Northern Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline near Vickery offers diverse camping options within 15-25 miles of Cedar Point amusement park. The area features numerous family-friendly campgrounds situated along Lake Erie's southern shoreline, with elevations rarely exceeding 600 feet above sea level. The region experiences a humid continental climate with seasonal yurt camping opportunities providing alternatives to traditional tent or RV accommodations.
What to do
Boardwalk hiking: 2-mile nature trail through wetlands at Maumee Bay State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The park includes extensive boardwalks constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps specifically for foot traffic. "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... 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," notes Daniel U.
Glacial grooves exploration: The unique geological formations at Kelleys Island State Park Campground showcase evidence of ancient glaciers. "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," according to Lauri J. The island's glacial grooves are considered the world's largest accessible examples of this geological feature.
Lake Erie fishing: Multiple parks offer fishing piers and boat access for anglers. "It is a great place for birding, fishing, boating and close to marblehead lighthouse and the ferries to take you to Kelley's Island and Put In Bay," states Jaclyn B. about East Harbor State Park Campground.
What campers like
Lakefront campsites with privacy: Many campers appreciate sites with water views and natural buffers. "Our site was pretty open because it was one on the end in the back of the campgrounds. It was really nice to have a path through the woods and out to the beach, so we weren't far from Lake Erie at all," writes Rebecca F. about Kelleys Island State Park. The park offers multiple waterfront sites directly on Lake Erie.
Clean, modern facilities: Consistently mentioned in reviews are the well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities. "The men's restroom had 5 or so showers, one urinal, and one toilet. A sign on the door indicates it's closed from 12-1 for cleaning," notes Austin R. about Crystal Rock Campground's facilities.
Island camping experience: The ferry access to island parks creates a unique vacation feeling. "How awesome that we can be in the middle of a thriving metropolis that is Cleveland in the morning, and off some topical Isle without a care in the world by happy hour," says Jenny K. about Kelleys Island. The short ferry rides (typically 15-20 minutes) create distinct separation from mainland activities.
What you should know
Ferry transportation logistics: Plan for possible wait times and costs when visiting island campgrounds. According to Stephen S. about South Bass Island State Park Campground, "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. Beware the Miller ferry stops running about 8pm, ie: near sunset."
Seasonal algae blooms: Lake Erie water conditions can affect swimming opportunities. "I only gave this campground 3 stars due to not being able to swim (beach was closed due to algae/unsafe water)," explains Sheri S. about East Harbor. These blooms typically occur during hot summer months when water temperatures rise.
Wildlife management: Take precautions with food storage at lakeside parks. "Typically there are a lot of raccoons so keep your food locked up tight," advises Jaclyn B. about camping at East Harbor State Park. Many parks recommend using sealed containers for all food items.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Several campgrounds offer extensive play equipment for children. At Camp Sandusky, "They have a stellar playground area, I don't have kids but even I was drawn to wanting to play on it," shares Sammii D. The campground includes playground structures suitable for various age groups.
Budget-friendly breakfast option: Look for parks offering pancake breakfasts as an easy meal solution. "They do breakfast every morning in the front pavilion for $4.50 (all you can eat pancakes, 1 sausage and coffee) I haven't tried it yet, but its certainly popular," says Sammii D. about Camp Sandusky's morning meal offering.
Off-peak yurt camping: For families seeking a quieter Vickery, Ohio yurt camping experience, consider timing. "We generally only camp here off-season now. The island is pretty well known as a party island...The entire island is pretty rowdy during the summer," explains Daniel U. about South Bass Island. Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer more tranquil environments.
Tips from RVers
Extended departure options: Some parks offer flexible checkout times. "Perfect for our visit to Cedar Point. We got there late at 9:00 pm and didn't have to check out until 8:00 pm the next day so our RV stayed plugged in to all day," explains Elise A. about Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point. This extended policy allows maximum park enjoyment without rushing back to camp.
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, experienced campers recommend specific areas. "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. about South Bass Island State Park. Many reviewers note the importance of researching individual sites when bringing larger RVs.
Full hookup availability: Several parks offer limited full-hookup sites that require advance booking. At Maumee Bay State Park, "Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric)," according to Lee D. These premium sites typically book 3-6 months in advance during peak season.
