Fremont, Ohio campsites offer access to Lake Erie's southern shore where limestone bedrock creates unique camping terrain. The area experiences warm summers with average highs of 82°F in July and cooler spring and fall seasons that extend the camping season from April through October. Many campgrounds maintain sandy paths through wooded areas that provide natural shade during summer months.
What to do
Birding at wildlife preserves: East Harbor State Park Campground provides excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout its grounds. "I enjoy walking to the pond at night and flashlight frogs... It is a great place for birding, fishing, boating and close to marblehead lighthouse and the ferries," notes Jaclyn B.
Boating and water access: Kelleys Island State Park Campground features multiple water access points for boats and paddlers. "The campground has a little bay which works out great for having a small boat, jet-ski, and also a small swimming area," explains Rebecca F. The park offers direct shoreline access with boat-in campsites.
Biking island roads: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers extensive riding options. "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths," notes Kayla H. The campground rents bicycles on-site for visitors who arrive without their own.
Winter sports: Some parks remain open year-round with seasonal activities. "I came cross country skiing here in early January and it was absolutely amazing. It is cold but the terrain is simple for first time skiers," writes Kevin T. about Van Buren State Park's winter trails.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: East Harbor State Park Campground offers varying site sizes with good separation. "Site D10 was massive, had a creek running alongside of it. And was hidden behind lots of trees," reports Brendan B. The campground's mature trees provide natural buffers between sites.
Structured amenities: Crystal Rock Campground maintains organized facilities. "Everyone in the office is so polite and courteous, the grounds, office, bathrooms, and showers are spotless, tons of amenities and close to the highway but far enough away for a little hideaway of awesomeness," writes Matt W.
Quiet off-season camping: South Bass Island State Park Campground offers a different experience outside peak times. "Beautiful place, well kept, lots of sites overlooking the lake and a lot of shade. The island is pretty well known as a party island so we generally only camp here off-season now," advises Daniel U.
Island camping atmosphere: Kelleys Island State Park provides a remote island experience. "No city lights and being in the middle of the lake means lots of stars, the sounds of water and being so dark you can barely see. Awesome place to explore," shares Daniel U.
What you should know
Ferry planning required: For island campgrounds, transportation timing matters. "The slow ferry to the island (Miller) is the car ferry and it has free parking if you can leave your vehicle behind on the mainland... If you do take your vehicle over note that the wait time to bring it back on a Sunday while usually 2 to 3 hours can also be up to 6 hours," warns Stephen S. at South Bass Island.
Weekend vs. weekday experience: Island campgrounds have different atmospheres depending on timing. "Mid week during the summer season is the best time for those who aren't into 24 hour partying and weren't able to snag a cliff side camp site," advises Stephen S.
Site selection impacts stay: Crystal Rock Campground requires careful planning. "We were packed in like sardines! Their were tent sites right next to RV sites which From what I've seen isn't usually the norm. There are about 120 or so sites in the lower section of the camp all sharing one bathroom," reports Austin R.
Weather considerations: Lake Erie creates unique camping conditions. "Even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets," advises Kayla H.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point offers family-friendly amenities. "Walk right into the park or swim park! Literally the best way to stay at Cedar Point!!! Very clean campground!" explains Malinda B. The location provides direct access to amusement parks.
Kid-friendly activities: Crystal Rock Campground provides numerous options for children. "Our daughter really loved the sandbox, and the playground was great! We even did a little gem mining! The display for the bag contents were really neat too. Our daughter wanted to stay forever!" shares Crystal J.
Beach access options: Maumee Bay State Park offers multiple swimming areas. "Several lakes are good for fishing or boating... a beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic. Bike rentals are available," notes Lee D.
Yurt camping for families: East Harbor State Park offers alternative accommodations for families seeking yurt camping near Fremont, Ohio. "The key is site selection at East Harbor...we happened to be in section C which was a newer section of the park. Section C was nice, though in hot sunny days there is very little shade to protect you," advises Mark S.
Tips from RVers
Extended-stay benefits: Van Buren State Park Campground offers simple but effective amenities. "All sites are very generous in size and appear to be spaced with a decent amount of space apart with foliage providing varying levels of privacy. Some have beautiful trees that in peak fall color would be stunning. All camper pads are paved and long enough to accommodate large RVs," reports Lee D.
Hookup availability: Lighthouse Point provides premium services. "Concrete pads. Level! Full hookups were simple to use. The pool area was super clean. One of the thinks I liked best was there was a garbage can on every site! If you can, get a super patio site," recommends Chuck E.
RV site positioning: When considering yurt camping or RVing near Fremont, Ohio, South Bass Island offers specific site information. "There are no electric RV sites with a cliff-edge view. We stayed in Site 46, which was next to the restroom and just fair. The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling)," advises T S.
Dump station access: Kelleys Island State Park provides important services. "They have dumping stations that are easy to use and also running water at the station. The island is beautiful and we hope that you can enjoy it!" shares Rebecca F.
