Ionia Group Camp

4.46

398 reviews

Ionia Group Camp

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Ionia Group Camp

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee: contact the park for current rates. To reserve the group camp area, please call (616) 527-3750.

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

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Michigan

Provider

(616) 527-3750

What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 398 reviews

398 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspacioushiking

"Reviews are largely positive: visitors praise cleanliness, large/private sites, family-friendly atmosphere, easy access to Sessions Lake (beach, swimming, paddling), hiking and disc golf. Some reviewers raise concerns about bathhouse condition, water odor, and limited restroom availability."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Ionia Group Camp

Fall transforms this recreation area into something truly special—the hardwood forests burst into brilliant autumn colors while the cooler temperatures mean you'll often have the trails largely to yourself. Whether you're hiking beneath a canopy of gold and crimson or enjoying crisp evenings around the campfire, autumn offers some of the most rewarding experiences here.

Spring (Mar-May)

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

Summer (Jun-Aug)

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

Best

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

About Ionia Group Camp

Escape with your group to this rustic camping haven nestled within the expansive 4,500-acre Ionia State Recreation Area. Reserved exclusively for your party through a simple park phone call, this back-to-basics retreat offers vault toilets and unplugged camping, while putting you steps away from scenic trails and the serene waters of Sessions Lake.

Designated as a rustic group-use campground area; typically reserved as a single group area rather than by individual numbered sites.

Weather and SeasonsFall transforms this recreation area into something truly special—the hardwood forests burst into brilliant autumn colors while the cooler temperatures mean you'll often have the trails largely to yourself. Whether you're hiking beneath a canopy of gold and crimson or enjoying crisp evenings around the campfire, autumn offers some of the most rewarding experiences here.

Natural Features and SceneryYour basecamp sits surrounded by a stunning tapestry of Michigan landscapes—rolling hills give way to sun-dappled meadows, mature hardwoods tower alongside fragrant pine groves, and winding streams meander through pristine wetlands toward the Grand River floodplain. Sessions Lake sparkles as your centerpiece, framed by wooded overlooks perfect for morning coffee or sunset watching. Wildflowers carpet the landscape in season, while the diverse habitats attract an impressive community of wildlife. Birding enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that over 199 species have been spotted here, from wetland waders to forest songbirds.

Campsite details

Total Campsites0 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com; group-camp reservations are made by calling (616) 527-3750

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities available in the Ionia State Recreation Area near the group camp include hiking (trails around Sessions Lake), swimming (sandy beach), non-motorized boating and paddling, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife and bird watching, and seasonal skiing on trails.

Hiking

Several trails including an approximately 4-mile loop around Sessions Lake with wooded overlooks and side paths to the water; additional nature and multi-use trails provide easy access from camping areas.

Fishing

Fishing opportunities on Sessions Lake and other in-park waters.

Swimming

Large sandy swimming beach at Sessions Lake.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsTrail signage can be poor in places, increasing the chance of getting off-route on hiking or equestrian trails. Typical wildlife (including raccoons) is present; campers should secure food. Cell coverage at specific sites is not documented and may be variable.

Weather at Ionia Group Camp

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 69%

Wind: 13.8 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsAging bathhouse and occasional water odor; limited number of restroom/shower facilities for the campground; one reviewer reported lack of lights at restroom early in the morning; occasional raccoon activity around coolers.

Campground Map

Ionia Group Camp

Park is located near I-96; the recreation area lies between Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5

398 reviews

Recommended

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

Reviews are largely positive: visitors praise cleanliness, large/private sites, family-friendly atmosphere, easy access to Sessions Lake (beach, swimming, paddling), hiking and disc golf. Some reviewers raise concerns about bathhouse condition, water odor, and limited restroom availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 398 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean, well-kept campground; spacious sites with brush separation for privacy; good beach, hiking trails, fishing and disc golf; family-friendly.

Based on 398 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve the group camp by calling (616) 527-3750. Bring a lantern for night trips to restrooms if concerned about lighting, secure food/coolers against raccoons, and carry a map or GPS for poorly...

Based on 398 reviews