Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Idema Explorers Camp - Tent Sites

Pricing (per night)

This project was made possible thanks to a $3.48 million gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation. IEC operations and fees are guided by a business plan approved by the Parks Commission with a goal of not only being self-sustaining, but also setting aside funds for future renovations to the camp and park, allowing the Parks millage to be used for other projects. For this reason, rates are the same for residents and non-residents.

Facility Rules

All park rules established under Ordinance 94-3 as amended by Ordinance 17-1 are in effect in addition to the following rules for Idema Explorer's Camp:

• General Rules
  • No fireworks.
  • Smoking or vaping of any substance is prohibited in yurts, treehouses, campsites, bathrooms or any other part of the Idema Explorers Camp. Smoking is permitted in the parking lot.
  • Alcoholic beverages are permitted at your campsite, treehouse, or yurt only. However, excessive use or use of any illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. As solely determined by park staff, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, illegal drug use, obscene language, any disrespectful or rowdy behavior will result in immediate eviction without a refund.
  • Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the shared use areas of the camp and outside of the camp area.
  • Camping is limited to pre-established tent sites, yurts, or treehouses.
  • Moving picnic tables from other campsites is prohibited.
  • All trash must be deposited in a provided trash can or onsite dumpster. Do not leave trash bags unattended outside as they will attract animals that will make a mess of them.
  • The sink in the kitchenette of the 2 or 4 person treehouses and yurts drains only to a gray-water tank. Do not dump liquids other than the provided bottled water down these drains and please clean any dirty dishes in the camp kitchen located in the front of the restroom/shower house.
  • Please do not leave the camp area while doing laundry.
  • For stays longer than 5 days, a fresh set of linens will be provided on day 5.
• Pet Guidelines & Regulations
  • Pets are prohibited in any yurt, treehouse, bathroom building, or other on-site park buildings.
  • Dogs are permitted in a limited number of tent sites. Please be sure to reserve a pet-friendly site if you plan to bring your dog. There is a maximum of 2 dogs per site.
  • Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times and cannot be left unattended.
  • Dog owners must pick up after their pets.
  • Disability Service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 are always welcome. Please note that therapy or comfort animals do not qualify for special accommodations under the ADA.
• Camp Hours
  • Quiet time 10 pm - 7 am.
  • Check out time is at 11 am.
  • Check in time is at 3 pm.
  • Camp office hours are adjusted seasonally; please check the office for updated hours.
  • No non-registered guests permitted past 10 pm.
• Vehicles, Bicycles & Parking
  • 1 vehicle overnight per tent site.
  • 2 vehicles per yurt or treehouse.
  • Vehicles must be registered by license plate number at check-in.
  • No golf carts, ATVs, or other off-road vehicles.
  • Bike riding is restricted to paved paths only.
  • Bikes should be secured to the provided bike rack overnight and are not allowed at any campsite or deck.
• Booking & Cancellation
  • Maximum stay is 10 consecutive nights per tent site, yurt, or treehouse.
  • Premium rates are charged on Holidays including Memorial Day (4 days), Independence Day (4 days), Coast Guard Festival (10 days), Labor Day (4 days), Thanksgiving (2 days), Christmas (2 days), New Year’s (2 days), Valentine’s (1 day), Easter (1 day).
  • Weekend rates are in effect on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • All reservations on days subject to the holiday rate will require a minimum of a 2-day stay. The second day can be the non-holiday rate day before or after the holiday. Valentine’s Day and Easter are exempt from this requirement.
  • If a reservation is canceled more than 30 days from the check-in date, an 80% refund will be issued, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
  • Any cancellation made from 30 days to 1 day prior to the check-in date will be issued a refund minus the cost of the first night.
  • Any cancellation made less than 24 hours from check-in time will be issued a refund minus the cost of the first 2 nights if applicable. No refunds will be issued for reservations that are two days or less.
• People & Amenities per site
  • Each Yurt or Treehouse has a set specific number of occupants of either 2, 4, or 6 people based on accommodations. The specified occupancy may be exceeded by up to 2 people, however, bedding and linens are only provided for the specified occupancy number.
  • The maximum number of guests per tent site is 6.
  • Infants sleeping in a portable crib do not count towards maximum occupancy.
  • No more than one sleeping tent and one dining canopy per tent site.
• Firewood & Grilling
  • Firewood is available for purchase online when making your reservation or at the camp store. Firewood bundles are $4.75 each.
  • Outside firewood is not allowed due to possible infestation.
  • Collecting firewood from the park is prohibited. Fallen deadwood provides a home or nutrients to many plants and animals that live at the park.
  • Campfires are permitted in the provided fire rings only, and fires must be completely out before leaving the site or going to bed.
  • Propane grills and propane are provided for our yurt and treehouse guests.
  • Yurt and Treehouse guests may not bring their own grill.
  • Grills, hotplates, and camp stoves are not allowed indoors.
  • Tent campers may bring their own grill.
  • Hot ashes or spent coals must be deposited into a firepit.