Castalia, OH is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Castalia, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Ohio camping adventure.
East Harbor State Park Campground is the largest in the Ohio State Park system. It offers Full Hookup, Electric, Non-electric and ADA sites. Pets are permitted at all sites. Other options include a Yurt (ADA), two Sherman Cabins (one ADA cabin), and Group Camping. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (866) 644-6727. Located in Ohio on the sandy shores of Lake Erie awaits an enormous haven of fun, with tons of chances to recreate. Boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping all attract flocks of visitors to East Harbor State Park. Nature lovers will rejoice thanks to the dense population of waterfowl, shore birds, and other species of wildlife. Owing to the swampy, wetland climate, a host of migratory species regularly flock to the region. However, the land was not always this rich. It wasn’t until the draining of the Great Black Swamp that the land transformed into an agricultural oasis, producing regional varieties of fruits such as grapes and peaches. Before European Settlement, East Harbor region was home to Native American tribes like the Ottawa and Wyandot Tribes. Stemming from the translation “trader”, the Ottawa tribe earned its title due to the geographic location of East Harbor. During the period of Westward Expansion, this park’s acreage was first the heart of popular trade routes for Native Americans. As it developed, the region has long been valued for its recreational potential. In fact, Lake Erie is more similar (and exotic) to a tropical beach resort than you’d first think. This is due to the extensive range of plant and animal life, long sandy beaches, and the immense size of the lake itself. As a result of these factors, 1,831 acres were reserved and protected, to be known today as East Harbor State Park. Camping at East Harbor is readily available with 352 electric sites. Furthermore, there are 160 non-electric sites available for a cheaper nightly rate. There are also an additional 51 full hook-up sites for those in Recreational Vehicles. Working Nomads and Van Dwellers will be grateful to find Wifi Available, however there is a small fee to use it. Finally, there’s Dump Stations, Bathrooms, and Showers are routinely located throughout. For a more secure (and expensive) shelter option, there is one Yurt available for reservation. Book in advance, however, as it tends to be very competitive. If you’ve got furry friends, you can take a breath of relief as pets are permitted on all sites. Moreover, Bike rentals are available as well as games and sporting equipment from the camp office/lodge. Get outside with your friends (any number of legs invited) and enjoy everything that East Harbor State Park has to offer.
Campground closed for renovations starting Nov 2019
Camp Sandusky has offered great camping experiences for visitors to Sandusky, Ohio and Cedar Point for over 20 years. Just 6 miles to Cedar Point. Going to Cedar Point? Stay in an Amish cabin and relax around a campfire after your busy day. Bring your RV or tent and enjoy our level shady sites. We have recently increased the size of some of our sites. We have also added air-conditioning to four of our pet-friendly cabins. We will also be having more planned activities including outings to local attractions.
$23 - $105 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Legend
General: This campground is huge with a mix of FHU (some back-in and some pull-through), electric hookup, no hookup, group sites, cabins, and one yurt. On a Monday night in June, many of the sites were occupied.
Site Quality: All camper pads were paved and appeared level. Some sites were a little close together but there was reasonable separation and there was plenty of foliage. Site H3 was a good one as it had no site next to it on one side.
Bath/Shower house: In our loop, the bathhouse was clean. It took a while for the water to get hot but once it did, it was very hot. The water pressure was very good. The only problem with the shower was that water leaked out onto the floor outside and there always appeared to be a lot of water, which could pose a slipping hazard.
Activities/Amenities: A camper store and nature center, game room, laundry, dump station and potable water, disc golf, hiking trails, multi-use trails, marina (for large boats, not kayaks or SUPS), basketball, volleyball, archery, fish cleaning station. I think I mentioned everything!
We enjoyed our two-night stay here, and if/when we return, we would consider taking a ferry to some of the smaller islands nearby.
Scout
This park will accommodate any size travel trailer? Fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities. Great water, the only downfall is there's no shade. Showers and restrooms are updated and always clean.
Scout
Super nice people- small sites- bathroom/ shower cleaned - a interesting area by Lakerside which is an 1800s art with very nice restaurants and shops most closed after Labor Day / do not take your rv /small roads - skip Sandusky
Traveler
Eagle point is more rustic than the campground by the marina. Gravel pads, many on sloping ground. No way to know which sites might work for you until you look when you arrive. Someone did answer the phone, though, and let us move to another site.We had electric-only, by choice, for 2 nights. Water nearby. Not very many transient campers, but lots of "seasonal" to permanent-looking larger trailers. Quiet in our loop because only a few sites were occupied. Very nice bathroom and shower building. The dump station here is set up for emptying totes- not much room to park a trailer/RV for dumping at it. We drove to the dump station by the marina to have more room to work. Rinse water hose at the sewer opening had no water hose fitting on it (just a skinny brass angled spout), so no way to rinse our blackwater tank. Potable water was 40 feet away, but all water came out of a backflow preventer, so no way to use a hose. Disappointed with the dump station. Overall, it was fine for 2 nights. If you have a boat, there are lots of covers to explore on the lake. The water is very silty, and rather shallow in most places.
