About Ottawa Sands
Ottawa Sands is a stunning 345-acre park located within a 2,479-acre corridor of interconnected dune lands along the Grand River. This property showcases a diverse landscape of forested dunes, interdunal wetlands, an 80-acre inland lake, and riverfront wetlands. In 2024, the park underwent significant ecological enhancements and accessibility upgrades. Visitors can now enjoy a 1.6-mile paved loop trail around the lake, a day-use area with modern restrooms and convenient parking, and an accessible kayak launch providing direct access to the Sag of the Grand River. A highlight of the park is the Idema Explorers Camp, which features five yurts, three treehouses, and 10 tent sites.
Project News & Awards
- 2025 Park Design Award
Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks)
Read more - 2025 Award for Conservation
National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO)
Read more - 2025 Savvy Award
City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA)
Ottawa Sands Project Documentary - Ottawa Sands County Park Master Plan
- Paved 1.6 lake loop trail
- Modern restrooms
- Accessible kayak launch to the Sag of the Grand River
Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, inner tubes, and other watercraft are prohibited on the inland lake. - Benches
- Paved parking lot
- Idema Explorers Camp – Reservations now available!
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is committed to creating a legacy of expansive, accessible, and biodiverse natural communities for all to enjoy. All parks have varying levels of accessibility. At this park you will find:
- Universally accessible kayak launch on the Sag of the Grand River
- Paved parking lot with accessible spaces
- 24 benches
- 1.6-mile accessible trail loop
- No swimming. For the safety of park users, swimming will not be allowed until a safe beach and necessary support facilities are developed.
- Catch and release fishing only. Ottawa County Parks is partnering with the DNR and MSU Extension to study the lake’s fishery and may revise this rule in the future.
- No live bait. Live bait can introduce invasive species; only use artificial bait while fishing.
- Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, inner tubes, and other watercraft are prohibited on the inland lake. Watercraft can introduce invasive pests like zebra mussels, sea lamprey, and New Zealand mud snails. You may launch a kayak at the universally accessible kayak launch on “the Sag” of the Grand River.
- Hunting by special permit lottery only.
Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required
There are no entry or launch fees.
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Dogs are required to be leashed (10’ max) and under control at all times and are not permitted in buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, off-trail, or as posted. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Service dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted in all areas at any time.
Follow Park Rules
All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Features
- Paved 1.6 lake loop trail
- Modern restrooms
- Accessible kayak launch to the Sag of the Grand River
Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, inner tubes, and other watercraft are prohibited on the inland lake. - Benches
- Paved parking lot
- Idema Explorers Camp – Reservations now available!
Accessibility
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is committed to creating a legacy of expansive, accessible, and biodiverse natural communities for all to enjoy. All parks have varying levels of accessibility. At this park you will find:
- Universally accessible kayak launch on the Sag of the Grand River
- Paved parking lot with accessible spaces
- 24 benches
- 1.6-mile accessible trail loop
Requirements & Restrictions
- No swimming. For the safety of park users, swimming will not be allowed in the inland lake until a safe beach and necessary support facilities are developed.
- Catch and release fishing only. Ottawa County Parks is partnering with the DNR and MSU Extension to study the lake’s fishery and may revise this rule in the future.
- No live bait. Live bait can introduce invasive species; only use artificial bait while fishing.
- Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, inner tubes, and other watercraft are prohibited on the inland lake. Watercraft can introduce invasive pests like zebra mussels, sea lamprey, and New Zealand mud snails. You may launch a kayak at the universally accessible kayak launch on “the Sag” of the Grand River.
- Hunting by special permit lottery only.
Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required
There are no entry or launch fees.
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Dogs are required to be leashed (10’ max) and under control at all times and are not permitted in buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, off-trail, or as posted. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Service dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted in all areas at any time.
Dog Rules & Tips
Follow Park Rules
All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules
Ottawa Sands
Idema Explorers Camp
Yurts
Treehouses
