[1] The lake was named for Washington E. Hudson, an early-day Tulsa attorney, Oklahoma state legislator, and member of the board of the GRDA from 1955 until he died in 1964.

GRDA spokesman John Wiscaver says the agency investigated Hudson's background after being approached by the online publication The Frontier, which first reported the proposed name change.

Wiscaver said it is "fairly clear" Hudson was involved with the Ku Klux Klan and the GRDA supports the bill.

[9] Lake Hudson also is the water source for the nearby Salina Pumped Storage Project.

Snowdale State Park is located on Lake Hudson in Eastern Oklahoma.

Facilities include a lighted boat ramp, swimming beach, playground, volleyball court, picnic tables, a group picnic shelter and a comfort station with showers.

[13][14] The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation chose not to renew its lease on the property from the Grand River Dam Authority in 2019, shutting down the park.