Ranger
This state island campground is more than expected! worth the ferry travel, a paradise kept secret. We stumbled upon this island by accident along our travels after Labor Day and we totally fell in love. The water front camping, swimming, boating, kayaking, historic sites, attractions and facilities are superb. Everything you need and more than you expect. We traveled in with our 34’ trailer. The ferry cost was a bit high, around $200 round trip for us, truck and camper….but it was worth it!! The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week especially after Labor Day, the weekend brings a larger crowd. Walking trails, sites, boating and swimming all available from campground. Sandy shallow beach with beautiful view. Ice, firewood and a store conveniently located at campground. The campground is small and sites a bit tight but spaced accordingly and comfortable. Two waterfront cabins and two yurts available for rent as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the island overall. The glacial grooves, limestone crusher, north loop trail, beach and boat launch all withing walking distance. We rented bikes downtown to explore rest of island, including winery, cantina and local bars. Counting the days to go back.
Guide
If you’re looking for a camping spot that mixes comfort with a touch of nature, Lighthouse Point Campground is just the place. I recently stayed at one of their Deluxe Patio Sites, and I’ve got to say, it was a fantastic experience.
GuideStayed 5 days. Had a FHU site, of which there's a lot here. That all worked fine. Almost no trees here. None of the usual painted lines on the pavement to indicate your site boundaries, which sucks. You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out.
Nothing seems enforced here, and I mean nothing. Rarely saw anyone patrolling the park, never saw any staff checking sites before the next camper came in. My site had dog droppings and cigarette butts in the firepit. Neighbors had FOUR vehicles on site, two more than the rules. Witnessed endless speeding and people going the wrong way on the roads. Without exaggerating, 80% of the cars were going too fast, 75% going the wrong way. No one seems to care or enforces anything. I think the supervisor here should be fired or retrained. I camp in 4 to 8 MI state parks per summer, this is the only one where it felt like no one cares.
They need some "wrong way" signs and "speed limit 10" signs. (15 is too high, cause 15 means 20 to people, 10 means 15... ). Then they need to care.
At least the bathrooms were clean.
You can get TV from Detroit or Toledo, and T-Mobile service was ok.
Groceries and many dining options not far off.
We're 50/50 on staying here ever again.
GuideWonderful views from site 117. We booked the last spot of the night. It was an easy pull through with water, electric, and sewer hookup. You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around.
Scout
Such a great place to camp. We had such an enjoyable trip. The campground was just incredible.
We visited with our family and really made
Some happy camping memories, which will always treasure. Our site was really pretty and we would visit again!
GuidePark on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point Amusement Park. Sites are very tightly packed. Park was mostly empty while we were there early in season. We camped at East Harbor State Park in a Motorhome. Sites in our section were back in and would be difficult to back a trailer into a site with a full campground.
Scout
This campground has been wonderfully updated! The owners have added in an additional playground, dog park, newly paved roadways, newly redone building, a new pavilion, fire pit, and boat parking! We love camping here every chance we get! It is convenient to the turnpike and Cedar Point is just a few miles away!
RangerVery popular campground, lots of people. Easy drive-up spots, fire pits, clean showers, bathrooms, and a camp shop. Really nice bike/walking bath out to the water.
TravelerThe campground was nice and the neighbors were quiet. The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground.
GuideWe booked a weekend trip here on a whim to visit some nearby attractions. After looking at the campground map, we chose a lakefront site in the Eagles Point area and were not disappointed! Beautiful views! Can bring your boat or kayak and drop in right from your site. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Staff were friendly and a ranger patrolled multiple times a day/night. We will definitely go back!
TravelerWalk right into the park or swim park! Literally the best way to stay ay Cedar Point!!! Very clean campground!
GuideNice campground, lots of sites, old style putt-putt but fun for kids. Well kept up and the staff were very nice to interact with. Close to some of the local attractions and sites. We plan to schedule future trips to Crystal Rock.
