Ionia Campground

4.46

398 reviews

Ionia Campground

Quick Facts

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Temporary closure: m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Temporary closure: m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Get Directions

Ionia Campground

$20.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee reported as $22 (standard) and $20 in off-season. Modern campsite amenities include 30-amp electrical service and access to...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 398 reviews

398 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanhiking

"Most visitors praise the scenic, quiet setting, large well-kept sites with brush separation, easy access to Sessions Lake (beach, swimming, fishing), and generally clean modern restrooms and showers. A minority of reviewers report issues with the bathhouse (water odor, limited number of restrooms) and occasional maintenance concerns."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Ionia Campground

$20 - $22/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) website.

Best Time to Camp at Ionia Campground

Each season paints Ionia with its own character. Spring mornings come alive with birdsong and blooming wildflowers dotting the trails, while summer invites you to enjoy warm days tempered by the cool shade of mature trees at your campsite. Fall arrives as a showstopper, setting the hardwood canopy ablaze with color that's worth the trip alone. Pack for typical Michigan weather—sunscreen for those sunny open sites in midsummer, and perhaps some bug spray for evening campfires in the woods.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Temporary closure: modern and equestrian campgrounds and mini cabins closed Sept. 9–Oct. 31, 2024 for planned toilet/shower building, sanitation station, drain field and electrical system upgrades (project delayed).

About Ionia Campground

Nestled near the inviting shores of Sessions Lake, Ionia Campground welcomes you with two thoughtfully designed loops featuring semi-secluded, tree-shaded sites with convenient paved pads. Each modern site comes equipped with 30-amp electrical service, while clean restrooms with hot showers and a sanitation station ensure your comfort throughout your stay.

Primary facility is a modern campground (full facilities) with paved pads, 30-amp electrical service, and a modern restroom/shower building; the recreation area also includes hike-in tent loops and equestrian camping nearby.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Ionia with its own character. Spring mornings come alive with birdsong and blooming wildflowers dotting the trails, while summer invites you to enjoy warm days tempered by the cool shade of mature trees at your campsite. Fall arrives as a showstopper, setting the hardwood canopy ablaze with color that's worth the trip alone. Pack for typical Michigan weather—sunscreen for those sunny open sites in midsummer, and perhaps some bug spray for evening campfires in the woods.

Natural Features and SceneryYour basecamp sits within the expansive 4,500-acre Ionia State Recreation Area, where rolling hills give way to peaceful meadows, dense hardwood forests, and tranquil wetlands. The Grand River's floodplain stretches for miles nearby, while Sessions Lake steals the show with its wooded shorelines and sandy swimming beach perfect for cooling off on warm afternoons. Lace up your hiking boots to explore the trails winding around the lake, keeping your eyes peeled for the incredible variety of birds that call this area home. Spring awakens the forest floor with carpets of wildflowers, while autumn transforms the hardwoods into a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and golds.

Geological RegionFlat to rolling terrain with open fields, mature hardwood forest, pine plantations and portions of Grand River floodplain; includes Sessions Lake and mixed hardwood hills.

Campsite details

Total Campsites100 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonTemporary closure: modern and equestrian campgrounds and mini cabins closed Sept. 9–Oct. 31, 2024 for planned toilet/shower building, sanitation station, drain field and electrical system upgrades (project delayed).

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Dump station

Flush toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Wide range of day-use and overnight recreation centered on Sessions Lake and the park's trail network.

Hiking

Multiple hiking trails including a roughly 4-mile lake loop and additional nature trails through rolling woods and fields; trails vary from easy lake loops to forested routes.

Fishing

Fishing available on Sessions Lake and along the Grand River floodplain; anglers fish from shore and non-motorized boats.

Swimming

Sandy swimming beach on Sessions Lake for family swimming and beach activities.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsWildlife such as raccoons frequent campsites (reported as nightly visitors); some trails—especially equestrian routes—are reported poorly marked, which can lead to navigation issues. Variable trail maintenance and occasional water/maintenance issues at facilities have been reported in reviews.

Weather at Ionia Campground

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 15.2 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsSome reviewers note problems with the bathhouse (water odor, aging/crumbling facilities) and report there may be limited restroom facilities for the campground. A few campers mentioned limited privacy at some sites and occasional maintenance/cleanliness issues with the bathhouse.

Campground Map

Ionia Campground

Located just off I-96 between Grand Rapids and Lansing (Ionia area), easily accessible from major highways.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5

398 reviews

Recommended

Ionia Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most visitors praise the scenic, quiet setting, large well-kept sites with brush separation, easy access to Sessions Lake (beach, swimming, fishing), and generally clean modern restrooms and showers. A minority of reviewers report issues with the bathhouse (water odor, limited number of restrooms) and occasional maintenance concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 398 reviews

What Campers Love

Large campsites with good separation/privacy; clean campground and well-kept grounds; easy access to beach, swimming, hiking, fishing, and disc golf; family-friendly and quiet atmosphere.

Based on 398 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early for lake-adjacent or more secluded sites; secure coolers and food (raccoons reported); consider that the campground can feel exposed at open sites and choose wooded or lake-edge sites for...

Based on 398 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Large sites with privacy between sites. Clean bathroom with multiple showers."; "Our favorite campground! Love the brush separation of most of the sites"; "Had to use restroom at 5 in morning and no...

Based on 398 reviews