Lake Erie, a shimmering expanse of freshwater bordered by bustling cities and quaint towns, offers a diverse range of recreational activities, attracting visitors throughout the year. The Lake Erie Islands, particularly Kelleys, Middle Bass, and South Bass, are renowned as Ohio’s premier summer vacation destinations. However, the popularity of these islands often translates to quickly booked cabins and expensive hotel accommodations. For budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience, camping presents an appealing alternative. Fortunately, the region boasts a variety of campgrounds, from state-operated parks to privately owned facilities, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Let’s explore some of the best options for Where to Go Camping Near Lake Erie:
Island Escapes: Camping on the Lake Erie Islands
For those drawn to the unique charm of island life, the Lake Erie Islands offer several compelling camping options.
South Bass Island State Park: A Blend of Comfort and Wilderness
Nestled on the western shore of South Bass Island, South Bass Island State Park provides a diverse camping experience. The park features a range of campsites, including 10 full-service sites equipped with water, electric, and sewer hookups, perfect for RV travelers seeking convenience. For those preferring a more rustic experience, 125 primitive sites offer a traditional tent camping environment. For a unique twist, the park also offers four "&cabinets," structures that blend the features of a cabin and a tent, providing a slightly more sheltered experience.
Beyond the campsites, the park boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, providing ideal spots for outdoor meals. A covered picnic shelter offers respite from the sun or rain. Boaters will appreciate the convenient boat launch, allowing easy access to the lake for fishing and watersports. A fishing pier extends into the lake, offering opportunities to cast a line and try your luck at catching local species. A small stone beach provides a place to relax and enjoy the views.
For those wanting to explore the island beyond the park boundaries, golf carts are available for rent, making it easy to reach downtown Put-in-Bay and discover its restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- Address: 1523 Catawba Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA
- Phone: +1 419-285-2112
Fox’s Den Campground on South Bass Island: Family-Friendly and Convenient
Located near the island’s airport and the Miller’s Ferry Landing on the south side of South Bass Island, Fox’s Den Campground offers a cozy, family-owned camping experience. This campground provides both full-service and primitive campsites, catering to various camping styles. A modern shower house provides clean and convenient facilities for all campers.
Like South Bass Island State Park, Fox’s Den also offers golf cart rentals, making it easy to access Put-in-Bay’s vibrant downtown area. The campground is open from early May through mid-October, offering flexibility for planning your island getaway. Sites can be rented for a single night, a week, or even the entire season, making it a suitable option for both short visits and extended stays.
- Address: 140 Conlan Rd, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA
- Phone: +1 419-285-5001
Kelleys Island State Park: Yurts and Lakeside Relaxation
On the east side of Kelleys Island, Kelleys Island State Park provides a tranquil camping experience. The campground features 128 primitive tent campsites, perfect for those seeking a traditional outdoor adventure. For a unique and comfortable alternative, the park also offers four yurts – circular, canvas-covered structures that provide a more sheltered and spacious camping experience.
The park offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including a modern shower house. An amphitheater hosts occasional events and presentations. A large beach beckons visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Anglers will appreciate the fish cleaning station, making it easy to prepare their catch of the day.
- Address: 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
- Phone: +1 419-746-2546
Middle Bass Island State Park: A Quieter Retreat
For those seeking a more secluded and tranquil camping experience, Middle Bass Island State Park is an excellent choice. Located on the southern end of the island, this newer state park campground offers a quieter atmosphere compared to its counterparts on South Bass and Kelleys Islands.
The campground offers both primitive campsites for tent campers and overnight boat slips for those arriving by water. The park’s centerpiece is a 190-slip marina, catering to boating enthusiasts. Other amenities include a miniature golf course, picnic tables, a boat launch, and a small beach, providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Middle Bass Island is just a short boat ride away from the bustling attractions of Put-in-Bay, offering a balance of tranquility and accessibility.
- Address: 1719 Fox, Middle Bass, OH 43446, USA
- Phone: +1 419-285-0311
Mainland Camping Near Lake Erie: Convenience and Variety
For those who prefer to stay on the mainland, several campgrounds near Lake Erie offer convenient access to the lake and its surrounding attractions.
Camp Sandusky Campground: Fun for the Whole Family
Located just a short drive from the Jet Express dock and Cedar Point amusement park, Camp Sandusky Campground provides a family-friendly camping experience. The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including Amish-built cabins, tent campsites, and RV sites, all situated near the shores of Lake Erie.
