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South Bass Island State Park

South Bass Island State Park Particulars

This is the most extensive park at the end of Catawba Avenue on the south end of South Bass Island. Admission is complimentary. There is a shared launch ramp near the picnic area for vessels.

Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals is also located in that area and has a small swimming beach. The state park also has several bungalows for lease and a large campground. Reservations are strongly recommended far in advance.

The picnic sites include BBQ grills as well. The Nut Shack, a small eatery, delivers fast and hardy bites.

Things To Do At South Bass Island State Park 

The smallish pebble beach delivers a pleasant location for swimming in Lake Erie. Swimming is only permitted in specified areas, and no lifeguard is on duty.

Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals offers a full range of watercraft, from powerboats to kayaks. As with many things on Put-in-Bay, make a reservation in advance. Some things are only obtainable on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As for having a picnic or gathering, tourists may prearrange the shelter house for more significant occasions. The shelter house seats up to 50 people and incorporates electric outlets, grills, water, and flush bathrooms. There is also an enjoyable playground close by. Other complimentary picnic tables sprinkle the area.

The four rental cabinettes in the South Bass Island State Park are cozy and rustic. Open for three-night-minimum visits from Memorial Day until mid-September.

They accommodate up to six individuals. Conveniences include a living room with a DVD player and a full kitchen with a cooktop (no oven), sink, microwave, refrigerator, dishes, coffee maker, utensils, and pots & pans. No pets are permitted.

The camping location contains fifty-one electric sites and nine non-electric.

Pets are allowed here, however. South Bass Island State Park Campground also has showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. A child camp is available with reservations for gatherings.

Photo of South Bass Island State Park

South Bass Island State Park Wildlife And Fauna

Lake Erie, the shallowest Great Lake, and its islands provide a safe harbor for various flora and fauna. South Bass Island is full of collapsed caves, forming a unique mixture of layered dolomite bedrock and lake water. Perry’s Cave is one of the rare remaining caverns with its ceiling unchanged.

The stony shoreline, coupled with native plants, makes for an excellent habitat for the Lake Erie watersnake. This threatened species is innocuous and distinctive to this part of the country, so don’t be scared! The island hosts various other amphibians and reptiles, including the common map turtle, red-eared slider, northern redback salamander, midland painted turtle, and the mudpuppy.

Oak Point State Park

The South Bass Island State Park’s little sister is called Oak Point State Park. It is the smallest park in Ohio’s state park design. It features 20 docks available for public use. This 1.5-acre grassy park is a gorgeous place to visit while on Put-in-Bay. While visiting Oak Point State Park, you are near several excellent dining options. The Big Mans Burrito Stand is located on the main strip in the rear of the Frosty Family Pizza. The Boathouse Biergarten is a great place to enjoy a few beers or some authentic German food fare if you feel a little German.

(419) 285-2112

1523 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

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Shelby H.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
We stayed on the Island at South Bass Island State Park this time, and trust me. It was worth it! Especially if you come with small youngsters who get tired. We returned in between so they could have a small rest and a meal. Do rent a golf cart. It is a fantastic adventure!! Overall it's a lovely uncomplicated place to unwind and enjoy. And yes, we had small kids, and we went on July 4th to get them on the boat with us for water sports. But reserve them if you and your family can do that. These are good.

Darell L.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
South Bass Island State Park is a peaceful, captivating private campground. We had a really lovely night camping here. It was really nice how easy it was to reserve this site online 2 hours before arriving. We arrived at about 6, so the headquarters was closed, but our tags were already at our spot. It was a snap decision, and I'm very pleased with the result. The restrooms were spotless and nearby (but not too close), and the site was quiet overall. I can't wait to come back!!!

Gregory A.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
I stayed at South Bass Island State Park two nights in a Recreational Vehicle camp spot. We had seven people with us. Some stayed at the campsite and the others in the rental cabins nearby. The campground was ample and quite wooded, with stunning waterfront sites if you were fortunate enough to get one. The small restaurant (the nut shack) found near the gate offered excellent food at all meal times and snacks. The location is super near to everything. The Island is small enough that you're just a quick golf cart lift from most nearby attractions. The only thing I wasn't fond of is similar to most state parks and campgrounds in general, space is money, and therefore, they like to crowd people as close as possible. Some of the sites seemed as if they were right on top of one another, making for a less private and relaxing camping experience and more or less just offering a suitable place to lay your head while on the Island. It's pretty crowded and seemed near capacity the entire time we were there. Despite the masses, quiet periods were observed by most customers, and after sunset, it got quiet enough to relax and rest. In the future, if I choose to stay here, I'd shoot for a waterfront site with more space and an authentic camping experience. All in all, affordable prices, is peaceful, and is a gorgeous scenic state park on an island with much to offer, so as long as you're okay with your neighbors being relatively close and numerous.

