Reservations are now open for the Idema Explorers Camp. Book your stay today!





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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 13, 2025
Press Contact: Rylie Dorman <[email protected]>
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 *⛺ 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 [ [link removed] ] to book your stay. 

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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 [ [link removed] ] 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!  [ [link removed] ]

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*About the Idema Explorers Camp*

Located within the 345-acre Ottawa Sands County Park, the Idema Explorers Camp [ [link removed] ] 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! 

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*Book Your Stay Today* [ [link removed] ]

Idema Explorers Camp at Night

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

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*"Images included with this press release may be reproduced for editorial use."*

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Operations, improvements and programs are funded by grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], 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 [ [link removed] ]

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Ottawa County Parks &
Recreation Commission



 

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The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson John Teeples | Vice-Chairperson Josh Brugger | Jordan Jorritsma | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Phil Kuyers | Doug Zylstra | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel 

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