Put-In-Bay Camping is an economical way to stay on the island and take in the beauty of Lake Erie. Furthermore, guests are given the chance to reconnect with nature. The island is a beautiful place teeming with great things to do and see.
Put-In-Bay Camping @ South Bass Island State Park
Put-in-Bay Camping
The grounds of SBI State Park offer a wide variety of activities for all ages. With an area of 33 acres, there is plenty of room to explore and discover. Moreover, the cliffside vistas of Lake Erie are spectacular. A guest of this premier Put-In-Bay Ohio Camping destination can expect to leave fully refreshed.
Brief History of South Bass Island State Park
Prior to becoming a part of the Ohio State Park system, the grounds were once home to a magnificent structure. The fabled Victory Hotel once stood on the grounds. This grand hotel was built in the late 1800’s. Interestingly, it was the largest hotel in the World after construction was complete. Here, guests could dine in the magnificent dining rooms, swim in the Nations first co-ed swimming pool and take in the views from the massive porch. Sadly, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1919.
So, for years the property remained undeveloped. The State of Ohio Park System purchased the land known as Stone’s Cove. Then, they constructed a public dock. In 1951, South Bass Island State Park and the downtown Put-In-Bay Oak Point State Park, were added to the parks system.
Put-In-Bay Camping Options
Shelter House
- Lake Side Shelter
- Can Hold Up to 50 People
- Play Area for Kids, A/C Power
Camping
- 128 sites in Total
- 51 Electric Site, 10 full service site, 9 Non Electric, 58 Tent Site
- Toilet and Shower Facilities
- Pets Allowed at Certain Sites
Cabins
- Sleeps up to 6
- Stove, No Oven
- Bathroom with Shower
- TV with DVD
Put-In-Bay Camping Things to Do
- Boating
- A public dock provides easy access to Lake Erie. The rock pebble beach welcomes swimmers and revelers.
- Fishing
- The dock also provides a great pier to fish from. Try and catch one of the local favorite species: Lake Erie Yellow Perch and Walleye. If luck isn’t on your side, opt for a Put-In-Bay Restaurant to taste the local flavor.
- Picnic
- Alongside Lake Erie, there are many picnic tables, charcoal grills and open fields. So, enjoy a tasty lunch taking in lake breezes.
- Play
- A playground welcomes kids and kids at heart. Swing away your troubles at South Bass Island State Park.
Middle Bass Island Camping at St. Hazard
St Hazards on Middle Bass Island
On the sister island of Put-In-Bay, Middle Bass Island, campers can find respite at St. Hazard’s Resort. Here, guests can choose from RV sites, primitive cabins and tent camping. Additionally, there are water and sewer connections for some of the camping sites.
The resort at St. Hazards features a large swimming pool with multiple bars. Moreover, there is even a new bar on the shores of Lake Erie, Saints and Sinners. Additionally, there are wonderful food options on their impressive menus. Campers wishing to cook onsite can utilize the numerous charcoal grills that dot the campground.
Middle Bass Island offers a host of great events and things to do each season. Recently, the State of Ohio has vastly improved the former site of Lonz Winery. Now, guests can tour the remains of the old winery, enjoy the impressive pavilion and watch the boats scurrying about at Middle Bass Island State Park. Here, the State invested several million dollars in improving and expanding the dockage available.
Put-In-Bay Camping is In Tents!
So, for guest on the island wanting a relaxing weekend stay on Lake Erie on a budget, South Bass Island State Park is ideal. Set sail from Port Clinton, and pop your tent in paradise. The park is located around the corner from the Island Club, the islands preferred home rental neighborhood. If Put-In-Bay Camping isn’t your forte, check out our other Put-In-Bay Lodging options. See you at the Bay!
