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Best Campgrounds near Put-in-Bay, OH

420 Reviews

Put-in-Bay camping differs from most other Ohio camping spots. Sandusky-Bayshore KOA works well as a home base if you're heading to Cedar Point, with full hookups and a pool for cooling off. Kelleys Island State Park Campground sits on an island and has good-sized sites near hiking trails and fishing areas. You'll find clean restrooms and showers there too, which makes longer stays more comfortable. South Bass Island State Park Campground puts you right by the water with some sites looking out over the lake. This place gets pretty lively when the summer season is in full swing. Kids have places to play at these campgrounds, and you'll find picnic spots for family meals. Put-in-Bay town is close enough to grab food or find something fun to do when you're not at your campsite. Remember you'll need to take a ferry to get to the island campgrounds with your gear and vehicle. Summer brings good weather for swimming and boating, while fall camping means fewer crowds. Your phone might not work in some spots, which can be nice for actually unplugging. Make sure to check the rules and reserve your site ahead of time, especially during busy months.

Map showing campgrounds near Put-in-Bay, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Put-in-Bay, Ohio (82)

    1. East Harbor State Park Campground

    55 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

    14 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 Camping Photos near Put-in-Bay, OH

143 Photos of 82 Put-in-Bay Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Put-in-Bay, OH

420 Reviews of 82 Put-in-Bay Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Beautiful but Buzzy

    I booked one night here for the amenities on a cross-country trip.

    The laundry, showers, and water fill stations were convenient/ well-maintained.

    I gave only 4-star however 2 reasons.

    1. for the 5hr lawn mowing caravan that started at 7am in every direction. I’m not even sure what they were mowing since the lawns looked freshly cut. It was obnoxious! And
    2. not enough signage. For example, I had to ask for directions to the laundry rooms and then they are quarter only with no change machine. I had to make a trip back to the office for change.

    Overall, a nice spot with all the amenities you could need. Plenty of room and nice multi-use trail to the beach was great!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meadow Brook Campground

    Motorcycle Tent Camping

    Very friendly staff and clean facilities. Primarily a seasonal camper location but I found many open tent sites on a weekday. Nice grassy spot to pitch the tent, a rare luxury.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Nice park

    Stayed 2 nights. The bathrooms are decent, laundry facility is good and the sites are a good size. There are trails and beaches in the park. I found a disc golf course in the park, and I really enjoyed the layout’s layout. The main issue is the mosquitoes, on every tee pad I was swarmed by at least 50 mosquitoes. It was by far the most mosquitoes I’ve ever seen in one area. I was warned, so I sprayed before going. It helped, but they still buzzed around your head.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Harbortown RV Resort

    Great kid campground

    This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect! Staff was nice and very helpful

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Bayfront Resort

    Very high-end almost hotel feel

    The bad, lots are small the good very nice well kept place. Has really good views of the lake and cider point. The staff were nice. The only problem was I don’t have a boat or jet ski to take advantage of there private boat ramp. Overall the fam had a good time.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Findley State Park Campground

    Very nice campground.

    Very nice, comfortable campground, kids loved it. Only downfall is trying to find an open spot for reservations. Place is booked most of the time. If you’re planning a holiday weekend you need to book 6 months in advance.

  • Bill S.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Meadow Brook Campground

    Meadowbrook Park

    Park is clean and tidy. Bathroom was clean. Plenty of hot water. Sites are spacious and level. Manager was extremely helpful. My truck didn't want to start so he grabbed his tractor and put our trailer on site for us. No charge for the dump station. All in all a nice stay. Only draw back is the constant trains right across the street blowing their horns going in and out of town.

Guide to Put-in-Bay

Camping near Put-in-Bay, Ohio, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Explore the Islands: Take a ferry to Put-in-Bay and enjoy the local attractions. Many campers love the easy access to the island's parks and beaches. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week especially after Labor Day, the weekend brings a larger crowd," highlighting the peacefulness of the area.
  • Biking and Hiking: There are miles of paved bike paths and trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Maumee Bay State Park Campground noted, "Don't forget your bikes for this campsite! There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and swimming are popular, especially at Kelleys Island State Park Campground. One happy camper shared, "The water front camping, swimming, boating, kayaking, historic sites, attractions and facilities are superb."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at East Harbor State Park Campground said, "Clean showers, bathrooms, and a camp shop."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that provide a sense of privacy. A visitor at Maumee Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were spacious, flat, and fairly private."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Crystal Rock Campground are noted for their family activities. One reviewer said, "Lots of family opportunities. Mini golf, playground, even mining."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Sandusky-Bayshore KOA, which has activities for kids. A reviewer said, "They usually have some kind of activity for kids on weekends."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near playgrounds. A visitor at East Harbor State Park Campground mentioned, "Not a quiet campground, if that’s what you’re looking for."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games for the kids to enjoy at the campsite. A camper at Crystal Rock Campground noted, "Clean showers, bathrooms. Lots of family activities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA mentioned, "The site was easy to level."
  • Be Mindful of Hookups: Some campgrounds only offer electric hookups. A camper at Maumee Bay State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking to stay more than two nights keep in mind that there are only electric hook ups."
  • Arrive Early: Getting to the campground early can help you secure a good spot. A visitor at Sandusky-Bayshore KOA said, "The staff was super nice and accommodating, super close to Cedar Point."

Camping near Put-in-Bay, Ohio, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

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.

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