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Best Tent Camping near Ionia, MI

414 Reviews

The rolling farmlands and wooded areas surrounding Ionia, Michigan provide several options for tent camping within a 30-mile radius. Camp Clear Sky, located about 25 miles west of Ionia, offers four tent-only sites with an outdoor kitchen, running water, and flush toilets. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, situated approximately 30 miles west of Ionia, features spacious walk-in tent sites in wooded areas. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Deerfield Nature Park in Mount Pleasant provides hike-in tent sites accessible by a one-mile trail or by boat.

Most tent campgrounds in the Ionia region feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Camp Clear Sky provides unexpected conveniences for tent campers including drinking water and flush toilets, while maintaining a rustic atmosphere. At Allendale KOA, tent sites are set on flat, well-maintained ground with access to clean shower facilities and bathrooms, though some visitors note bathroom maintenance issues. Deerfield Nature Park offers more primitive tent camping with pit toilets and requires campers to pack in their own supplies. Fire rings are available at most locations, with firewood sold on-site at several campgrounds. Seasonal operation varies, with East Lake Camping open from May 1 to October 1, while Allendale KOA remains open year-round.

Tent campers visiting the Ionia area frequently comment on the peaceful atmosphere at local campgrounds. According to reviews, the tent sites at Allendale KOA are "perfectly spacious" and situated in "a nice wooded area to just sit and look at the stars at night." One camper at Camp Clear Sky noted the "unexpected amenities" including an outdoor kitchen with running water. At Deerfield Nature Park, visitors appreciate the seclusion of the backcountry tent camping experience, with one camper describing it as "very peaceful" with "only 10 sites." The park's proximity to kayak landings makes it popular for water-based activities. While most tent campgrounds near Ionia are family-oriented with activities for children, they still provide quiet environments for tent campers seeking a more natural experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Ionia, Michigan (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ionia, MI

2 Photos of 12 Ionia Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ionia, MI

414 Reviews of 12 Ionia Campgrounds

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    There is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    Primitive Sites!

    We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

    Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

    Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • R. B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Newaygo State Park Campground

    Nice views, somewhat rustic sites

    We live in Kalamazoo and wanted a quick trip out in the tent for a long weekend. We chose the park for it's proximity to home and because of nearby kayak/canoe launches. We enjoy rustic camping and were a little let down with the lack of seclusion on each site (that's to be expected when car camping but the photos and website left us hopeful for more space than was offered). The sites are deep but many are close together. Ours had a little extra room but was next to the vault toilet. There are a few trails in the park that are pleasant and the views of the lake are nice. The staff at the time wasn't very helpful when we asked for nearby hikes. They only knew of a paved trail but on our way out of town we met a couple who told us of many river trails and other hikes nearby. Overall it's a decent place to stay. Personally, I don't find it worth it to have vault toilets and no shower if I'm still going to be in a fairly cramped campground. I'd prefer that they have hike-in sites or offer the amenities of car camping.

  • Jami M.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Bertha Brock County Park

    Natural

    Peaceful. But off of m21 and located not too far from ionia county correctional facility (jail). Very beautiful but buggy.

  • Aaron Y.
    Jul. 28, 2018

    Ed H. Henning Park

    Nickel n Dimer

    Was $85 for a rustic, no electric, tent only site. Granted it WAS labor day weekend so ya know. Holiday rates. But even so. That was the cheapest method. Then there's a parking fee per day on top of your site fee that was also $6/day at the time. Great place to camp but not worth THAT MUCH just to pitch a tent for 2 nights.

  • J
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Nice place to camp

    Nice sites, very well organized for privacy. Trees and shrubs dividing sites. The lake is a couple miles away from campground, only 20 miles per hour if I recall. No alcohol permitted

Guide to Ionia

Tent camping near Ionia, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Camp Clear Sky, guests can enjoy a charming outdoor kitchen and the company of friendly chickens, making for a unique camping experience.
  • Nature's Chain of Lakes Campground is perfect for families, featuring a well-maintained environment and friendly staff, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
  • For a more adventurous experience, Deerfield Nature Park offers a peaceful atmosphere accessible by a scenic hike or boat, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for tent camping near Ionia

  • Be prepared for a cozy stay at East Lake Camping, where sites are small but well-kept, providing a friendly atmosphere among seasonal campers.
  • If you're looking for a campground with essential amenities, Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground offers drinking water and electric hookups, though be mindful of the strict rules and management.
  • For a more rustic experience, consider Moon Lake Campground, which has a history of camping sites, though recent reviews suggest it may have changed over the years.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

  • Expect to pay around $20 for a night at Camp Clear Sky, which provides a range of amenities including drinking water and picnic tables.
  • Rates at Nature's Chain of Lakes Campground are typically around $30, offering a family-friendly environment with plenty of activities.
  • For a more budget-friendly option, East Lake Camping has sites available for approximately $25, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ionia, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ionia, MI is Camp Clear Sky with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ionia, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Ionia, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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