Best Campgrounds near Ionia, MI

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Ionia, MI has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ionia, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Ionia, MI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ionia, Michigan (111)

    1. Ionia State Recreation Area — Ionia Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 527-3750

    $24 / night

    "We just got back from Ionia State Campground, and we had the most lovely time! First of all, I did some research ahead of time to find a more private camping spot, and ours did not disappoint."

    "Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone. "

    2. Bertha Brock County Park

    6 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 522-7275

    $15 / night

    "Nestled right outside the city of ionia. To enter the park you cross a historic bridge. There is dispersed camping. Out house bathrooms."

    "Relatively close to town if you need to purchase food or other gear. Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray!"

    3. Lakeside Resort

    2 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 527-3216

    "The campground was fantastic with lake, trails, pool, and great people. There was even a car show the weekend we went."

    "Trails are great for hiking and biking."

    4. Snow Lake Kampground

    5 Reviews
    Belding, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 248-3224

    "A quiet, relaxing place to get away from city noise."

    5. Alice Springs RV Park & Resort

    3 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 527-1608

    $65 - $80 / night

    6. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8534

    "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"

    "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"

    7. Ionia County Ionia Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Ionia, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (616) 527-1310

    8. Maple River Campground

    3 Reviews
    Pewamo, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 981-6792

    "September 9th 2017 I hosted a Kayak/Canoe trip and we used this location for our landing and camping. It was a great little location that even had some river side cabins you could rent."

    "They do have ice and firewood for sale there, but there isn’t a little store so you have to leave the campground and drive a few miles for that (so just do your best to remember everything!)"

    9. Wabasis Lake County Park

    10 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8056

    "There are a few downsides:

    1. Because it's so close to Grand Rapids and some other cities, it typically is full on the weekends. Booking a site can be troublesome."

    "However, we were able to get a hold of the staff the next day, we were refunded for our first night, and had a great second night at Wabasis Lake staying in the camper cabins."

    10. Tyler Creek

    8 Reviews
    Freeport, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 868-6751

    $28 - $50 / night

    "Recently, I inherited a pop up camper and chose this place to be my first location to try it out. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Our site was nice with electric and water hookups."

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Recent Reviews near Ionia, MI

447 Reviews of 111 Ionia Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Crockery Creek RV Park

    Rude and unprofessional

    The little owners wife racially profiled my kids friends mom,  in front of the kids!!!!!!  Ha!  She tried accusing us of sneaking in their pool.  That's hilarious,  because we paid $3700.00 for a seasonal.  The pool is actually small and it was oily and full of hair.  Being off Apple Ave,  it's  loud and hard to relax.  My husband had a tragic workplace accident,  so we weren't able to get to the camper in a few weeks.  The owner called him multiple times at once,  being aggressive with his tone,  trying to get us to pull our camper so they can rent that spot out.  They must be desperate for money.  They should try reading up on the law.  Their website lies about their amenities,  they had no fish all season and their pond was disgusting.

  • James V.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Steamboat Park Campground

    Wonderful, well thought through campground.

    I have had a very enjoyable stay. The river location is quite nice and the grounds are very well cared for. The site(and all sites, as far as I can see) are quite level. The bathrooms are not just clean and well maintained, but the shower rooms also have a dedicated sink and toilet, which I much appreciate. The washer and dryers in the bathhouse are brand new and take credit cards. While it is near a regional airport, there is close to no air traffic and no commercial traffic I noticed. Overall, probably one of the top 5 campgrounds I have encountered, if the list was for being up to date, well thought out and well provisioned. Everything was top notch.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

  • Chris R.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Tyler Creek

    Absolutely garbage

    Had a reservation for 6 months and the day we were to arrive, we were told we could not have the site we prepared for because someone else wanted to stay longer.  Management has the right to alter your reservation without your consent or the courtesy of a phone call.  When questioned, the owner treated us like garbage and was rude as hell.  Would never recommend this place to anyone, stay away!!!

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    We’ve stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    River Ridge RV Resort

    Nobody could help us

    Fri night 6 pm the office was closed, guard shack was closed. The girl at the convenience store, said come back Monday, maybe they would be open

  • linda F.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Snow Lake Kampground

    There are to many rules to keep up with.

