Ionia Equestrian Campground

4.68

27 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

846 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Campground scheduled...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

846 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Campground scheduled...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Ionia Equestrian Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee per site.

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

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive (many 5‑star Google reviews), praising the trails and equestrian facilities; occasional maintenance issues are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ionia Equestrian Campground

42.9403, -85.1164

Best Time to Camp at Ionia Equestrian Campground

Experience the full beauty of southern Michigan's seasons here, from lush spring greenery to spectacular fall colors that paint the forest in brilliant reds and golds. Summer brings warm days perfect for trail riding, though you'll want to pack insect repellent for those Michigan mosquitoes. Be sure to check the DNR's seasonal schedule before planning your visit, as the campground follows posted opening and closing dates.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm days, full trail access and lake swimming make summer appealing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Reviewers praise spectacular fall colors; note campground closure Sept 9–Oct 31, 2024 for upgrades.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in MI

Lush spring greenery and trail use make spring attractive for riding and hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

No winter‑sport infrastructure mentioned; winter is quieter and less activity‑focused.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Campground scheduled to be closed Sept. 9–Oct. 31, 2024 for delayed upgrades to toilet/shower building, sanitation station, drain field and electrical system (per DNR notice).

About Ionia Equestrian Campground

Welcome to the DNR's crown jewel for horse camping! With 46 generously-sized sites nestled under a canopy of shade trees, this equestrian haven comes fully equipped with corrals or picket posts, convenient water hydrants, manure disposal areas, and a welcoming pavilion. Step directly from your campsite onto 15 miles of scenic trails, plus challenge yourself and your horse on the unique equine confidence course.

Equestrian-focused, rustic campground with 46 sites and equine facilities (corrals, picket posts, manure pits, arena and confidence course).

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full beauty of southern Michigan's seasons here, from lush spring greenery to spectacular fall colors that paint the forest in brilliant reds and golds. Summer brings warm days perfect for trail riding, though you'll want to pack insect repellent for those Michigan mosquitoes. Be sure to check the DNR's seasonal schedule before planning your visit, as the campground follows posted opening and closing dates.

Natural Features and ScenerySet within the beautiful Ionia State Recreation Area, your camping experience unfolds among towering hardwoods, sun-dappled meadows, and peaceful wetlands. Miles of wooded riding trails wind through diverse terrain, giving you and your horse plenty to explore. When you're ready for a change of pace, the park's tranquil lake and the nearby Grand River corridor offer fishing, paddling, and waterside relaxation just a short distance from your site.

Geological RegionRolling, wooded country along the Grand River corridor and around a small man-made lake with mixed hardwood forest, open meadows, and wetlands (Ionia State Recreation Area).

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary focus is equestrian use: 15 miles of dedicated Ionia Equestrian Trails, an equine confidence course (10 challenges), an arena adjacent to the day-use staging area, and corrals/picket posts at many sites. Park-level recreation includes lake swimming, beach use, boating and fishing.

HikingMulti-use trails in the recreation area allow hiking, though the trail network is often described in visitor reports as oriented to equestrian use and can be confusingly signed in places.

FishingVisitors report good fishing opportunities in the park's waters (lake and associated waterbodies).

SwimmingPark has a man-made lake with a large sandy beach used for swimming.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoorly marked equestrian trails can lead to riders getting lost; mid-summer bugs (mosquitoes) can be significant. Occasional reports of non-potable water at a campground spigot have been noted by visitors. Horses frequently pass adjacent campsites—take precautions with animals and livestock equipment.

Weather at Ionia Equestrian Campground

Reviews

4.7

27 reviews

Top-Rated

Ionia Equestrian Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive (many 5‑star Google reviews), praising the trails and equestrian facilities; occasional maintenance issues are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors repeatedly praise the extensive, beautiful trails, the arena, the equine confidence course, corrals/picket posts at sites, and shady, spacious campsites.

Based on 27 reviews