Ionia State Park Campground

Open — The modern campground and mini cabins are closed for renovations through April 2026 and are slated to reopen May 1, 2026. The rustic Beechwood hike-in campground and equestrian campground remain open year-round.

About

Located between Grand Rapids and Lansing, Ionia State Recreation Area encompasses 4,500 acres of diverse Michigan landscape. The park features rolling hills, babbling creeks, mature hardwood forests, pine plantations, open meadows, and abundant wetlands. Sessions Lake sits nestled among the hills, while the Grand River winds through the northern border of the property. The Audubon Society has documented over 199 bird species here, making it a premier destination for birding and nature photography. The park offers multiple camping experiences to suit different preferences. The modern campground sits on a hilltop with 97 semi-secluded sites, each with 30-amp electrical service, plus amenities like a toilet and shower building and sanitation station. The Beechwood rustic hike-in campground provides 16 walk-in sites accessible via an easy quarter-mile trail, with ten wooded sites and five overlooking Sessions Lake. Equestrian enthusiasts will find Michigan's largest DNR equestrian campground, featuring 46 spacious sites with picket posts and select corrals, along with 15 miles of riding trails, a 10-challenge confidence course, and a warm-up arena. Two camper cabins with full amenities and two mini cabins in the modern campground loop round out the overnight options. Recreational opportunities abound year-round. Sessions Lake and the Grand River offer excellent fishing for largemouth bass, panfish, walleye, and channel catfish, with paddling access at multiple locations. The park features a swimming beach with bathhouse, 24-hole disc golf course, hiking and mountain biking trails, and extensive hunting areas. Winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities. The park also hosts three dog field trial areas and seasonal nature programs led by park naturalists.

Directions

Located at 2880 West David Highway, Ionia, Michigan, 48846, between Grand Rapids and Lansing.

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