Looking for the best campgrounds near Kelleys Island, OH? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Kelleys Island. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Kelleys Island. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "
"Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."
GuideWe camp here at the beginning and end of the season where the bars are less crowded and the campground isn’t as booked.
These lakeside campsites are stunning and even the one tucked further into the park have a lot of options too. From open areas where it would be fun to book a couple sites with friends, and some secluded for more privacy.
We always stay lakeside because you cannot beat the view! We’ve stayed 103 and 114!
One hint: be we are on the cliffs of Lake Erie, some sites you might have to hunt for soft ground to stake your tent.
RangerI have been coming up to Kelleys Island for 39yrs and this year really tested my happiness. The campground has gone through quite a bit of changes over the last couple years and it's not entirely for the better. We stayed on the water front site directly next to the trail for the public beach. I do not recommend this site unless you want everyone to walk through the site at any time all day long. People do not respect quiet hours and leave their porch lights on in the cabins that now sit on the water front. There used to be VIPs that cleaned the park everyday and maintained everything. Not anymore and the park seems a little less friendly now. Golf carts are or were prohibited from entering the campground but now drive around the park all day long creating quite the ruckus and disturbing the beauty of nature. The bathrooms did get an upgrade of fixtures and super bright LED lights, but they took out the ADA accessible showers that had detachable shower heads and a bench to sit on in the shower. This beautiful well kept secret feels a lot like it's sister island Put-in-Bay now with all the rules stripped no care for the environment with partying all day. We did however have beautiful weather the entire time we were there. The site was clean but we noticed a lot of trees had been lost over the years and our camper sat in full sun all day long. They have replanted a tree that will cover the parking pad with shade in probably 10 years. The stairs to get to the public beach we decaying railroad ties that need some TLC but work. The dumpstation has moved to back of the campground by the old pet section which is nice and keeps the noise away from the rest of the park. They also stripped the Ranger program and no longer offer education hikes, movie nights, island history hikes, or the nature program. These were all favorites of mine as a child and made me appreciate the island more.
GuideIt was difficult to find pictures or reviews of the Findlay group sites. It honestly seemed to me that they didn't exist, so I thought I'd do the service of taking some pictures.
The group sites are away from the main campsites, so you should have plenty of space for your group to set up and enough distance between them to not disturb the peace if you have a large group. OGA2 is heavily forested, I'm not sure about OGA1. There are plenty of trees so both hammock and tent campers should be accommodated. The fire pit is large and there are 4 picnic tables.
The campsite is about 75 yards from the parking area, and there is a vault toilet right before the parking area.
GuideFirst notes... you have to take a ferry to the camp ground. Kelley’s Island Ferry in Marblehead. It is a few miles to camp ground so if you are renting and don’t bring a vehicle you will want to rent a golf cart. You can bring a car to the island.
The camp ground is away from the downtown(think small) a few restaurants and a general store and market.
Now for the campground. It is great right on Lake Erie. Most space have at least one tree. The tent only area has lots of shade. The bathrooms are relatively clean. The folks who oversee are actively there working on things. Cleaning marking reserved spots. You can reserve a spot ahead and I would absolutely do that during season. The island has space to launch kayaks a boat dock. Plenty of hiking bring your bike to see the whole thing via peddle power. There is a brewery and winery.
LegendGeneral: Large state park with 256 campsites, all with electric (20-30-50 amp) hookups. Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric). Also, there are a lodge and cabins. The park is very well maintained. This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it!
Site Quality: 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. Some have concrete pads for picnic tables, although the sites in our loop did not. A wooden picnic table and fire ring complete each site.
Restroom/Shower house: Very clean, however, bathhouses are shared between two loops. Each bathhouse only has two shower stalls, which may necessitate a wait when the campground is full. A hook and a small bench but nowhere to put soap/shampoo in the shower. Good warm water.
Activities/Amenities: So much to do! Several lakes are good for fishing or boating. Many trails, some grassy and some paved are good for walking, running, and biking. A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic. Bike rentals are available. A small camp store. Laundry facilities. Donuts and muffins on the weekends. Several playgrounds. Bird houses and feeders are located throughout the park and especially in the spring, you can hear many varieties of birds chirping (however, you will also experience the by-products of so many birds!). Excellent cell service (Verizon). There is also a dump station.
There was a warning that due to the proximity to an urban area campers, bikes, etc. should be locked up but I didn't feel that vibe.
We enjoyed two stays at this campground, once in September and once in May. Even though this large campground was full when we were there on a weekend in September, we did not feel overcrowded. There were many empty campsites when we were there during the week in May (the week before Memorial Day); we very much enjoyed our stay both times!
TravelerI recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children. Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)
The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.
The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.
GuideFindley state park is well maintained large park! We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating. About half the sites are for tent or dry camping. Half have electric and a few of those have full hookups. We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors.
Shower houses are clean. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Many musicians set up camp and would jam out for some live evening music! Everyone was so nice at the campground. We enjoyed our stay.
GuideVery nice campground, it’s large so if you’re walking around, remember to take a map. The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie, there are a few restaurants nearby. The sites vary in size, lots of shade trees where we camped. There are picnic tables and fire rings, some sites have FHUs, some standard electric, and of course, primitive.
TravelerTo reach Kelley's Island, you have to take the only ferry. Our round trip roundtrip fare for 3 adults and a vehicle was a around $100. It's around 25 mins across to the island. The island has about 500 full time residents. The road that runs up the center of the island, Division Street, starts a little west of the ferry stop and ends at the State Park. There are some small shops, restaurants, miniature golf, ice cream and fudge shops. There are golf cart rentals and lots of bikers and walkers on the island. You could walk the
The state park was beautiful. Filled with boaters, families and RVers. The bathrooms were clean, the park sold firewood and ice. There was an ice cream shop across from the entrance. Our tent spot was level. Quiet hours started at 11 pm. Unfortunately, people ignored it. I kept hoping the camp host would walk around and say something. Someone's car alarm went off at 5 am and the dogs got up and our day started. I would recommend watching the sunrise from the park benches at the water's edge. It was beautiful.
There were places to put your kayaks in as well as a boat launch by the park. People were fishing off the jetting that protects the swimming area.
It will get chilly at night, the sites on the edge of the water were windier. And bring your bug spray. Beautiful island, fun brewery on the island, sites are crowded. I would easily head back.
Tent camping near Kelleys Island, Ohio, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private parks to public campgrounds, there's something for everyone.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kelleys Island, OH is Maumee Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.
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