Idema Explorers Camp

The Idema Explorers Camp, located within the expansive 345-acre Ottawa Sands County Park in Ferrysburg, Michigan, offers a distinctive and immersive outdoor experience for local users and visitors alike. As a premier destination in the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, it stands out by providing a variety of accommodations that cater to diverse preferences, from traditional tent camping to the more unique and comfortable options of yurts and treehouses. This thoughtfully designed camp aims to connect individuals with the natural beauty of West Michigan, offering a gateway to exploration and relaxation.

The environment surrounding Idema Explorers Camp is one of its most compelling features. Situated near the confluence of the Grand River and Lake Michigan, the camp benefits from a rich and varied landscape. Guests can enjoy a diverse terrain that includes forested dunes, an 80-acre inland lake, interdunal wetlands, and riverfront land. The park itself boasts a 1.6-mile paved Lake Loop Trail, offering accessible pathways for walking, running, and biking. Beyond the immediate camp boundaries, the location provides seamless connections to regional trail systems, including the Idema Explorers Trail, North Ottawa Dunes, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. This extensive network allows for prolonged adventures, whether it's hiking through scenic natural habitats or cycling to nearby charming towns. The proximity to Lake Michigan at North Beach Park means convenient access to the vast freshwater expanse for swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities. The Grand River also offers opportunities for kayaking, with a universally accessible kayak launch available directly on site. This blend of lake, river, and extensive trail systems ensures a dynamic outdoor experience for every visitor.

Idema Explorers Camp is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient stay, blending the rustic appeal of camping with essential modern amenities. The camp offers three primary types of lodging:

• Treehouses: Three elevated treehouses provide a unique and elevated camping experience. These range in size, accommodating two, four, or six guests, making them suitable for romantic getaways or family adventures. Each treehouse includes a kitchenette with a gray-water tank (for which only provided bottled water should be used), and propane grills are supplied for cooking.
• Yurts: Five cozy yurts are available, also designed to accommodate varying group sizes. Similar to the treehouses, yurts are equipped with propane grills and have kitchenette sinks for light use.
• Tent Pad Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, ten pre-established tent pad sites are available near the river. Tent campers are permitted to bring their own grills and are encouraged to utilize the communal camp kitchen for dishwashing.

Beyond the individual accommodations, the camp features clean and modern restroom and shower facilities, ensuring comfort during your stay. A camp store is on-site, offering convenience for any forgotten essentials, including the purchase of firewood bundles (outside firewood is prohibited to prevent infestation). Shared use spaces foster a sense of community among campers. For longer stays exceeding five days in yurts or treehouses, a fresh set of linens is provided on day five. Quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 7 AM, promoting a peaceful environment for all guests. Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM.

What truly distinguishes Idema Explorers Camp within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category are its unique features and seamless integration with the surrounding recreational opportunities. The camp is not just a place to sleep; it's a basecamp for exploration. Its direct connections to regional hiking and biking trails mean that adventure starts right from your doorstep. The paved 1.6-mile Lake Loop Trail within Ottawa Sands County Park itself is universally accessible, complete with accessible benches. The camp's strategic location offers bikeable access to nearby downtown areas like Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, and Grand Haven. These charming towns provide local eateries, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores, allowing campers to easily venture out for a meal or some local shopping. The camp also benefits from being part of the Grand River Greenway, a 9,000-acre corridor of public land offering diverse wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities. This makes the Idema Explorers Camp a key ending point for those traveling the Grand River Greenway by biking, hiking, or paddling from areas like Grand Rapids. The design of the camp and its amenities reflect a commitment to accessibility and sustainability, with features like the universally accessible kayak launch.

Idema Explorers Camp is a newly opened destination, with its grand opening celebrated recently. Reservations are currently open and are taken on a rolling 12-month basis. Guests can book their stay through the Ottawa County Parks website. Pricing varies by season and day of the week, with weekday and weekend rates, and premium rates applied during holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Coast Guard Festival, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, and Easter.

Regarding cancellations, a 10% cancellation fee is applied for total cancellations made 30 days or more before check-in for yurts and treehouses, with all other fees refunded. Cancellations made less than 30 days before check-in for these accommodations will not receive a refund. For tent sites, cancellations made 30 days or more in advance incur a 10% fee, while cancellations 10-29 days before check-in are subject to a 50% fee. No refund is given for tent site cancellations made less than 10 days before check-in. It is important to note that exceptions are not offered for weather, illness, travel issues, or similar extenuating circumstances, and guests concerned about these possibilities are advised to purchase trip insurance. However, if the facility becomes unavailable due to a natural disaster, pandemic, government restriction, or maintenance issue, guests will be offered a 90% or 100% refund, or the option to reschedule without additional cost. Maximum stay duration is 10 consecutive nights per site or accommodation.

The Idema Explorers Camp represents a significant investment in nature-based recreation, made possible by a generous gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation. This financial backing underscores the commitment to providing a high-quality, nature-immersive experience for all visitors. The camp's mission aligns with the broader vision of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation to expand access to outdoor activities and preserve natural beauty. For those seeking an unforgettable camping experience that combines natural beauty with modern comforts and abundant recreational opportunities, Idema Explorers Camp is an ideal choice within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" sector.