Best Camping in and near East Harbor State Park

83% (3 reviews)

Wildlife, water sports, and wetlands await on the banks of Lake Erie.

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Top-rated campgrounds near East Harbor State Park

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Heartland Homestead

3 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Oberlin, OH

***Fall Special! We are all about the cozy vibes here at the homestead - especially in the fall when the leaves around the glamping cabins start to change! We are running a special on our glamping cabins - the fee has been reduced from $150 to $100 (and even less on weekdays!) and will include a s'mores board! Heartland Homestead is the perfect spot for you to enjoy a weekend away from home and in nature. With dreamy vibes and open skies, you can relax in our tent camping spots around Mother Oak or reserve a glamping cabin for a true unplugged experience - but make it comfy cozy. Depending on the time of year + season, you may see our goats, cows, pigs, chickens, or more! We may have pick-your-own tomatoes, pumpkins, + flowers as well. Glamping Cabins We have two glamping cabins that include beds and lanterns so you get the feel of sleeping in nature but comfortably. Each cabin has a picnic table, fire pit, and charcoal grill. One cabin has a queen-size bed and the second has a full-size bed and a trundle bed with 2 twin-size mattresses. The cabins do not have electric or water. A porta-potty is located near the barn (a 5 minute walk) and a lug-able loo or portapotty will be available closer to the cabins depending on when you stay. We are happy to help get your gear back to the cabins with the farm cart and then it is an 8-minute walk along a hay pasture to the parking area. Tent Camping Our tent camping spots are located under Mother Oak, a 100-year-old oak tree in the middle of our farm. With ample shade, a fire pit, and nearby portapotty, you can relax under the stars into the night. Hiking trails weave through the back of the property and you are welcome to explore those as well. Because we are a working homestead and farm, a few things are true: -Sometimes there’s mud. We suggest boots for walking around the property and in the woods. -Our farm animals are great - and may also bite. Please do not pet or chase them. We are happy to arrange opportunities to interact with the animals. Just ask! -Not always, but at times, our neighbors will start farming early in the morning and you can hear their machinery. All of our sites have privacy but are not truly remote. We want you to enjoy yourselves but please be mindful that our house is on the property as well as our neighbors. Music needs to be turned down to a low level by 11 PM. We can accommodate pop-up campers, camper vans, etc near Mother Oak as well. Please message with any questions before reserving. Additional fees would apply. We can also accommodate larger tent camping groups depending on the day. Additional fees would apply. The homestead is located near 58 so you can hear cars during the day and night. The cabins are about a ½ mile from the road so the noise is greatly reduced. Want to add on a farm-fresh breakfast? We do that! Our breakfast package features eggs from our chickens, breakfast sausage from our pigs, and bread baked just for you. At times, we also have beef burgers and sausage available. We can also offer charcuterie + smores boards during your stay. Firewood is available for purchase or you can gather dried wood from the woods around the cabins. Cast iron, coffee percolators, games, and more are available to use for your stay as well. We regularly host modern homesteading workshops, full moon yoga, and sound baths at the farm. If you would like to inquire about booking one of these as an add-on to your stay, please message us! Conveniently located 1 mile from Oberlin College, 6 minutes from the turnpike (I-80), and 35 minutes from Cleveland, Heartland Homestead is like stepping away from the hustle of everyday life and into nature. Rural enough to feel like you've gotten away from suburbia but close enough for DoorDash, last-minute store runs, + all the yummy restaurants in Oberlin, we hope you enjoy stepping into our modern homestead as much as we enjoy hosting you!

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Rusty's Retreat

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fostoria, OH

We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Buckeye and Lexi can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There's also Turk the turkey and his flock of chickens. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.

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Hempstock Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Oberlin, OH

Welcome to your lovely home away from home. Located on 30 acres of land, our farm is just a few minutes from downtown and all things Oberlin College & Conservatory. Come watch the sunset overlooking our beautiful garden, explore the vibrant campus life, or cook yourself a meal in our open outdoor kitchen. The space: Our campsites are situated on active organically farmed land. We have several sleeping spots available and amenities include an outhouse, an outdoor kitchen with sink & gas stove and seating area. Guests can freely use the basement shower which can be accessed through the red storm doors on the side of the house. Other things to note: Helpful to have a car even though campus is so close. 1/4 of the 25 minute walk to campus is along a state route. There is a beautiful longer walk to avoid the highway along a bike trail but if you have places to be, either ask us for a ride or best you have your own vehicle :) I walk all the time. Very doable just depends on your preference.

