Michigan,  Travel

Inside Look At the Modern Ionia State Park Cabins

If you have been wondering which MI State Parks have cabins, look no further than the Ionia State Recreation Area. Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country, and Ionia Recreation State Park is no exception. Located in the heart of Michigan, this park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational activities to choose from, making it the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.

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Ionia State Recreation Area

Ionia Recreation State Park is located just a short drive from Grand Rapids and Lansing. The park is situated in Ionia County, near the city of Ionia, and is easily accessible from major highways and roads. The park is surrounded by beautiful countryside and rolling hills, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With over 4,500 acres you will surely be left speechless with the amount of natural beauty. Given it’s location along the Grand River floodplain, the Ionia State Recreation Area is also a great location for birding as there are almost 200 species identified by the Audubon Society.

Ionia State Recreation Area Entrance Sign - Michigan State Park
Entrance sign

Whether you’re a local or a visitor from out of town, Ionia Recreation State Park is an excellent destination for your next outdoor adventure.

Ionia State Park Cabins

For those looking for a little more luxury in their camping experience, the park offers two beautiful cabins, the Walleye and Mallard. These modern Ionia State Park cabins come fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen, ADA- accessible bathroom, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Wake up to the sound of nature, and spend your days exploring the park, before returning to the comfort of your cabin in the evening.

Each cabin sleeps 6 people. There are two bedrooms (one with a bunk bed and the other has a full-size bed) and one futon located in the living area. PLEASE NOTE *You will have to bring your own bedding or sleeping bags and pets are not allowed at the cabins.

Outside, both Ionia State Park cabins come with their own grill, fire pit, canoe, their own deck, and a private beach on Sessions Lake. (There are life jackets for your use inside the cabin.)

Both of the Ionia State Park cabins face northeast which allows for amazing sunrises on Sessions Lake.

View of the sunrise on Sessions Lake Ionia MI
Sunrise on Sessions Lake

Sessions Lake Ionia MI

In addition to the lake activities, Ionia Recreation State Park also offers a beautiful beach area on Sessions Lake. The beach area is the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing on hot summer days. The crystal clear water and soft sand make it a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The lake beach area is supervised by lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring that visitors can swim and play safely. You can also rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore the lake or take a leisurely stroll around the beach area.

Sessions Lake Ionia MI

The beach area is also equipped with picnic tables, grills and restrooms for your convenience. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or a romantic getaway, the beach at Sessions Lake is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are a water enthusiasts, it is also a great spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Ionia State Park Trails

One of the best things about the park is its extensive trail system. With 3.5 miles of hiking trails looped within the park, nine miles designated for mountain bike trails, 15 miles of horse trails there’s something for everyone. The trails take you through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests to open meadows, giving you the chance to experience the best of Michigan’s natural beauty.

Ionia State Park Trails
Ionia State Recreation Area Trails

If you visit in the winter, they also have three designated trail loops for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. (Must be four inches or more of snow on the ground.)

If your mom lives for outdoor adventures, check out our list of over 40 items she’s sure to love!

Sessions Lake Campground

This Ionia State Park campground is a great option for visitors looking to spend a night or more at the park. The campground has over 100 campsites, which can accommodate both tents and RVs, and they also offer mini cabins as well. The campsites are well-maintained and equipped with electric and water hook-ups, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are also modern restroom facilities and showers available for campers. The campground is open from April to October and reservations are recommended.

Sessions Lake Campground Mini Cabins - Ionia MI
Ionia State Recreation Area Mini Cabin

The campground offers different types of campsites such as standard, full hookup and group camping. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a more open area with lake views, you’ll find a campsite that’s just right for you. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along for the adventure.

Click Here For Ionia State Recreation Park Reservations

Ionia Recreation State Park is filled with its natural beauty, recreational activities, a family-friendly atmosphere, and it’s the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure. But the park isn’t just for adventure seekers. It’s also a great place to spend a relaxing day with the family. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic areas or let the kids burn off some energy on the playground.

So pack your bags, and head to Ionia for a memorable outdoor experience. If you have any questions about visiting Ionia State Recreation Area, please feel free to let us know in the comments below.

18 Comments

  • Morayma

    I loved this post and all the wonderful photos! I have a bit of an obsession with cabin vacations, so I will have to remember modern Ionia State Park cabins for the future. What a lovely and relaxing place this looks to be!

    • Trisha

      Thank you! The Walleye cabin was a great option for our family. While we also love tent camping, having beds to sleep in and your own indoor bathroom was a huge bonus!

    • Trisha

      My favorite part about them is both the Walleye and the Mallard cabins are right next to each other. Went went there with friends and there was ample space between and plenty of room so our kids could play together.

  • Sandi

    We made our first trip to Michagan this winter – to the upper penninsula — it was pretty cold! Ionia State Park looks lovely, maybe on our next visit.

    • Trisha

      Haha! Yeah, you’re brave if you venture to the upper peninsula during the winter. 😉 I hope you are able to come back and enjoy some of the lower peninsula when it’s a little warmer.

    • Trisha

      I couldn’t agree more! Having modern cabins available at Ionia State Park is a fantastic option for families looking to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only do the cabins provide a comfortable and convenient accommodation option, but they also allow for longer stays and more immersive experiences in the park. I think it’s wonderful that Ionia State Park is taking steps to make nature more accessible to everyone.

  • Stacey Billingsley

    I love staying in accommodations like this! The cabins are adorable. Ionia State Park looks like a fun place to visit. It looks like such a beautiful area and so relaxing. I’m ready to start visiting places like this again when spring comes!

    • Trisha

      The cabins at Ionia State Park provide such a cozy and comfortable place to stay during a nature-filled vacation. The park itself is a wonderful destination for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Springtime would be the perfect time to visit and explore the park’s many attractions. I hope you have a fantastic time on your upcoming trip and get to enjoy all the beauty and tranquility that Ionia State Park has to offer!

    • Trisha

      Us too! I love that they are adapting with the times and offering different places to stay like cabins, yurts, lodges, and safari tents. Now I want to go book them all!

    • Trisha

      I’m glad you like the look of these cabins! They are a great option for those who enjoy the comforts of home while still being immersed in nature. And I couldn’t agree more about the location – Ionia State Park is truly a gem of an area to explore. With its natural beauty, varied terrain, and range of activities available, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

    • Trisha

      The cabins are cozy, comfortable, and provide the perfect home base for all your outdoor adventures. We hope you get the chance to stay there soon and make even more amazing memories!

    • Trisha

      The cabins at Ionia State Park are not only spacious and functional but also provide a great opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of nature. We highly recommend booking a stay and experiencing it for yourself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

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