Families looking to sample Michigan’s outdoor heritage can head to Lake Hudson Recreation Area on Sunday, Sept. 7, when the Great Outdoors Jamboree runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 5505 Morey Highway in Clayton.
The one-day program is free, though vehicles must carry a Recreation Passport for park entry, and it is staged by Michigan Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, according to a state news release.
Because the jamboree lands on a shoulder-season Sunday, nearby campgrounds and RV parks have a built-in chance to fill early-September sites by bundling discounted pads with shuttle service or day-use passes while tracking demand through a co-branded promo code.
A downloadable weekend itinerary—pairing the jamboree with sunset kayak tours or porch music—and training front-desk staff to upsell late Sunday check-outs can turn a single-day outing into multi-night reservations.
Guests will find hands-on stations for archery, BB and crossbow target shooting, kayak and boating basics, bass-casting instruction, birding walks, kids’ crafts and pointing-dog demonstrations.
“This fun event will feature multiple vendors – all celebrating Michigan’s outdoors – to display, discuss and give hands-on instruction in archery, target shooting, bass fishing, campsite exploration, boating and many other nature-based activities for the entire family,” Matt Lefler, Michigan education and outreach coordinator for Pheasants Forever, said in the release.
Beyond the marquee activities, operators looking to stand out can replicate scaled-down versions back at their properties. Portable archery backstops, pop-up BB galleries or shoreline casting targets pack away easily, and clear rope lines with color-coded flags keep safety simple.
A single digital waiver covering all stations streamlines check-in, while rotating the lineup monthly—archery in June, birding in July, kayak basics in August—encourages repeat stays. Conservation chapters such as Pheasants Forever or the NWTF often supply volunteers and gear, holding labor costs down.
The jamboree doubles as a conservation classroom. “There also will be opportunities to learn about habitat and conservation projects,” Lefler said. Exhibitor booths will explain programs tied to the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative, which promotes small-game habitat and the broader outdoor recreation economy.
The gathering has grown steadily since at least 2013. An edition promoted eight years ago featured more than 40 outdoor exhibitors, live birds-of-prey shows, Smokey Bear photo ops and a chukar hunt, according to an earlier bulletin. “Not only will we have a live chukar hunt and lots of outdoor-themed activity stations to explore, but the first 50 grandparents who attend with their grandchildren will receive a prize,” Jim O’Brien, then the park manager, said in 2017.
Strong attendance in past years signals unmet demand that operators can tap. Creating event-stay packages, issuing promo codes and refreshing an “Area Happenings” web page quarterly help track conversions and nurture early bookings for next season.
This growth not only benefits the event itself but also provides opportunities for local businesses and campgrounds to increase engagement and revenue during a typically quieter season. Families and outdoor enthusiasts who attend may be encouraged to extend their stays and explore more of what the region has to offer.
Visitors this year should plan for a rain-or-shine schedule, pack water bottles and tote bags for giveaways, and note that a food truck will sell refreshments while picnics are welcome, the release adds. Recreation Passports may be purchased at the gate or borrowed through the Michigan Activity Pass program at public libraries.
Campground managers can fold those reminders into pre-arrival emails or printed itinerary PDFs so guests arrive prepared and stay longer. Small touches—such as complimentary s’more kits tied to the jamboree’s family theme—can elevate the experience and boost ancillary spending.
Updates will be posted on the Michigan DNR events calendar, and organizers encourage direct inquiries to Lake Hudson Recreation Area. For park operators, aligning with conservation-focused events like the Great Outdoors Jamboree can turn a quiet September weekend into a reliable occupancy driver and a showcase for outdoor hospitality.