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SōLSTAY Lodging

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Sandusky, OH

SōLSTAY is an ideal spot to discover the wonders of Sandusky, Lake Erie and Cedar Point. Nestled in a cozy, waterside setting with sweeping views of the lake! This property offers endless outdoor experiences—from boating, fishing and watersports right from our own marina setting and the thrill-seeking fun of Cedar Point to unwinding at sunset on our boardwalk or taking in the views from our elevated hot tub. Only a .5 mile drive to Cedar Point and just 5 minutes to downtown Sandusky, SōLSTAY is the perfect destination for an adventure of a lifetime. We DO NOT allow tent camping or car camping.

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Riverside Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents94 acres · Port Clinton, OH

We have a kayak and canoe livery called Portage River Paddling Company. We are nestled on 94 acres on the Portage River. You will be camping in the back of our property along the Portage River. You will be just a 5 minute walk from renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, gem mining, axe throwing, cornhole, giant Jenga, goats, Gizmo the 160 pound Sulcata Tortoise, Jasper the iguana and more!

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Blueberry Farm Campsites

2 sites · Tents8 acres · Amherst, OH

We have lived here since 2004, the blueberries have lived here for over 60 years. This site has more topography than most of the surrounding county (very flat here). Learn more about this land: Several sites available on an organic blueberry farm near Oberlin College and Lake Erie. Blueberries are ripe in July. Site #2 is down by the Chance Creek, about 1/2 mile from the driveway. Very peaceful down there - a walk-in site. Site #1 site is about 100 yards from the driveway, Site #1 also has access to a small shed that sleeps two adults and one child. Both sites are woodsy and away from neighbors, roads and houses, however the interstate is not far. When the wind blows from the north you can barely hear it, but when a south wind blows and there is rain on the interstate, it can be pretty loud. Just got a "luggable-loo" if you need it, have liners, too.

Cozy Cottage In The Woods

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Tiffin, OH

Enjoy a relaxing stay in a rural wooded area 7 miles south of Tiffin. The property offers a plethora of natural beauty and wildlife. The property includes two sites: a one bedroom cottage and has a full, open kitchen and living room Please note - internet service is not consistent due to the rural location.

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Camp Peace

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Waterville, OH

Camp Peace consists of a riverfront vintage VW Bus camper as well as a very small cabin! Enjoy the free use of our kayaks and canoes as you navigate the many islands across from our property. Both the VW bus and the cabin have heat and air conditioning. The cabin has a 4-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer, and hot and cold water sink. The bathroom has a ship pump handle commode. There is a full shower, as well.

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BubbaSchottMiles Farm West Pasture

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Bowling Green, OH

We are situated on 5 acres just NW of Bowling Green, Ohio. Our property was used to raise horses and other farm animals for many years. We have two main pastures and our Homestead. The south part of the "West Pasture" is where we host campers. This area has many evergreen trees. We have small stands of Bamboo and reed grass along with many trees including White Pine, Black Walnut, Hackberry, Maple, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Cedar, River Birch and more!

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Bayfront Resort at Cross View

49 sites · RVs10 acres · Sandusky, OH

Welcome to Bayfront Resort at Cross View, a luxury RV and cottage resort located along the shores of the stunning Sandusky Bay. We are now open. Please contact us for a personal tour of the property. We would be happy to show you around! Our resort features 10 fully furnished cottages and 39 concrete RV sites with full hook-ups to accommodate RVs up to 40’. The cottage homes sleep up to 6 adults and include a bedroom, bunk beds, loft, full kitchen, laundry, and a full bath. While staying at the resort, enjoy our heated pool, modern clubhouse, and convenient laundry facility. Also, you can’t miss the panoramic view of Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point! Cottage Amenities: 1 full bedroom, 2 bunks, bed in loft 1 full bath Full kitchen with appliances & kitchenware In-cottage washer/dryer Linens & towels TV Covered porch Grill A/C Free Wi-Fi RV Site Amenities: Full Hook-up (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer) Concrete site with patio Picnic Table Grill at each site Free Wi-Fi Pet-Friendly Property Amenities: Heated Pool Clubhouse with showers and laundry General Store Waterfront Walkway About our location: Sandusky was recently voted the #1 Best Coastal Small Town in USA Today. This is the second time in the past 4 years that Sandusky has won this honor! There are many great shops, restaurants, and activities in downtown Sandusky. Then you can head down route 250/Milan Road, and you will find the Sandusky Mall, larger department stores, fast food, restaurants, movie theater, and much more! Our location is also close to these key attractions: 1.5 miles to downtown Sandusky (including ferries to the Put-in-Bay and Kellys Island) 1.9 miles to Castaway Bay Waterpark 2.4 miles to Cedar Point Amusement Park 3.1 miles to Sports Force Parks and Cedar Point Sports Center 6.3 miles to Kalahari Waterpark Jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, and boat rentals in the area Our location cannot be beat! Come stay with Bayfront Resort and see all that Sandusky has to offer! We can't wait to meet you. Please note: We have a 2-night minimum stay on RV sites and cottages.

