Ionia Recreation Area

06/16/2026

02/25/2026

At this time the park is completely booked, cabins and campsites, for the weekend of the Ionia Freak Fair. To our knowledge all of the other local campgrounds that take reservations are also full. The closest state parks to our location are Sleepy Hollow State Park and Yankee Springs. All reservations are done through the Central Reservation System, (800-447-2757), local park staff can not help with reservations.

02/12/2026

It's come to our attention that a certain local singer will be hosting a festival at the end of August at the Ionia Free Fair grounds. Our phones have rang off the hook about camping reservations!

Campground reservations can be made 6 months in advance, by calling 800-447-2757 or going to https://midnrreservations.com/

Both Beachwood and the Modern campground will be open. Limit of 6 people per campsite. A responsible person (18 years of age or older) must register and must be a member of the party camping each night. Quiet hours are 10:00pm to 8:00. Check in time is 3:00 pm.

There are a couple other local private campgrounds as well if the park fills for that weekend, Alice Springs RV Park and Resort and Lakeside Resort Campground.

02/12/2026

DNR urges holiday weekend snowmobile, ORV and ice safety Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/11/2026 02:00 PM EST Share or view as webpage | Update preferences DNR News Feb. 11, 2026Contact: Acting 2nd Lt. Mike Hearn, [email protected] DNR urges holiday weekend snowmo...

02/11/2026

Enjoy Free Fishing Weekend February 14-15th!

Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan's premier outdoor activities, Michigan fishing, for FREE!
All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.
A Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekends.

Going ice fishing during the February Free Fishing Weekend? Make sure to review our ice safety tips:
Your safety is your responsibility! There is not a reliable "inch-thickness" to determine if ice is safe.
You can test ice thickness and quality using a spud, needle bar or auger.
Strongest ice: clear with bluish tint.
Weak ice: ice formed by melted and refrozen snow. Appears milky.
Stay off ice with slush on top. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is not freezing from the bottom.
A sudden cold front with low temperatures can create cracks within a half-day.
A warm spell may take several days to weaken ice, and cause the ice to thaw during the day and refreeze at night.
Ice weakens with age.
If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, be extra cautious.
Stronger the current on the lake, the more likely the ice will give to open water.
Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush.
Keep an eye out for dock bubblers or de-icers as the ice near these mechanisms will be unsafe. Always check the ice and be aware of your surroundings.

Photos Credit: AJ Hookset

02/09/2026

02/04/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend to help our feathered friends? Check this opportunity out!

Join MUCC's On the Ground program in maintaining wood duck nest boxes and re-decking a cross bridge

02/02/2026

Currently the beach gates are locked and public access is limited. We have two contractors working out of the beach on the powerlines and the beach building. To prevent further loss of materials and vandalism the hard choice was made to lock the gates. The lake is still accessible from the boat launch and staff is plowing that lot and the day use lot adjacent to it. When work is finished and the contractors are done we will reopen the beach for use. Any questions please call the park at 616-527-3750 and ask to speak with the supervisor Trevor McGinn.

01/13/2026

We are looking for a few good seasonal team members to join us for the 2026 use season! Job duties include mowing, landscaping, cleaning restrooms and facilities, customer service and facilities maintenance. Email [email protected] for information and an application.

01/06/2026

Today is the last day for voting! Please click the link and vote for ISRA!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DJbHbJxda/