Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is a popular spot in the summertime. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

If you’re planning a trip to Ohio’s North Coast this summer, be sure to include one or more of the excellent state parks along the Lake Erie shoreline.

From Maumee Bay to Geneva state parks, there’s something for everyone from plush resort lodges to camping, fishing and boating in Ohio’s Lake Erie vacationland. From roughly west to east, here are brief descriptions of each state park:

Maumee Bay State Park has much to offer besides its location on Lake Erie. The park’s landscape is a unique environment created by the convergence of the land and the lake.

The park’s Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, cozy cabins, and golf course are nestled among scenic meadows, wet woods, and lush marshes. More than 300 bird species have been observed here. The park’s Bird’s Nest Observation Tower is a 2025 addition featuring a 360-degree view of Lake Erie and surrounding wetlands. 

Families will enjoy the 256-site campground (full hookup, electric, water and primitive sites available), a 57-acre inland lake, nature center, accessible boardwalk trail, and the Storybook Trail. More activities include boating and fishing on Lake Erie, archery, disc golf, swimming at two sandy beaches and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. 1400 State Park Road, Oregon, Ohio (419) 836-7758.

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Catawba Island State Park is a day use park on the Lake Erie shore that features four boat ramps and a cobblestone beach area for launching kayaks and canoes. The park’s greenspace and lake views are perfect for relaxing, birdwatching and photography. A roomy, rustic stone shelter offers space for family gatherings of all kinds. 4049 Moore’s Dock Road, Port Clinton, Ohio (419) 734-4424.

East Harbor State Park has the largest campground in the Ohio State Parks system, with 573 sites, including 51 full hookup (3 ADA), 354 electric (4 ADA), and 168 non-electric sites. Two cabins and group camping also offered. Showers, restrooms, camp store, boat launch; each site has picnic table and fire ring. Pets permitted at all sites. The park also offers picnicking, a swimming beach, boating, hiking, fishing, and trails for horseback riding and mountain biking. 1169 N. Buck Road, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio (866) 644-6727.

South Bass Island State Park is located near the town of Put-in-Bay with its many attractions. This small park offers boating, camping, fishing, picnicking and swimming. Its campground includes 125 sites with 9 full hookup sites, 40 electric sites and the balance non-electric and tent-only sites; three cabins are also available. Showers, flush toilets, dump station and a fish cleaning hut are offered. Also on the island is Oak Point State Park, which offers restrooms and rental docks. Access to the park is seasonal via boat or ferry. 1523 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, Ohio (419) 285-4114.

Middle Bass Island State Park features natural areas including wetlands, woodlands, glacial grooves and Lake Erie shoreline. Visitors can see the shell of historic Lonz Winery and enjoy the convenience of a full-service marina with a Harbormaster building. Primitive camping only is allowed; no RV camping. Access to the park is seasonal via boat or ferry. 1965 Fox Road, Middle Bass Island, Ohio (419) 285-0311.

North Bass Island State Park is only a few miles away from the U.S./Canadian border in Lake Erie. The park is secluded and largely undeveloped; access is seasonal only by private or charter boat or charter aircraft. The park’s four-bedroom Lake House has been recently renovated and provides seasonal lodging for 10-12 guests. The island is an important site for migratory songbirds in the spring and fall; Fox’s Marsh Wildlife Area is on the island. Four mooring balls are offered for boaters. North Bass Island, Isle St. George, Ohio (419) 609-4124.

View of Lake Erie from Kelleys Island. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

Kelleys Island State Park offers easy access to the shoreline and a scenic campground with fantastic views of the lake. Boating, a swimming beach, fishing, and wildlife watching are offered at its 677 acres. The campground offers 35 full hookup sites, 43 electric sites, 46 non-electric sites, two rustic cabins and two yurts. Nearby, several state nature preserves offer excellent hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Glacial Grooves and Inscription Rock state memorials are nearby. Access to the park is seasonal via boat or ferry. 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, Ohio (419) 746-2546.

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park features the spectacular Marblehead Lighthouse, built in 1822. The lighthouse is one of Lake Erie’s best known and most-photographed landmarks, and is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. The grounds offer picnicking, a museum and store, lighthouse tours (by reservation), a Coast Guard station replica and restrooms. 110 Lighthouse Road, Marblehead, Ohio (419) 734-4424.

Headlands Beach State Park is a day-use park featuring a 35-acre Lake Erie beach for sunbathing and swimming. The beach also offers unique beach glass hunting and phenomenal Lake Erie sunset viewing. Also available is fishing, picnicking, and a hike/bike trail. 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor (440) 466-8400. Located nearby is Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, which protects one of the last remaining sand dune areas on Lake Erie.

Geneva State Park’s 698 acres reflect the character and charisma of Lake Erie. The park includes a sandy beach, boat launch, freshwater marshes and estuaries. Overnight accommodations include a family campground, the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake and cottages. The campground has 20 premium full-service sites overlooking Lake Erie; 39 full hookup sites; 74 electric sites; shower house with flush toilets and laundromat, restrooms, sports courts, fish cleaning house. The state park is adjacent to the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake with its many tourist attractions. 4499 Padanarum Road, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio (440) 866-8400.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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