Ionia Recreation Area

Ionia State Recreation Area is located in south central Michigan. It features 46 spacious, grassy, shaded campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire ring supplied. Thirteen of the sites have 12×12 corrals, see the IHTA website for more information. There are two freshwater hydrants located within camp. The Ionia Horse Trails Association has created an Equine Confidence Course adjacent to camp, and installed an arena next to the Day Staging area. Phase 1 of the Confidence Course wraps part of the campground and features 10 challenges for you and your equine partner. Each challenge also has a by-pass for those who choose not to do an obstacle. Phase 2, when complete, will continue the wrap of the campground and extend to the arena area, connecting Day Staging to the Course. Ionia has roughly 15 miles of horse trails, boasting a great water crossing and a nice wooden bridge. The trails are laid out in an “irregular oval” with multiple trails connecting the north side to the south side, allowing for many options to configure your ride. This helps each ride be unique from the last! The Ionia Horse Trails Association hosts a Forbidden Trails Ride each June, a member only ride, and a Chili Cookoff in October. Both events include games and activities for you and your horse. The Forbidden Trails Ride opens up another 6 miles of trails that are not open to the public the rest of the year. Thank you IHTA for all of your contribution to our trail riding and camping experience here in the state of Michigan.

Location

Region: Southcentral
Location: Ionia

Managed by: DNR

Day Staging and Campground

Trail Info

Trail Miles: 15
Trail Rating: Easy
Other Users: Hikers
Hunting: Yes

Trail Association: Ionia Horse Trails Association

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Trail Overview

Campground

Electric: No
Picket Poles: Yes
Corrals: Some sites
Water: Hand Pump
Toilet: Vault

Reservations