Island Hopping in Ohio: Your Ultimate Put-in-Bay Camping Guide

If you had told me that some of the best island adventures could be found in Ohio, I would’ve laughed and suggested you lay off the questionable beverages. Yet there I was, piloting our Sprinter van onto a ferry bound for Put-in-Bay, the so-called “Key West of the North.”

It’s a place where golf carts outnumber cars, and the local motto might as well be “Why not?”—which also happens to be the answer to most questions you’ll find yourself asking here.

A Brief History and Stats About Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay is a village located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, part of Ottawa County, Ohio. Founded in 1816, this tiny slice of paradise spans just over 0.63 square miles of land but packs in more charm per square foot than most cities could dream of. The population hovers around 150 residents year-round, ballooning to thousands when tourists flock in during the warmer months.

The island played a pivotal role during the War of 1812, specifically in the Battle of Lake Erie, where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry secured a crucial victory for the United States. Today, the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial stands tall to commemorate this event, because nothing says “we won” like a 352-foot Doric column in the middle of an island.

Our Favorite Put-In-Bay Campsites

Camping on or near Put-in-Bay offers a unique blend of natural beauty and quirky island life. Here are our top picks:

1. South Bass Island State Park

Address: 1523 Catawba Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
Distance to Town: About 1 mile to downtown Put-in-Bay
Rates: Ranging from $30 to $45 per night, depending on the site

Setting up camp at South Bass Island State Park felt like discovering a secret that the mainlanders aren’t in on. We managed to snag a waterfront site, which meant our tent was pitched just a stone’s throw away from Lake Erie’s calming waves—or as calming as they can be when a storm decides to roll in unannounced.

The park offers a mix of tent camping and RV spots, but let’s be clear: maneuvering a Sprinter van on a small island is an exercise in humility and tight corners. We opted to leave the van parked and embraced tent life for a few days. Amenities are basic but sufficient—think picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms that are cleaner than you’d expect but not quite up to spa standards.

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2. Fox’s Den Campground

Address: 929 Langram Rd, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
Distance to Town: Approximately 0.5 miles to downtown
Rates: Around $35 per night

Fox’s Den Campground is the kind of place that doesn’t advertise heavily because it doesn’t need to. Tucked away amidst lush greenery, it’s a cozy spot that’s close enough to the action yet far enough to pretend you’re roughing it. We decided to brave the logistics and brought the Sprinter van this time, which, after some careful navigation and only minor heart palpitations, we parked without incident.

The campground is intimate, offering a handful of sites that provide just enough privacy to ignore your neighbors but not so much that you feel isolated. Facilities include electrical hookups and a communal restroom. It’s no five-star resort, but if you’re camping on an island, you’re probably not the five-star resort type anyway.

3. Kelleys Island State Park

Address: 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Distance to Put-in-Bay: A ferry ride away; about 4 miles across Lake Erie
Rates: Between $28 and $40 per night

Yes, we’re bending the rules by including Kelleys Island State Park, but trust me, it’s worth the minor betrayal. After leaving South Bass Island, we ferried over to Kelleys Island with the Sprinter van in tow. The campground here is more spacious, and maneuvering the van was a less of a feat worthy of a Cirque du Soleil act.

Kelleys Island offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Put-in-Bay. The campsites are generously sized, and many offer lake views that make you question why you ever tolerate city life. We split our time between lounging at the campsite and exploring the island’s glacial grooves—a natural phenomenon that’s both fascinating and a humbling reminder of nature’s grandeur.

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Favorite Activities and Eateries

After setting up camp, the real fun begins. Put-in-Bay may be small, but it offers a smorgasbord of activities that range from the delightfully quaint to the unexpectedly thrilling.

Activities:

Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center: Explore an underground limestone cave that’s 52 feet below the surface. It’s a cool reprieve from the summer heat and a chance to learn something—assuming you’re into that sort of thing.
Heineman’s Winery: Established in 1888, it’s Ohio’s oldest family-owned and operated winery. We indulged in a wine tasting because, let’s be honest, camping is more enjoyable with a bit of fermented grape juice.
Put-in-Bay Tour Train: A narrated tour that provides a comprehensive overview of the island’s history and attractions. It’s touristy, sure, but also a solid way to get your bearings without exhausting your legs.

Eateries:

The Boardwalk Restaurant: Known for its lobster bisque, this waterfront eatery offers seafood that tastes fresher than the jokes in a comedy club. We dined here twice, partially because of the food and partially because of the unbeatable sunset views.
Frosty Bar & Family Pizza: A no-frills spot that’s been serving pizza and cold beer since 1949. After a day of activities, their patio was the perfect place to unwind and question our life choices over a slice.
Chocolate Cafe and Museum: Yes, a museum dedicated to chocolate exists, and yes, it’s as glorious as it sounds. We satisfied our sweet tooth and gained a newfound appreciation for cacao—all in one fell swoop.

Best Hikes

Island life doesn’t preclude good hiking, and we found several trails that offered both exercise and exceptional views.

1. Jane Coates Wildflower Trail

Length: Approximately 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

A short but sweet trail that winds through woods teeming with wildflowers. It’s an ideal morning stroll to kickstart your day—assuming you haven’t overindulged at the wineries the day before.

2. Massie Cliffside Preserve

Length: Around 1 mile of trails
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This preserve offers stunning cliffside views of Lake Erie. The trails are well-maintained, and the area is less trafficked, giving you a moment of solitude interrupted only by the sound of waves and the occasional seagull.

3. Kelleys Island East Quarry Trail

Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Over on Kelleys Island, this trail takes you through an abandoned quarry that’s been reclaimed by nature. It’s a bit more rugged, so sturdy shoes are a must unless you enjoy the sensation of pebbles in your footwear.

Our Recommended Three-Day Itinerary

Assuming you trust our judgment (a risky gamble), here’s how we’d suggest spending three days in this island paradise.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Put-in-Bay via ferry and set up camp at South Bass Island State Park.
Afternoon: Visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial for a dose of history and panoramic island views.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boardwalk Restaurant, timing it to catch the sunset over Lake Erie.

Day 2: Activities and Indulgence

Morning: Grab breakfast at a local cafe before heading to Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center.
Afternoon: Partake in a wine tasting at Heineman’s Winery and explore the Crystal Cave located on-site.
Evening: Dive into the nightlife with live music at one of the downtown bars or opt for a quieter evening at Frosty Bar & Family Pizza.

Day 3: Island Hopping and Nature

Morning: Ferry over to Kelleys Island and set up at Kelleys Island State Park.
Afternoon: Hike the East Quarry Trail and visit the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve.
Evening: Return to Put-in-Bay (or stay on Kelleys Island if you prefer) and cap off your trip with a visit to the Chocolate Cafe and Museum because calories don’t count on vacation.

The Joys of Ohio: Put-In-Bay Camping

Our island adventure in Ohio’s Lake Erie islands defied all expectations. Between the eclectic mix of activities, the surprisingly good food scene, and the charm of camping near the water, it’s a destination that deserves more acclaim than it gets. Whether you’re navigating tight island roads in a Sprinter van or embracing the simplicity of tent camping, Put-in-Bay and its neighboring islands offer a refreshing escape that’s as entertaining as it is relaxing.

So pack your camping gear, leave your skepticism on the mainland, and set sail for Put-in-Bay. Just remember: the island may be small, but the experiences are anything but.

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