You’re Invited: Idema Explorers Camp Grand Opening + Booking Now Available!

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 05/13/2025 10:06 AM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 13, 2025
Press Contact: Rylie Dorman
Download Pictures Here

⛺ Reservations are Now Open!

Start planning your stay—just in time for Memorial Day weekend! Campsites are available to reserve from May 23 and beyond on a rolling 12-month basis.

➡️ Visit miottawa.org/IEC to book your stay.

Join us for the Idema Explorers Camp Grand Opening

May 22 • 3 PM • Ottawa Sands County Park

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is excited to welcome the public to the Grand Opening of the Idema Explorers Camp—a nature-immersive campground nestled within Ottawa Sands County Park offering elevated treehouses, cozy yurts, and peaceful tent pad sites just steps from the Grand River.

Join us to celebrate the natural and cultural beauty of West Michigan and honor the generosity of the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation and family.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, May 22
🕒 Time: 3:00 – 6:00 PM (Remarks at 3:30 PM)
📍 Location: Ottawa Sands County Park
🚗 Parking: 18280 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg, MI 49409

Grand Opening Schedule:

3:00 PM – Guest arrival and welcome
3:30 PM – Remarks from project partners and local leaders
4:00–6:00 PM – Camp tours and open house

Book your stay on site with our staff!

About the Idema Explorers Camp

Located within the 345-acre Ottawa Sands County Park, the Idema Explorers Camp offers a unique overnight experience designed to connect visitors with nature in meaningful, adventurous ways. Made possible by a generous $3.48 million gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the camp is a key part of Ottawa County’s vision to expand nature-based recreation and access.

Accommodations include:

3 elevated treehouses
5 yurts
10 tent pad sites

🚴‍♀️ Camp Features & Nearby Attractions:

Universally accessible kayak launch on the Grand River
1.6-mile paved Lake Loop Trail
Access to over 2,400 acres of connected dune lands
Connections to regional trail systems
Bikeable distance to Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, and Grand Haven, featuring local dining, shops, and lakeshore charm

Let the adventures begin...happy camping!

Book Your Stay Today

Yurt Village at night in the Idema Explorers Camp. Photo by Anita Yoder.

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Operations, improvements and programs are funded by grants, private donations, and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you pay $26 annually investing in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you. Learn more about the 7,000 acres of park land in Ottawa County at miOttawa.org/Parks

Ottawa County Parks &
Recreation Commission

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