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Andy Kromer Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Sandusky, OH

2014 it was bare land. Built a house and a farm with nice quiet relaxed atmosphere. Putting a pond and shower building in 2022, to offer fishing, swimming and paddle boating. I have a very nice bbq, patio, and fire pit for people to share. A near by local abandoned quarry for people to hike as well beautiful downtown Sandusky is only a few minutes away.Learn more about this land:10 minute drive to cedar point, on a beautiful farm. Quiet peaceful country nights. We have near by abandoned quarry, beautiful downtown Sandusky and cedar point only few minutes away. We are adding a pond for swimming and fishing 2022. A nice bbq, patio and fire pit on site. This is a working farm, with steers mooing and tractors moving at times.

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Serene Pasture Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Greenwich, OH

Welcome to Serene Pasture Getaway, where two lush acres of country serenity meet natural beauty. The centerpiece of this picturesque retreat is a grand, sprawling maple tree, adding a distinct character to the otherwise smooth waves of grassy meadow. Located on the outskirts of a charming rural town and accessible from the main road, our property offers an authentic country living experience. Enjoy the rustic spectacle of horses grazing in the adjacent pasture, their presence enhancing the charm of your surroundings. The camping area is suitable for all styles of camping - Tent, RV, or CamperVan. Whether you prefer a short overnight visit or a more extended stay, our open spaces and child-friendly meadow provide the perfect setup for all campers. Serene Pasture Getaway is more than just a tranquil retreat. Our location puts a variety of attractions within reach. A short distance away, you'll find a reservoir park, complete with a walking path, baseball/softball fields, and a playground. Half a mile from the property lies a newly opened walking/bike trail connecting Greenwich to New London. For those willing to explore further, a 20-minute drive will take you to Norwalk, Ashland, and Mansfield. Or, if you're up for a day trip, Cedar Point and Lake Erie are roughly an hour away. And for your convenience, a laundromat and a local favorite ice cream stand (seasonal) are just half a mile away from our property.

The best camping near East Harbor State Park guide

Overview

About

With its strip of sand, forested wetlands, and two natural harbors, East Harbor State Park has varied terrain for outdoor adventurers. Head to the southwest shore of Lake Erie, where you can swim, sail, and enjoy water sports, go birding or freshwater fishing, or try your hand at a game of disc golf. Inland, there are more than 1,800 acres of woodlands and wetlands with miles of multi-use trails to explore—bring your hiking boots, bike, or snowmobile in winter. Campers will find everything from RV sites to yurts at the huge East Harbor Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the park’s 563 campsites (including non-electric, electric, and full hookup sites, cabins, and yurts) via the Reserve Ohio website.
Campsite reservations open from 7am, six months in advance, and all sites can be reserved online.
Campsites can book up fast, so book as early as possible, especially for peak season or on holiday weekends. Plan six months ahead for cabin and yurt bookings.

When to go

The summer heat draws campers to the lake, and East Harbor State Park is a hotspot for sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts. Campsites stay open year-round (except for yurts, which are available from May through mid-October), and there are ample activities for winter campers, too, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Peak season runs from April through October, when advance bookings are essential.

Know before you go

East Harbor State Park is about an hour’s drive east of Toledo and about 110 minutes’ drive west of Cleveland.
There are no entrance fees for Ohio State parks, but camping and reservation fees apply. Ohio fishing licenses are also required.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, seasonal boat rental, restaurants, and a swimming beach with a changing area and vending machines.
There is unlimited horsepower at the lake, and you can bring your own boats and watercraft. Swimming is permitted only in designated areas.
Campground Loops A and B have ADA-accessible campsites.