Nelly H.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
South Bass Island State Park is such a fabulous campground. You really can't exceed the vistas here! My husband, dog, and I stayed in rudimentary site 103 for a few evenings and had a marvelous time! Our campsite overlooked lake Erie, and although a bit stony and near to other sites, it was ideal for our requirements. The restrooms and showers were nearby and sanitary. You can get firewood ($5 per bundle), ice, and other camping necessities at the headquarters where you check-in. The firewood was very dry and easy to get a pleasing fire going! In addition to campsites, there are some cabins that can be rented and also watercraft. bass island state park campground is the best!

Berluto H.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Very, very friendly here. Lots of room between the campsites. Restrooms are cleaned often as well. It is reserved at night. I will be scheduling a trip likewise for next year. We even brought our kayaks and were able to chain them to a tree by the beach, and no one disturbed them. We enjoyed fishing while there too. Look at a cliffside site for next year at South Bass Island State Park.

Harold F.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The children look forward to yearly riding the Island on the golf cart rental. We paid $60 for a 4-person cart all day. Do your research about the attractions on the Island and have a map of their spots. My kids love gemstone mining at Perry's cave. The Butterfly House is lovely, but it was 98° inside. We appreciate arriving on the Jet Express that comes right downtown. The youngsters will play at the shady park while we order supper. We will then dine at the park and appreciate the waterfront views. When the kids were tiny, we always went to avoid large crowds during the weekend. There is South Bass Island State Park, where people can swim. There was a warning when we were there suggesting children and the elderly should not swim that day due to the testing of water specimens. A lot of south bass island things to do here!

Loren S.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
We have camped at South Bass Island State Park in our RV twice - once in 2016 and once last summer and appreciated both periods! Our site was tight to back into, but we managed to do it - although a larger RV would have more difficulty. We like the full hookup circle at the top of the ridge - it's so woodsy you feel like you're in the center of a forest. The full hookup locations all back up to each other and share a substantial middle space. At first, we needed clarification about this privacy-wise, but it's very nice and quiet. The water connections are strange, you share the spot next to you, and in our case, we had to use an extra-long hose. The panoramas from the cliffs are incredible, and you can get tent camping there. A delightful little par three golf course directly across the road called Saunders Golf Course. Definitely rent a golf cart to get around the Island (very easy to do online with Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rental). There's a small mart at the base of the hill from the campground where you can buy breakfast sandwiches called the Nut Shack. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards. The campground is small and reserves up fast, so I suggest booking sufficiently in advance.

Nina H.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The Full Hookup sites at South Bass Island State Park are so amazing. They aren't entirely level, but site 009 was close enough that we didn't bother to balance anything. We parked and used our bikes all over the Island. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we will be back to stay longer next time.

Velma S.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
South Bass Island State Park is such a gorgeous spot! Not a classic sandy beach. Instead, it has larger but very smooth and polished rocks, which form a unique sound when the tides hit. I spent hours just wandering along with my young daughter, looking at all the remarkable rocks.

Price R.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
South Bass Island State Park was a fantastic experience. Tent campsites are lovely and right on the water. Great views of Lake Erie and the sunset. The staff was amicable upon check-in. A must-visit for those looking for a top-notch camping adventure in Ohio. south bass island campground reservations are recommended!

Freddy H.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Sightseeing spot. South Bass Island State Park has easy access to Lake Erie. It has a gorgeous shoreline to unwind, with a children's Fun Area, bungalows to stay, shelter, bathrooms, a nice parking lot, and shade trees all around.

Angie M.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Fantastic location, right on the cliffs! South Bass Island State Park ooffers beautiful camping sites with spectacular views of the harbor and nearby swimming zone. Paved tent camping sites and parking close to the tents. Assigned fire rings for the campfires and close to the washrooms. Lovely location.

Lynn L.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Nice campground right on the lake. Ruins of the Victory hotel and glacial striations are seen in the South Bass Island State Park Great location to observe the sunset. Bring blocks if you bring a travel trailer, as not all pads are level.

Julie G.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Put-in-Bay has the finest of both worlds. You have the South Bass Island State Park which is comfortable and lovely on the water, and the vibrant village full of travelers, pubs, and restaurants nearby.

Trip D.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Neat little Island to fish, shop, eat, boat, jet-ski, and swim. I would recommend taking kids during the week. The weekend it's more of a party location. The kids loved cruising around Island in the golf cart rentals and a swim at the South Bass Island State Park. You can ask any rental place or local how to get to south bass island state park

Kevin C.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
South Bass Island State Park is a great spot to relax and discover our country's history—fascinating local historical locations and views. There are many family-friendly events and activities for all ages and a great night scene by the boardwalk.

Freda S.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Stunning south bass island camping I will definitely be going back. Mainly tent camping, some spots for campers. South Bass Island State Park offers rudimentary as well as full water and electric sites.