Ionia Group Camp

Star4.45
418 reviews
Ionia Group Camp
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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

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Michigan
Provider
(616) 527-3750
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 418 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."

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Campground Map

Ionia Group Camp

Ionia Group Camp

42.9448, -85.1151

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

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Beach, swimming, paddling, hiking and biking make summer a strong season here.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in MI

Hardwood forests 'burst into brilliant autumn colors'; fall is described as truly special.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings trails and wildlife viewing, but beach/swim are less active until summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter-specific amenities or activities highlighted; cold season likely limited use.

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.
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    Amenities available

    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    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.
    HikingSeveral 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.
    FishingFishing opportunities on Sessions Lake and other in-park waters.
    SwimmingLarge sandy swimming beach at Sessions Lake.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTrail 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

    Reviews

    4.5
    418 reviews
    Recommended
    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 418 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 418 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...
    Show more
    Based on 418 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Great campground. Large sites with privacy between sites."; "The state has neglected the crumbling bath house. Water had strong odor."
    Based on 418 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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