South Bass Island State Park Campground welcomes dogs at all tent, RV and cabin sites within its gated grounds. Located on Put-in-Bay, this pet-friendly destination features clean facilities and shaded campsites on the western shore of Lake Erie. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times within the park. The campground offers both waterfront and inland sites with varying levels of hookups, including some with electric, water, and sewer connections. Sites on the cliff edge provide spectacular lake views but are suitable only for tent camping and not recommended for families with small children or pets that might approach the unfenced cliff edge. The state park maintains strict quiet hours which helps ensure a peaceful experience even with pets in camp.
The 1.5-mile distance between South Bass Island State Park and downtown Put-in-Bay allows for pleasant dog walks away from the island's busier party atmosphere. Pets need appropriate footwear or protection when accessing the rocky beach area, which serves as the only free public swimming access on the island. During peak summer months, especially weekends, the campground can become quite crowded with many visitors using golf carts as transportation around the island. For dog owners seeking quieter conditions, mid-week visits or camping during spring and fall seasons proves significantly more peaceful. The island setting requires planning for pet supplies as mainland veterinary services require a ferry trip. East Harbor State Park on the mainland provides an alternative pet-friendly camping option with similar amenities but without the need for ferry transportation.
$31 - $90 / night
"The wild life In the area was abundant making hikes in the afternoon great especially near sunset when the deer in the area started to come out."
"I love the ability to walk or bike to the beach. The camp store has all the necessities you may have forgotten. I enjoy walking to the pond at night and flashlight frogs."
$31 - $120 / night
"We stayed on the water front site directly next to the trail for the public beach. I do not recommend this site unless you want everyone to walk through the site at any time all day long."
"Located right on the water, with beautiful views of Lake Erie. Well maintained campground, although the bathrooms had limited number of toilets. I usually had to wait to get a stall."
$35 - $660 / night
"This is a beautiful place to stay when visiting put-in-bay. You are secluded from the party central street but a golf cart away if you wanted to join the festivities."
"It's close to Put in Bay - famous for it's bar scene. If you're good at trekking, everything on the island is walking distance, but if you can bring it a bike would make for much quicker trips."
$150 - $500 / night
"a 1 year old so we weren't able to do anything at the park, but will definitely come back and try it again. also you can't bring animals into the park, so leave them with the in-laws. they do have a pet"
"Great location! Situated adjacent to Iron Vengeance roller coaster and across the parking lot from the water park. You can see the coasters and hear the screams from your rig!"
$32 - $1 / night
"This campground was family friendly, dog friendly, and very clean. About 30 minutes from cedar point."
"We did stay in a Travel Trailer next to seasonal campers and they were very kind and helpful. The lot size was ok...not spacious but not as small as I've experienced."
"It's location is amazing for getting around the area. We took trips to Vermillion, Put-in-Bay and Cedar Point. All within about 30 - 60 minutes of driving."
"We travel with 2 large Labrador retrievers and love being able to let them play off leash in the kamp k9 dog park."
"Due to covid our family decided to go to Lake Erie instead of the ocean this year. this was our first trip up. While looking for places to stay we came across cedarlane and were so glad we did."
"This place is big and plenty of different things to do perfect location"
"This is a quiet campground near Lake Erie. The campground seems like it’s mainly seasonal but they did have some transient camping and tent sites. We stayed at site 156."
"We were on the end (which is always a plus for us), and were able to see Lake Erie! Very Quiet, but not much really goes on when it is raining."
$41 - $56 / night
"Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."
"This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "
ScoutThis is a beautiful place to stay when visiting put-in-bay. You are secluded from the party central street but a golf cart away if you wanted to join the festivities. This camp ground is on lake erie and offers beautiful views of the lake and access to the water. Will definitely stay here again!!! Books up quickly
TravelerOverall good campsite on South Bass Island. It's close to Put in Bay - famous for it's bar scene. If you're good at trekking, everything on the island is walking distance, but if you can bring it a bike would make for much quicker trips. There are also a number of taxi services or golf cart rentals available.
The sites are very small, but have very nice views of the lake. It stormed while I was there and the winds got strong, so make sure your tent is sturdy, or choose an in-land campsite.
TravelerThe campground was in pretty good shape. It's location is amazing for getting around the area. We took trips to Vermillion, Put-in-Bay and Cedar Point. All within about 30 - 60 minutes of driving. The restrooms could use updating, but apart from that it's a really great campground.
ScoutLast time I came here was in 2019. Words cannot describe how great this camp ground was. The wild life In the area was abundant making hikes in the afternoon great especially near sunset when the deer in the area started to come out. Also watching the sun set and rise on the beach/ swimming area was a great experience. The location of the camp ground puts you right on Lake Erie and close to great locations such as Put in Bay, Kelly’s island and cedar point.
RangerSites were smallish but flat. Bathrooms/showers were clean. Camp store had firewood but not much else. Put- in-bay was a short bike ride away. If you don’t like drunk frat boys, visit during the week.
GuideI enjoy this campground because there are lots of great spots to choose from. I love the ability to walk or bike to the beach. The camp store has all the necessities you may have forgotten. I enjoy walking to the pond at night and flashlight frogs. Typically there are a lot of raccoons so keep your food locked up tight. It is a great place for birding, fishing, boating and close to marblehead lighthouse and the ferries to take you to Kelley's Island and Put In Bay.
ScoutGreat location with many shoreline sites facing west with some of the best sunsets to be seen. Easy access for canoeists and kayakers, gentle shoreline, office is just a short walk away. Ferry accommodate paddlers if you are not up for the trip from the mainland. The island appears to be primarily rock, I couldn’t find a spot to get a tent stake in more than 1-2 centimeters. Bathrooms and showers are average.
