Located between Grand Rapids and Lansing, Ionia Recreation Area offers 4,500 acres of diverse landscape, including rolling hills, open meadows, mature forests, and wetlands. The park features a scenic lake, winding river and abundant wildlife habitat.
Popular activities include camping in the modern campground and cabins, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking and disc golf. With over 199 bird species identified by the Audubon Society, and plentiful wildflowers, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The beach house is in centrally located on the beach and includes restrooms.
An accessible boating access site provides access to Sessions Lake (second right inside the park). For carry-down access to the Grand River, proceed to Riverside Picnic Area on Riverside Drive.
An accessible fishing pier is in Point Picnic Area.
Modern restrooms are available in the beach house building.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
A 24-hole course is open year-round.
Three dog field trial areas are available. Hunting dogs may be trained year-round. Field dog competitions are held throughout the year. This activity is coordinated with Ionia Field Trial Grounds Association.
Horseback riders can enjoy 15 miles of trails on the Ionia Equestrian Trail, test their skills on the 10-challenge equine confidence course (with bypasses), and utilize a warm-up arena near the day-use staging area.
A variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, panfish, walleye and channel catfish, are found in Session Lake. Additionally, a number of species are found in the Grand River and two creeks, including Sessions and Tibbets creeks.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Paddling is popular on the Grand River and Sessions Lake. Carry-down access is located on the Grand River (just outside the Riverside Picnic Area on Riverside Drive).
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the shoreline with the exception of the buoyed swim area. Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles
Two picnic areas are available in the day-use area, including picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. There are accessible picnic tables the beach building foyer.
The park’s sanitation station is located near the entrance to the campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
The park is open to snowmobiling when there is appropriate snow depth. Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails and in campground areas.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
The park is set along Sessions Lake and the Grand River (north border of the park).
The modern campground, perched on a hill, features two loops with mostly semi-secluded, wooded sites. Each site offers 30-amp electrical service, and a sanitation station is conveniently located. Swings, a sandbox and horseshoe pits are located in the campground. Recycling is also available.
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Experience Michigan's largest DNR equestrian campground, offering 46 spacious, shaded and grassy campsites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and picket posts, with select sites featuring corrals.
Enjoy convenient amenities like two manure pits and a 20x30 pavilion at the host site (#138) for group gatherings. Enhance your riding skills with our equine confidence course (10 challenges with bypasses) and a warm-up arena adjacent to the day-use staging area.
The equestrian campground and trails are maintained with the help of the Ionia Horse Trails Association.
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The park offers 16 rustic, hike-in campsites, accessible via an easy quarter-mile trail from the parking lot. Ten sites are nestled in the woods, five overlook Sessions Lake and one borders a tranquil creek.
Each site features a fire pit, picnic table and convenient access to vault toilets along the trail. Potable water is available from a hand pump. Please note: no electricity is provided at the campsite
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Choose between our two camper cabins, Walleye and Mallard. Each cabin comfortably sleeps up to six guests with two bedrooms featuring a bunk bed, full-size bed and futon. Amenities include a kitchenette, bathroom with shower, grill and fire pit. The camper cabins are accessible.
Enjoy private access to Sessions Lake with a personal deck, beach and canoe provided for each cabin.
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Monarch (formerly Cabin 32) and Cottontail (formerly Cabin 34), nestled within the modern campground and backing onto the woods, each accommodate up to four guests and two vehicles. These cabins feature a kitchenette (mini-fridge, microwave, coffee pot), a reclaimed wood hearth with electric stove, ceiling fan, USB outlets and a bar area. Sleeping arrangements include two bunk beds (full/twin) and bunk cots.
Enjoy a covered front porch, picnic table, fire pit and grill. Vault toilets are nearby, and the modern shower/toilet building is a short quarter-mile walk (open May 1-Oct. 30). A water spigot is within 200 feet.
Each cabin includes a canoe, life jackets and paddles, that are stored at Point Picnic Area (short drive). The key is available at the campground office
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
