake Hudson diving for fish this year in early April.

04/20/2026

*Spotlight on the DNR*

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is made up of 9 Divisions, each with a unique purpose and mission. For the next few weeks we will explore what each division brings to the table to help preserve and manage Michigan’s valuable resources.

This week we will take a look at the Fisheries Division. Fisheries is tasked with protecting and managing fish populations, aquatic wildlife, and aquatic habitat. Fisheries operates 6 Hatcheries across the State, where future generations of fish are raised.

Careers in the Fisheries Division include; Fisheries Biologists, Technicians, Fisheries Assistants and Creel Clerks.

Fisheries staff were at Lake Hudson the last two weeks collecting Muskellunge eggs for the State Hatchery. These Musky will be raised in the Hatchery and released in Lakes across the State. Around 500 Musky are released in Lake Hudson each summer.

04/10/2026

Camping opens on April 15th.

*REMINDER* - As usual this time of year the campsites are extremely wet and muddy! We have about 1/3 of the sites closed until May 1st.

We ask that those coming in try to park all equipment or vehicles on the gravel pads if possible.

Thank you, and we hope to see you sometime this summer.

04/02/2026

The NO WAKE rule on Lake Hudson is not only great for fishermen and kayakers, but also allows time for migratory birds to rest and feed before moving north.

This week’s bird is the American Coot. Coots are small, dark water birds in the Rail family. Instead of webbed feet like a duck, each of their toes has webbing , allowing them to not only swim and dive, but walk around easily on land .

Coots eat fish, crustaceans and a variety of water plants. They are usually unwary , allow people to watch them at close range.

See comments for a video of a Coot diving for food.

03/26/2026

When you purchase your Recreation Passport you are helping purchase and preserve habitat for hundreds of species of birds across Michigan. The Recreation Passport not only allows you access to thousands of acres of State Land, but also helps ensure that land will be available for future generations.

This week’s bird is the Pileated Woodpecker, the largest species of woodpecker in North America.
These birds can be up to 20” long with a 2 foot wing span. They require large areas of woods to find food and build their nests. They build their nests by carving out holes in trees. The next year the hole will be used by another species of bird or animal for a home.

Lake Hudson Recreation Area is a year round home to at least 2 pairs of these magnificent birds. They can be seen in the wooded areas of Lake Hudson, as well as around the use areas such as the beach and boat launch.

03/18/2026

New Series!! Bird Watching Wednesdays.
Lake Hudson’s 2,800 acres is an important migration and nesting area for a multitude of bird species either stopping by on their way north, or looking for a place to raise the next generation.
Each week we’ll feature a different species that relies on the habitat at Lake Hudson!

This week’s bird is the Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator). Each March a small flock of these birds arrive at Lake Hudson, usually hanging out with the larger flocks of Common Mergansers. They will stage here for a few weeks before heading north to nest.

These diving birds feed mostly on small fish , diving underwater, and using their streamlined bodies and large webbed feet to chase down their prey. Their long slender bills are full of sharp serrations , similar to teeth, that help them hold on to their slippery food.

Lake Hudson is a great place to come birdwatching! Here you will see many species of waterfowl, songbirds, over a dozen Warbler species, and many hawks, eagles and owls!

03/08/2026

It seems early but the dock is in at Lake Hudson.
The ice should be gone by tomorrow!

02/04/2026

Lake Hudson 2025 year in review!

01/12/2026

The Michigan DNR Fisheries Division planted over 1,900 Muskie in Lake Hudson in 2025.
The Fisheries Division is funded mainly by sales of fishing licenses. Purchasing your license will help with stocking efforts in inland lakes and also on the Great Lakes.

Address

5505 Morey Highway
Clayton, MI
49235

Telephone

+15174452265

Website

https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/lakehudson

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