Best Campgrounds near Put-in-Bay, OH

Camping in the Put-in-Bay area centers on South Bass Island State Park, a lakeside destination offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations overlooking Lake Erie. The island setting provides a distinctive camping experience within the western basin of Lake Erie, with several campgrounds available along the coast and nearby mainland areas including Kelleys Island State Park, East Harbor State Park, and Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point. Most facilities maintain electrical hookups, showers, and designated swimming areas within a short distance of the popular vacation town.

Ferry access represents the primary consideration when planning a Put-in-Bay camping trip, as all island campgrounds require water transport from the mainland. "We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites at South Bass Island State Park and had the most enjoyable time. The site was on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie," noted one visitor. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with many facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are essential, particularly for lakefront sites which often book six months in advance. Golf carts serve as the primary transportation method on South Bass Island, with rentals widely available for campers to access downtown areas approximately 1.5 miles from the state park.

Waterfront campsites consistently receive the highest praise, particularly the cliff-edge tent sites at South Bass Island State Park offering unobstructed sunset views over Lake Erie. Many campers highlight the unique experience of having fire rings positioned directly on limestone cliffs. According to one camper, "The sites on the cliffs are fantastic but any site will do. Great location if you want to camp on the island." Weekends tend to bring larger crowds and noise due to Put-in-Bay's reputation as a party destination, with many visitors recommending mid-week or off-season stays for those seeking quieter experiences. The campgrounds provide convenient access to swimming areas, hiking trails, and historical attractions including Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, creating a balanced outdoor experience beyond the island's well-known nightlife.

Best Camping Sites Near Put-in-Bay, Ohio (83)

    1. East Harbor State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 734-4424

    "The wild life In the area was abundant making hikes in the afternoon great especially near sunset when the deer in the area started to come out."

    "I love the ability to walk or bike to the beach. The camp store has all the necessities you may have forgotten. I enjoy walking to the pond at night and flashlight frogs."

    2. Kelleys Island State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 746-2546

    "Located right on the water, with beautiful views of Lake Erie. Well maintained campground, although the bathrooms had limited number of toilets. I usually had to wait to get a stall."

    "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."

    3. South Bass Island State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Put-in-Bay, OH
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (419) 285-2112

    "This is a beautiful place to stay when visiting put-in-bay. You are secluded from the party central street but a golf cart away if you wanted to join the festivities."

    "It's close to Put in Bay - famous for it's bar scene. If you're good at trekking, everything on the island is walking distance, but if you can bring it a bike would make for much quicker trips."

    4. Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point

    15 Reviews
    Sandusky, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 627-2350

    $150 - $500 / night

    "Great location! Situated adjacent to Iron Vengeance roller coaster and across the parking lot from the water park. You can see the coasters and hear the screams from your rig!"

    "Not really camping but staying in your camper next to an amazing amusement park."

    5. Crystal Rock Campground - Sandusky, OH

    15 Reviews
    Castalia, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 684-7177

    $32 - $1 / night

    "We did stay in a Travel Trailer next to seasonal campers and they were very kind and helpful. The lot size was ok...not spacious but not as small as I've experienced."

    "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"

    6. Sandusky-Bayshore KOA

    17 Reviews
    Sandusky, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 625-1495

    "It's location is amazing for getting around the area. We took trips to Vermillion, Put-in-Bay and Cedar Point. All within about 30 - 60 minutes of driving."

    "Nice site in Northern Ohio!"

    7. Cedarlane RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Put-in-Bay, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 797-9907

    "Due to covid our family decided to go to Lake Erie instead of the ocean this year. this was our first trip up. While looking for places to stay we came across cedarlane and were so glad we did."

    "This place is big and plenty of different things to do perfect location"

    8. Tall Timbers Campground

    4 Reviews
    Castalia, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 515-5004

    $55 / night

    9. Fort Firelands RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 734-1237

    "This is a quiet campground near Lake Erie. The campground seems like it’s mainly seasonal but they did have some transient camping and tent sites. We stayed at site 156."

    "We were on the end (which is always a plus for us), and were able to see Lake Erie! Very Quiet, but not much really goes on when it is raining."

