Lake Erie's shoreline near Martin, Ohio offers accessible camping options from April through October when average temperatures range from 55°F to 85°F. The region combines coastal terrain with wetland ecosystems, providing habitat for migratory birds and aquatic wildlife. Campgrounds in the area typically sit 580-600 feet above sea level, with minimal elevation changes throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Birding opportunities: Maumee Bay State Park provides extensive wildlife viewing opportunities. "One of my favorite things about this campground is that your spots are close together which is great for safety, however with the bushes and brush, it feels super private. My grandparents were in the site next to me in their camper and I had to walk a ways to see their spot," notes Kayla H. The park maintains several trails specifically for birding enthusiasts.
Kayaking and paddling: Sterling State Park Campground features a smaller inland lake perfect for beginners. According to Debra B., "Nice state park with clean bathrooms. Bike and walking trails. Also has a smaller lake good for kayaking and fishing. It has a boat ramp to put into Lake Erie. Not a lot of shade on the sites!"
Boardwalk exploration: Explore wetland ecosystems via maintained boardwalks. "The most well kept, private, beautiful campground I've been to so far. I've been a camper my whole life but a year ago the wife and I purchased a new camper with the goal of seeing a new campground each time we camped," says Daniel U. about Maumee Bay State Park Campground. "We were truly amazed at the park, the HUGE beach on lake Erie, the inland Beach, the 2-mile boardwalk through the wetlands, the Big Hill, and the nature center."
Lighthouse visits: The region offers several historic lighthouses within short drives from campgrounds. "The island is beautiful and we hope that you can enjoy it! P.S. Check local deals on Groupon or Lake Erie Shores and Islands websites to save a bit on your trip," suggests Rebecca F. about Kelleys Island, which provides access to nearby lighthouse structures.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: South Bass Island State Park Campground offers tent sites with exceptional isolation. "Both tent camping and RV/Trailer camping. A few Yurts to rent also which are somewhat isolated from the other camping areas. The sites along the cliff overlooking the lake have fabulous views but are ONLY for tents and one should NOT camp there with small kids," writes Stephen S.
Well-maintained facilities: Visitors appreciate the clean, updated shower facilities. "The bathhouse is clean and in good condition. Sandy beach on Lake Erie is very nice," reports Joe S. about Sterling State Park. Most campgrounds provide regular cleaning schedules for shower facilities.
Yurt camping options: Kelleys Island State Park Campground provides yurt rentals for those seeking glamping near Martin, Ohio. "Camp was well kept, clean, and helpful staff. Our campsite was easy to find and backed in with no problems. Our site was pretty open because it was one on the end in the back of the campgrounds," notes Rebecca F. The park's yurts maintain electricity and basic furnishings.
Ferry experiences: The boat transportation adds adventure to the camping experience. "The ferry ride it takes to access this state park island is well worth the time and fees! Fun beach side restaurants, dirt roads and pretty beaches," explains Erin H. about reaching Kelleys Island State Park, where luxury yurt camping near Martin is available.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Several campgrounds report significant insect populations. "Nice little campground, offers both places for tent camping and RV camping. Lots to do, bike trails, walking paths, jet ski rentals, etc," writes Noah R. about Maumee Bay. Multiple reviewers recommend bringing sufficient bug spray, particularly for evening hours.
Limited shower facilities: Some larger campgrounds have restricted shower availability. "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," explains Lee D. about Maumee Bay State Park.
Noise levels vary significantly: Crystal Rock Campground and others experience varying noise levels depending on location. "NOISE!!!! If you are looking for a quiet getaway go somewhere else. The campground is right on a heavily traveled roadway and seemed to be on a major ATV trail as well. The ATV's were racing up and down the trail as well as just sitting and revving their engines," warns Wendi R.
Marshy conditions: Spring camping may encounter saturated grounds. Jeffery R. notes about Maumee Bay: "We stayed there in early May, we didn't have reservations so they had three sites open. We took the driest spot we could find. The ground was soft and marshy. Other than that is was a nice place."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated playgrounds. "The campground has a beach and playground. You can also purchase wood. Yurts are available for rent," notes Erin H. about Kelleys Island, making it suitable for families seeking yurt camping around Martin, Ohio.
Beach safety: East Harbor State Park Campground offers protected swimming areas. "I enjoy this campground because there are lots of great spots to choose from. I love the ability to walk or bike to the beach," shares Jaclyn B. The campground maintains designated swimming areas with gradual depth changes.
Flashlight activities: Evening wildlife viewing provides kid-friendly entertainment. "I enjoy walking to the pond at night and flashlight frogs. Typically there are a lot of raccoons so keep your food locked up tight," warns Jaclyn B. about East Harbor State Park.
Weather preparation: Evening temperatures can drop significantly even during summer. Kayla H. advises about Maumee Bay: "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require additional leveling. "Concrete pads. Level! Full hookups were simple to use," notes Chuck E. about Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point. Other campgrounds may require additional effort for proper leveling.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying hookup configurations. "Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric). Also, there are a lodge and cabins," explains Lee D. about Maumee Bay State Park. RVers should confirm specific hookup details when making reservations.
Dump station access: Campgrounds maintain varying dump station arrangements. "Have waste water stations and a potable water station. Plenty of park area and sites were spaced average apart. 2 dump stations are well graded so everything drains well," reports Timothy G. about Kelleys Island State Park.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in privacy levels. "Large state park with 256 campsites, all with electric (20-30-50 amp) hookups," notes Lee D. "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."
