South Bass Island State Park RV & Campground Guide
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South Bass Island State Park is 2 miles away from downtown Put-in-Bay, Ohio. This state park is 33 acres and rests on the top of the white cliffs of South Bass Island. It is a scenic landmark with views of Lake Erie. Over 100 kayakers come to the park every year for Kayak Rendezvous on Lake Erie. The closest nearby cities are Sandusky, Oak Harbor, and Port Clinton, Ohio.
Spring 29–67 F
Summer 61-82 F
Fall 37–74 F
Winter 18-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in South Bass Island State Park
In addition to providing a homey and comfortable environment, a recreational vehicle allows you to cover more miles and see several state parks in one trip. If you do not own an RV, then you can rent one at RVshare.
Fox’s Den Campground
Fox’s Den Campground is about five minutes from downtown Put-in-Bay and has 60 sites. This campground is next to Bay Lodging Resort, which gives campers access to the indoor and outdoor pool. Campers also have access to a camp store, and a fish cleaning house is on the premises.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electrical Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: camp store, shower facility, laundromat, dump station, fire rings, minutes away from a grocery that sells wine and liquor
Cedarlane RV Resort
Cedarlane RV Resort is in Port Clinton, Ohio, and is minutes away from popular attractions like East Harbor State Park, African Safari Wildlife Park, and the Liberty Aviation Museum. Campers also have access to a Tiki Lounge, a playground, three heated pools, a convenience store, a gift shop, basketball courts, and shuffleboard courts.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electrical Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: modern restroom, family assist restroom, laundromat, tent camping, showers
Kelley’s Island State Park
Kelley’s Island State Park is a state park on an island on Lake Erie, 13 miles from Port Clinton, Ohio. Kelley’s island is known as the nature island. Campers love this campground because it has a beach, glacier grooves, an old abandoned winery, and lots of hiking trails.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electrical Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: playground, dump stations, showers
East Harbor State Park
East Harbor State Park is in Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio, and is a short drive from Lake Erie. This campground has wetland wildlife preserve areas, a beach, and a marina. Campers also enjoy fishing from the harbor and have access to miles of easy trails.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electrical Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: fish cleaning building, launch ramp, camp store, showers, dump stations, sporting equipment rentals
What to Do at
South Bass Island State Park
Inside South Bass Island State Park
If you enjoy fishing, then you will love South Bass Island State Park. A pier is near the entrance of the park where you can enjoy shoreline fishing. During the winter, campers enjoy participating in ice fishing and ice skating. The state park also has activities for families. You can have a picnic, play in the kids’ fun area, go swimming, and find smooth beach glass.
Outside South Bass Island State Park
When visiting South Bass Island State Park, you should plan to make stops in the surrounding communities. Many campers enjoy stopping at local restaurants to check out the local cuisine. Outside activities also include attractions, historical landmarks, and nightlife.
Restaurants
The Forge
The building for The Forge was originally an old blacksmith shop, but it has been renovated into its current structure. Parts of the original material and blacksmith tools are incorporated into the décor. The restaurant serves various dishes, such as pork chops, steak served with french fries, truffle macaroni and cheese, crepes, tacos, and salads.
Type: American
Location: 451 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Goat Soup and Whiskey
Goat Soup and Whiskey is a seasonal eatery that serves global cuisine. This restaurant is open from May until September. Menu options include German beer, perch sandwiches, lamb chops, black Angus hamburgers, mussels, walleye oscar, shrimp po’boys, and duck breast.
Type: International Cuisine
Location: 820 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Topsy Turvey’s Bar and Grill
Topsy Turvey’s Bar and Grill is a downtown restaurant located inside the Wharfside. It is a local hangout that overlooks the bay. Menu options include the breakfast Cuban, mimosas, chicken wings, fries, a perch platter, walleye sandwiches, and burgers.
Type: American
Location: 361 Bayview Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
The Keys
The Keys is a casual waterfront restaurant and bar with a tropical décor. It also has an island-inspired menu, including mahi-mahi tacos, shrimp Alfredo flatbread, a perch platter, conch fritters, and key lime pie.
Type: Island Fusion
Location: 227 Bayview Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Reel Bar
The Reel Bar is in the building that was once known as Tony’s. It is in a rustic setting with a décor focused on fishing. The menu includes American favorites, such as chicken tenders, ribs, and burgers.
Type: American
Location: 461 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Shopping
The Shops at Compass Pointe
The Shops at Compass Pointe is a shopping mall that has something for everyone. The stores include the Home Port, The Little Store, Dock 421, and Put-in-Bay's Christmas store.
Location: 420 Langram Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Lake Erie Island Historical Society Resale Shop
The Lake Erie Island Historical Society Resale Shop is a resale shop with profits that go to the Historical Society and Museum. The items for sale are donated.
Location: 25 Town Hall Pl, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay Gift Shop
Put-in-Bay Gift Shop is a store on the island with a good selection of souvenirs. This store is part of the Island Hardware Store.
Location: S Passage Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Island Hardware Store
Island Hardware Store is the only full-line hardware store in Put-in-Bay. It has two floors of plumbing and electrical supplies.
Location: 421 Langram Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Misty Bay Boutique
Misty Bay Boutique is a store with resort-style clothing and accessories for women. This store is on Delaware Avenue next to the historical Round House Bar.
Location: 210 Delaware Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Sightseeing
South Bass Island Lighthouse
The South Bass Island Lighthouse is a place that is part of Put-in-Bay’s history. If you climb the stairs of the lighthouse, then you can see views of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie.
Location: 2368 Langram Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
The Butterfly House at Perry's Cave
The Butterfly House is a 4,000-square-foot aviary with over 50 types of butterflies. Walking through the butterfly house is magical, and it is a fun activity for children. They can learn about the life cycle of butterflies and explore secret walkways in the garden.
Location: 979 Catawba Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
Baystomers Bi-Plane Tour
Baystomers Bi-Plane Tour gives plane tours over The Bass Islands of Lake Erie. During the ride, the passengers sit in the front open cockpit and the pilot in the rear cockpit.
Location: 1494 Langram Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
The Heineman Winery
The Heineman Winery is a winery that holds tastings and cellar tours. It also offers outdoor seating and has homemade jerky and cheese platters on the menu.
Location: 978 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Perry’s Cave
Perry’s Cave is a fun center with a variety of activities. This amusement center has a limestone cave, a butterfly house, mini-golf, a rock wall, and gem mining.
Location: 979 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
How to Get to
South Bass Island State Park
The South Bass Island State Park is on an island that is about 3 miles from mainland Ohio. You can reach the state park by the South Bass Island Ferry. Campers can get on the ferry in northern Catawba.
Entering South Bass Island State Park
South Bass Island State Park's hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
South Bass Island State Park Per vehice : $0.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About South Bass Island State Park
The summertime is the best time of year to visit South Bass Island State Park. The park is open from May until October. During that time you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, bike trails and nature preserves.
The climate of South Bass Island State Park is temperate with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park sees around 200 days of sunshine a year.
South Bass Island State Park is home to deer, raccoons, opossums and a variety of songbirds. It also has a large population of fish, making it a popular spot for sport fishing.
The designated RV spots are located near the park's marina and offer beautiful views of Lake Erie. The spots are also close to the park's amenities, which include a swimming pool, playgrounds and a nature center.
Yes, South Bass Island State Park is accessible for disabled visitors. There are paved pathways and ramps throughout the park as well as handicapped-accessible restrooms and fishing piers. There are handicapped parking spaces, too.