    10. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    "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."

    "This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "

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Recent Reviews near Put-in-Bay, OH

427 Reviews of 83 Put-in-Bay Campgrounds


  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    White Star Park Campground

    Great stopping point

    Nice little campground just outside of the small town of Gibsonburg Ohio. Great stopping point on a cross country road trip. Very quiet. Basic but nice facilities. Showers and bathrooms. Fire pits.

  • Dillon H.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Wooded Acres Campground

    peaceful, friendly, clean, quiet pretty great

    New ownership’s about two months ago lots of upgrades new roads, new activities super nice place

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Service Plaza - Blue Heron Overnight Parking

    A rest area with electric

    This is a convenient place to pull over and sleep for the night with cheap electric- 20 dollars for the night. There’s a Starbucks in the service center.

  • Jay L.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Cold Creek Trout Camp

    Not the same as app says

    App says 17$ and the guy when I called told me 40$ a night

  • Dean N.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Spacious campground with nice beach on Lake Erie

    Ohio’s largest state park. Can accommodate big rigs. Most sites are electric, a few with full hookups. Many pull through sites. Very scenic

  • Dean N.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point

    Nice RV park but it is expensive

    Nice RV sites. Can accommodate big rigs. Beautiful landscaping. Right on Sandusky bay.

  • S
    Sep. 12, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Nice hiking, camp sites do not have a lake view, but the trails do

    Huge campground, sites close, no showers, lots of activities. Only a few sites have water .

  • Daniel G.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Inland Acres

    Great place to camp!

    I had a great time at this location. It was clean, had everything that was needed and was a perfect location near the lake. I'll be sure to stay here again in the future!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA

    First KOA

    Nice campground, gravel semi level spot. Full hookup but sewer connection was at very back of spot. We used dump station.


Guide to Put-in-Bay

Ferry access isn't the only consideration for Put-in-Bay camping. The area around western Lake Erie features several mainland camping options within 20-40 minutes of ferry docks, alongside the island accommodations. During summer, temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall bring cooler 50-65°F temperatures with less crowded conditions. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with mainland locations offering extended seasons compared to the island options.

What to do

Hiking and nature exploration: Maumee Bay State Park Campground offers extensive boardwalks through wetlands and nature trails. "A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic. Several trails, some grassy and some paved are good for walking, running, and biking," notes Lee D.

Water recreation: Lake Erie provides multiple swimming options at various campgrounds. At Crystal Rock Campground, campers can enjoy designated swimming areas with family amenities. According to Jeffrey C., "They have a great splash pad and wading pool for kids," making it ideal for families with younger children.

Historical sites: The region contains numerous historical attractions within driving distance of campgrounds. At Kelleys Island, visitors can explore unique geological features alongside historical sites. One reviewer explains, "Amazing small town feel with cute shops, family activities, world's largest glacier groves, shallow beach and fun history."

Golf cart exploration: Golf carts remain the primary transportation method throughout the islands. Daniel U. advises, "We generally only camp here off-season now," and adds that "the entire island is pretty rowdy during the summer so plan accordingly," highlighting the importance of timing your visit based on desired atmosphere.

What campers like

Waterfront views: East Harbor State Park Campground offers prime water access and shoreline camping. "Very 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," reports Michi P.

Island seclusion: Off-season visits provide quieter experiences at island campgrounds. According to Stephen S., "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," suggesting timing considerations for visitors seeking tranquility.

Proximity to attractions: Multiple campgrounds offer convenient access to regional destinations. Elijah G. notes, "The location of the camp ground puts you right on Lake Erie and close to great locations such as Put in Bay, Kelly's island and cedar point," highlighting the strategic positioning for exploration.

Modern amenities: Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point provides resort-style camping with full hookups. "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!" shares Chuck E., emphasizing the convenience factors.

What you should know

Ferry logistics: South Bass Island State Park Campground requires advance planning for vehicle transport. "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 from when you get in line," warns Stephen S.

Weather considerations: Lake Erie weather patterns affect camping comfort significantly. One camper at East Harbor State Park reports, "A bit cold, still amazing," indicating the need for proper preparation even during regular camping season.