    This campground used to be great. I don't know what happened I believe they have so many seasonal that they have become the bread and butter. Don't seem to care bout weekender. Every time you turn around there's another rule and/ or fee. It has gotten to the point we no longer enjoy the place. We will never come back! I understand having rules but this is ridiculous. They advertise all these amenities but ya got to pay for it all as well as the site rental. They have gone downhill in customer service. The office staff is very rude as well as the campground seasonal that patrol and watch your every move.

  • Andrew F.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Big Bend Park

    Would not recommend

    Would not recommend. Upkeep is minimal and cleanliness is almost non-existent. Rules are rarely enforced and seasonal campers think they are above the law.


Guide to Ionia

Camping near Ionia, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great spot. Friend rented out two plots in the rustic campsites," highlighting the area's natural beauty and trails.
  • Fishing: Head to Newaygo State Park Campground for fishing opportunities. A camper shared, "We had a great time fishing, walking the trails, playing at the playground," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Walnut Hills Family Campground. One family noted, "We also brought our kayaks and spent a couple days on the river," emphasizing the fun water activities available.

What campers like:

  • Seclusion: Campers appreciate the privacy at Sherman City Acres. A happy camper said, "If you enjoy camping without the crowd, this is an ideal location."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities at Walnut Hills Family Campground. One reviewer exclaimed, "The bounce thingy on the pond" was a hit with the kids.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities at Fort Custer Recreation Area. A visitor remarked, "The showers and bathrooms are fine," which is always a plus when camping.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Newaygo State Park Campground noted, "Two nights of brain damaging laughter and frivolity by campsite 21 ruined the whole experience."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Lake Michigan Campground has no showers or firewood available, as one camper pointed out, "No fire rings at the beach sites."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Grand Haven State Park Campground advised, "This place is always booked pretty quick," so it's wise to reserve your spot early.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. At Walnut Hills Family Campground, families can enjoy swimming, volleyball, and paddle boat rentals. One parent shared, "Very family friendly and great atmosphere."
  • Choose Secluded Sites: For a quieter experience, opt for campgrounds like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, where one camper found, "Walk-in site F was literally the perfect campsite. Fully secluded."
  • Pack for All Weather: Michigan weather can be unpredictable. A visitor at Newaygo State Park Campground mentioned, "It is quite loud early morning and sometimes late into the night," so be prepared for varying conditions.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Fort Custer Recreation Area noted, "Some of the campsites are very close together," which can be a concern for larger RVs.
  • Bring Your Own Fire Pit: Many campgrounds, like Lake Michigan Campground, do not provide fire rings. A camper advised, "Bring a portable if you want a fire."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. A visitor at Hoffmaster State Park Campground mentioned, "Verizon and T-Mobile service sucks here," so download maps and information ahead of time.

Camping near Ionia, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Ionia, Michigan?

Ionia, Michigan offers several camping options. Bertha Brock County Park is located just outside the city, featuring dispersed camping areas, outhouse facilities, and is situated near a small river with a historic bridge at the entrance. Other nearby options include Alice Springs RV Park & Resort which offers RV-friendly amenities, and the Ionia County Fairgrounds which provides camping facilities. For those seeking additional options, Maple River Campground and Snow Lake Kampground are within driving distance of Ionia.

Where is Ionia State Recreation Area camping located?

Ionia State Recreation Area is located in Ionia County, Michigan, just outside the city of Ionia. The recreation area encompasses over 4,500 acres of natural landscape with a mix of forests, meadows, and a lake. It's easily accessible from M-21 highway, making it a convenient destination for campers in central Michigan. The park features numerous outdoor recreational opportunities including a beach on Sessions Lake, hiking trails, and a disc golf course.

Are there any campgrounds near Ionia, MI for families?

Yes, several family-friendly campgrounds are located near Ionia. Cedar Springs RV Resort is excellent for families, offering planned activities for children including weekend barrel train rides and hay rides, a playground, and a sandy swimming area. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is another great option, featuring a large lake (Lake Ovid) for fishing, accessible fishing docks, and is conveniently located near shopping centers. Families also enjoy Wabasis Lake County Park and Scalley Lake Park Campground which offer water activities and various recreational amenities.