Camp Sandusky boasts a wide array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Modern showers and restrooms provide convenience and comfort. A children’s playground keeps the little ones entertained, while a unique bunny farm offers a delightful animal encounter. A general store provides essential supplies, while a basketball court and swimming pool offer opportunities for recreation. A restaurant on-site provides convenient dining options, and a coin-operated laundry room ensures that campers can keep their clothes clean.
Camp Sandusky is open from June 1 through the first week of October. Pets are welcome in RVs, pop-ups, and the campground’s pet-friendly cabins, but are not permitted at the tent sites. The campground offers discounts to U.S. military personnel, AAA members, and Cedar Point season pass holders.
Crystal Rock Campground: Basic Comfort and Convenient Location
Situated just minutes from the Lake Erie ferries, Crystal Rock Campground offers a practical camping option for those seeking convenience and basic amenities. The campground provides RV and tent sites with varying levels of service, ranging from no services to electric-only hookups to full hookups with electric, cable, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. Basic cabins are also available for rent.
Crystal Rock is open from early April through October, offering flexibility for seasonal travelers. Sites can be rented for a single night, a week, a month, or the entire season. On-site facilities include restrooms/shower facilities, a general store, laundry facilities, a game room, and a playground.
Catawba Island State Park: Scenic Views and Easy Access
This small park, located right on the water’s edge and just minutes from the Port Clinton ferry terminal, Catawba Island State Park offers stunning views of Lake Erie and South Bass Island. The park provides a boat launch for easy access to the lake, ample space for picnicking, and designated areas for tent camping. Its proximity to East Harbor State Park means that you are just a short drive from the beach.
- Address: 4049 E Moores Dock Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-9704, USA
- Phone: +1 866-644-6727
Cedarlane RV Park: Family Fun and Comfortable Cabins
Open from May 1 through Oct. 15, Cedarlane RV Park offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabins for various durations, from a single night to the entire season. The park boasts a range of amenities, including four swimming pools, several modern shower houses, a gift shop and convenience store, basketball and shuffleboard courts, a games arcade, and a laundromat.
The cabins at Cedarlane sleep either four or six people and feature a kitchenette, an outdoor fire pit, a covered porch, and a room air conditioner. Smoking and pets are not permitted in the cabins. The campground’s location provides easy access to the Miller’s ferry terminal and is within walking distance of several Port Clinton restaurants and attractions.
- Address: 2766 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
- Phone: +1 419-797-9907
Tall Timbers Campground: Wooded Serenity and Family Activities
Located on a wooded property near Lake Erie’s shores, Tall Timbers Campground offers a natural and relaxing camping environment. The campground features 400 tent and permanent camping sites, providing ample space for visitors.
Tall Timbers provides Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Other amenities include a children’s playground, a pond with its own sandy beach, a general store, an outdoor movie theater, a laundromat, and fish cleaning facilities. Tall Timbers is open from May 1 through Nov. 15. RV rentals are also available. Campsites can be rented for a day, a week, a month, or the entire season.
- Address: 340 S Christy Chapel Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452-2506, USA
- Phone: +1 419-732-3938
Sandusky KOA Holiday Campground: A Classic Camping Experience
The Sandusky KOA Holiday Campground has been welcoming campers for over 40 years. Located right on Sandusky Bay, this campground is open from May 1 to the end of October each year.
The campground offers a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Sites can be rented for a day, a week, or the entire season. Amenities at KOA include a new pool area, a full basketball court, volleyball and horseshoe courts, a breakfast bar and snack shop, a swimming pool, and a fishing pier. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
- Address: E Shoreway Dr KOA, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
- Phone: +1 419-625-1495
River Retreat Campground: Fishing and Waterfront Access
Located in Port Clinton, River Retreat Campground offers nightly, weekly, and seasonal RV sites, as well as dockage for boats along the Portage River, which connects to Lake Erie. A few tent sites are also available. Amenities at this small family campground include modern restrooms and shower houses, a camp store, a fish cleaning station with electrical outlets, a children’s playground, a fishing marina, and a full calendar of special events.
River Retreat Campground is open from May 1 through the end of October. Pets are welcome.
When planning your camping trip near Lake Erie, consider your desired level of comfort, preferred activities, and budget. Whether you choose a secluded island escape or a convenient mainland location, the Lake Erie region offers a wealth of camping opportunities to suit every taste.