Noise levels: Party atmosphere affects some locations, particularly on weekends. T S. notes, "The campground is quiet and tranquil," but adds this primarily applies to weekday stays, as weekends bring larger crowds.

Site selection: Campground layouts vary significantly across the region. At South Bass Island, "The sites on the cliffs are fantastic but any site will do," though safety considerations exist as "the tents are two feet from the edge of the cliff," making these sites unsuitable for families with small children.

Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance booking at all area campgrounds. Most campgrounds in the region open reservations 6 months in advance, with waterfront and premium sites booking quickly.

Tips for camping with families

Water safety preparation: Bring water shoes for rocky beaches at island campgrounds. At Kelleys Island, one visitor recommends, "Beaches, trails, biking, kayaking, and exploring the glacial grooves kept our family busy over our three night tent stay," but notes specific beach access considerations.

Educational opportunities: Kelleys Island State Park Campground offers natural history learning experiences. Sarah H. reports, "A busy family oriented campground with lots to do. Beaches, trails, biking, kayaking, and exploring the glacial grooves kept our family busy over our three night tent stay."

Bug prevention: Pack extra repellent for evening activities near water. Jess P. shares, "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake," highlighting a common concern for waterfront camping.

Alternative transportation: Consider bicycle rentals for family exploration. "Biking and hiking trails that wrap around the camp and over to the beach and lakefront," notes a Maumee Bay State Park visitor, adding that bike rentals are available at the camp store.

Evening temperature planning: Pack extra layers even for summer evenings. "Make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening," advises Kayla H., referencing the temperature drops near the lake.

Tips from RVers

Electric considerations: Sandusky-Bayshore KOA provides convenient hookups for varying RV needs. "Full hookups available. My kids had a blast!" shares Angela C., while other reviews note the availability of both 30-amp and 50-amp service at various campgrounds.

Site leveling preparation: Bring leveling blocks even for paved sites. One RVer at Maumee Bay notes, "The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling)."

Campground access: Consider size constraints when selecting island campgrounds. Tishina D. cautions, "Most sites are strictly for pull behinds. Can be tent way off site. Watch for the sharp stones, this is a stone island so plenty of stone vs dirt."

Extended stays: Book longer visits to maximize ferry costs. "We stayed 'til weds and the rest of the time was very nice," shares Ashley R., noting how midweek stays offer better value and quieter conditions after weekend crowds depart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds near Put-in-Bay, Ohio?

The primary campground near Put-in-Bay is South Bass Island State Park Campground, located on South Bass Island where Put-in-Bay is situated. For mainland options, consider East Harbor State Park Campground, which offers easy access to Put-in-Bay via ferry services. Other nearby options include Sandusky-Bayshore KOA, which campers praise for its convenient location for accessing Put-in-Bay. Additionally, Kelleys Island State Park Campground on neighboring Kelleys Island provides another island camping experience near Put-in-Bay. All these locations offer convenient options for exploring Put-in-Bay while providing various camping experiences from island relaxation to mainland convenience.

Can you camp on Put-in-Bay island itself?

Yes, you can camp directly on Put-in-Bay island at South Bass Island State Park Campground. This campground is located on the southwest side of South Bass Island, which is home to Put-in-Bay. The campground offers beautiful lake views and is secluded from the busy downtown area while still being just a short golf cart or bike ride away from the main attractions. The park features waterfront sites with stunning Lake Erie sunsets. While Put-in-Bay is known for its lively bar scene, staying at the state park provides a more peaceful experience, especially during weekdays or off-season periods when the island is less crowded.

Is tent camping available at Put-in-Bay?

Yes, tent camping is definitely available at Put-in-Bay. Kelleys Island State Park Campground, though on neighboring Kelleys Island, offers excellent tent camping with beautiful waterfront views of Lake Erie and is accessible via ferry. For mainland options near Put-in-Bay, Sandusky-Bayshore KOA welcomes tent campers and provides convenient access to Put-in-Bay via ferry. The campsites at these locations are generally well-maintained with clean facilities. If you're tent camping, bringing a bicycle is recommended for getting around the island after you arrive by ferry, as it makes exploration much more convenient than walking.