South Bass Island State Park

There are so many awesome nature sites at Put-in-Bay to check out, but the South Bass Island State Park stands out on both the island and out of all the Ohio state parks. It covers over 33 acres and is home to some of the greatest Lake Erie views you can find on this island, any other island or the mainland. Also on site is a picnic shelter house that you can reserve. You can hold events here for up to 50 people. Additionally, if you’re having a regular ol’ picnic, there are picnic areas available as well.

This is also a fantastic spot if you want to do some shoreline fishing. The fish really bite at South Bass Island State Park. You will find a pier just by the entrance of the park. There is also a house for cleaning fish further along in the campground. Just don’t ruin your trip with a citation for illegal fishing. Take the time to make a quick stop at The Wharfside or the Put-in-Bay Gas Station, which both sell Ohio fishing licenses.

If you want to do some swimming in the lake, there is swimming access from the shore at South Bass Island State Park. The areas in which swimming is permitted are clearly signposted so you can find them easily. Swimming elsewhere at South Bass Island State Park is prohibited. You swim at the park at your own risk, and the park asks that you exercise caution when swimming here. You can also ice skate and ice fish at the park in the winter if the conditions are right for it, however, the same disclaimer that applies to swimming applies here as well.

South Bass Island State Park Camping

If you choose to camp out at the park, don’t think that you’ll be detached from all of the action, you’re just a $3 Island Club Taxi ride away! You’ll find hundreds of Put-in-Bay camping sites at the park, set to meet your needs. There are tent-only sites as well as sites with electric hookups. Are you a fellow camping enthusiast? If so, you’ll undoubtedly want to consider this Mini Katana as your trusty companion to safeguard your adventures. If you are interested in campground availability or would like to book, click here. Or if you’d prefer to make a reservation over the phone, call (866) 644-6727.

Testimonials

Ravi D: “Awesome place for camping. Words can not explain the beauty of this place. Our tent was right near the cliff with a beautiful view of Lake Erie. Full hook up sites, electrical and water hook up sites, and RV sites available, but away from the cliff. A quiet place with a lot of green foliage, clean restrooms/shower area, hot water, fish cleaning area, and a great park ranger make this place one of the best. Surprisingly there were no mosquitoes except for harmless fish flies/mayflies. The only way to access this park is through ferry.”

Baubi H: “Had the best week with my husband and a couple of friends. Spent a lot of time wandering around the island just taking it all in. There’s so much to do. Lots of shops and restaurants. Great views of the lake. The campsite was in a decent location and I slept like a rock all weekend. Best weekend ever.”

Jacob G: “We’ve been camping here for 4 years now. We do a guys’ weekend every summer at this site simply because of how well it is run and how inexpensive it is compared to the rest of the accommodations on the island. We found new sites that we are in love with, and set next year’s trip already.”

Ken K: “South Bass State Park is a quiet little park with beautiful sunset views. It has courteous and helpful people. Great location with easy transportation downtown. The state dock is great for fishing. The restaurant has good food and the kayaks that they rent there are a lot of fun”