GuideThis campground was family friendly, dog friendly, and very clean. About 30 minutes from cedar point. Our only complaint and the reason we’re docking a star is because our site was right next to a giant generator that seems to run 24/7 and sites seemed a little tight. Otherwise we enjoyed this campground very much.
Scout
We spent a night here to celebrate my husbands birthday with a couple of our friends. The campground was great! It was well setup with lots of things to do. The only complaint I have is that the tent sites aren’t very well designated. There aren’t any markers showing where sites start and stop. We rented two sites next to each other and when we pulled up the one we were assigned was being used by someone else. Luckily the one on the other side was open so we could still set up next to each other, so it really wasn’t that big of a deal, but I’m sure if there were better markers/signage it wouldn’t have been a problem to begin with. Otherwise it’s a great campground, we are definitely planning on coming back with the kids. Lots of fun things to do.
Traveler
I had a fantastic and totally welcoming weekend at Maumee Bay State Park with my dog. First time taking him camping and I was so appreciative of the facilities at the campgrounds & the park - I was able to focus on making sure he was comfortable instead of worrying about anything else!
Campsite neighbors were very respectful - lots of RVers and large family groups. The park store was clean & efficient and the park itself offered coffee & donuts every morning for a dollar. Very sweet!
One item of note is that there are sooooo many mayflies around - flying, landing on you & your gear, and oftentimes covering the ground around the park. Totally fine if you’re not shy of bugs, but something to be mindful of.
TravelerFirst two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything
Good size sites, friendly staff, great beach and boat launch
Scout
The site is being renovated and a lot of work going on there. Bathrooms are terrible because of all the construction and minimal cleaning if they are even open at all. Staff is very new and friendly but this is not what we expected for a jellystone park. They didn’t have a yogi bear costume for my 2 little girls who were extremely disappointed. We had to tell them that he was sick. I will not be returning to this park for at least a few more years.
RangerWe spent two nights here on our trip to Michigan. We were quite pleased with the campsites and how large they are. You don't feel like you are close to anyone because most sites are surrounded by trees and shrubs. If you are looking to stay more than two nights keep in mind that there are only electric hook ups, so you have to fill your fresh water tank before you set up. Water fill stations are conveniently located throughout the campsite. Don't forget your bikes for this campsite! There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake.
Guide
The cliffside sites are absolutely beautiful. We stayed in 107 and the view is breathtaking! Bathrooms and shower house were good! Staff was very friendly. I wouldn’t suggest booking a cliffside site if you have small children. We also liked that the campground is gated. We will be going back!
RangerNice park very clean. Nice bike trails and large campsites. First time at Lake Erie don’t know if I would swim in it… but there is a large beach as well.
TravelerI had made reservations several months ahead of time, drove 6 hours just to get there and find the people in a neighboring site had their stuff into my site. I went to the office and the staff called a camp host to “evaluate” the host then came and told me he could move the fire ring and I could just put my tent there. No! I went back to the site, thinking maybe I could talk to the other people, and a group of them got up and started moving more things clearly into my site and threatening me. I went back to the store, crying asked for a refund. I left. Never did get all my money back. Will never return.
TravelerStaff/owner are so kind and accommodating. I can’t say enough about them. I had reservations at a different campground, but once I got there had to leave, I called crystal rock and the lady was so so kind, got me a site and gave me directions .Bathroom/shower house very clean. Lots of family activities. I stayed in a tent site and had ample space. Close proximity to cedar point and other attractions. I absolutely love this place and am so glad I called. Can’t wait to go back!
TravelerWe stayed on the Eaglepiont side. It’s opposite the main campground up the mile about .5 mile. The sites are not as modern but have more trees and natural beauty. The main campground is most cement pads and no shade. The Messerly Recreation building had some fun things for kids on Saturday and bingo on Saturday night.
Overall nice place and not far off the Highway!
Camping near Castalia, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful parks to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.
Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails at Mohican State Park Campground. Reviewers love the proximity to hiking and mountain biking trails. One camper mentioned, "Close to hiking, MTB trails, canoeing. Sites are generally level with ample spacing."
Water Activities: Enjoy canoeing and kayaking at Mohican Adventures Campground and Cabins. A visitor shared, "We had a ton of shade at our site in mid July and could hang out really comfortably! Lord for the kids to do including an indoor pool and fishing at the pond!"
Amusement Parks: If you’re looking for thrills, Cedar Point Amusement Park is nearby. Campers at East Harbor State Park Campground appreciate the location, stating, "Park on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point Amusement Park."
Camping near Castalia, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Castalia, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Castalia, OH is East Harbor State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 50 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Castalia, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Castalia, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