Put-in-Bay may be Ohio’s Key West but this state park is a mile+ from party central but it was quiet, particularly after-dark. Seasonal law-enforcement stay here too. If you walk into town you need to keep an eye out for golf carts needing to slow-down.
I hope to return.
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/south-bass-island-state-park
ScoutWe've stayed here for the last 3 years for a long weekend in late July. They keep the campgrounds and facilities very clean. Always a good time. Always a few sites with obnoxiously wasted people but that comes with being on Put in Bay.
RangerI have been coming up to Kelleys Island for 39yrs and this year really tested my happiness. The campground has gone through quite a bit of changes over the last couple years and it's not entirely for the better. We stayed on the water front site directly next to the trail for the public beach. I do not recommend this site unless you want everyone to walk through the site at any time all day long. People do not respect quiet hours and leave their porch lights on in the cabins that now sit on the water front. There used to be VIPs that cleaned the park everyday and maintained everything. Not anymore and the park seems a little less friendly now. Golf carts are or were prohibited from entering the campground but now drive around the park all day long creating quite the ruckus and disturbing the beauty of nature. The bathrooms did get an upgrade of fixtures and super bright LED lights, but they took out the ADA accessible showers that had detachable shower heads and a bench to sit on in the shower. This beautiful well kept secret feels a lot like it's sister island Put-in-Bay now with all the rules stripped no care for the environment with partying all day. We did however have beautiful weather the entire time we were there. The site was clean but we noticed a lot of trees had been lost over the years and our camper sat in full sun all day long. They have replanted a tree that will cover the parking pad with shade in probably 10 years. The stairs to get to the public beach we decaying railroad ties that need some TLC but work. The dumpstation has moved to back of the campground by the old pet section which is nice and keeps the noise away from the rest of the park. They also stripped the Ranger program and no longer offer education hikes, movie nights, island history hikes, or the nature program. These were all favorites of mine as a child and made me appreciate the island more.
South Bass Island State Park Campground offers seasonal camping from April 1 to October 1, with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations available within its gated boundaries. Situated on the western shore of Lake Erie, this camping area sits 1.5 miles from downtown Put-in-Bay on an island accessible only by ferry. The island location creates unique camping conditions with limestone shorelines, rocky beaches, and cliff-edge sites that require careful consideration for visitors with pets.
Island exploration by bicycle or golf cart: Visitors to Kelleys Island State Park Campground often rent bicycles to tour the island's natural features. "I recommend bringing or renting bikes to tour the island," notes Erin H. The glacial grooves on Kelleys Island provide unique geological features not found at South Bass Island.
Water activities along the shoreline: The rocky beaches around Put-in-Bay offer swimming and launching points for kayaks. "The campground has a little bay which works out great for having a small boat, jet-ski, and also a small swimming area," reports Rebecca F. about Kelleys Island facilities. Water shoes are essential for comfort on the rocky lake bottom.
Ferry travel between islands: Plan for ferry schedules when visiting multiple Lake Erie islands. Travel to East Harbor State Park Campground on the mainland offers additional camping options. "The location of the camp ground puts you right on Lake Erie and close to great locations such as Put in Bay, Kelly's island and cedar point," shares Elijah G.
Stargazing opportunities: The island location provides excellent night sky viewing due to limited light pollution. "No city lights and being in the middle of the lake means lots of stars, the sounds of water and being so dark you can barely see," explains Daniel U. from his experience at Kelleys Island State Park Campground.
Wildlife observation: The islands host diverse bird species and wildlife viewing opportunities. "The wild life in the area was abundant making hikes in the afternoon great especially near sunset when the deer in the area started to come out," notes Elijah G. about East Harbor State Park.
Proximity to mainland attractions: Crystal Rock Campground provides an alternative mainland base for island day trips. "We drove down from MI for a quick weekend getaway. Nice and friendly staff with plenty of things to do in the area," writes Derrick J. The campground sits approximately 30 minutes from ferry docks.
Ferry logistics require planning: Vehicle transport to the islands involves costs and potential wait times. "The ferry ride it takes to access this state park island is well worth the time and fees," advises Erin H., but others note summer weekend departure waits can reach 6 hours.
Weather impacts island access: Strong winds and rough water conditions can affect ferry schedules. "Got stuck due to rough waters so we got a free night on the island," mentions Daniel U. about his Kelleys Island stay. Always check weather forecasts before finalizing plans.
Seasonal differences impact experience: Camp Sandusky provides a mainland alternative during shoulder seasons. "Judging by the review from last year, things have totally changed as there are none of the mentioned activities available," notes Ron G. Mid-week camping during summer offers quieter conditions than weekends.
Safety considerations for cliff sites: The unfenced cliff edges at South Bass Island require extra vigilance. "The sites along the cliff overlooking the lake have fabulous views but are ONLY for tents and one should NOT camp there with small kids," advises Stephen S., highlighting important safety information.
Entertainment options for children: Cedarlane RV Resort offers dedicated kids' facilities. "My daughter had fun doing the gem mining and playing in the pool and splash pad," shares Ashley R. The resort maintains separate adult and family swimming areas.
Beach access variations: The rocky shoreline requires preparation for comfortable swimming. "East harbor state park on the mainland provides an alternative pet-friendly camping option with similar amenities," notes a camper, though another mentions "The beach was weird, there's a rock wall bordering the lake so you have to either climb down the low wall or walk to the designated opening."
Site selection impacts experience: Limited level sites exist at some island campgrounds. "The RV camp sites and many of the other camp sites are inland from the cliff and while wooded are generally very close together and most do NOT have a lake view," explains Stephen S. about South Bass Island.
Hookup availability varies: Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point offers full-service RV amenities. "Concrete pads. Level! Full hookups were simple to use," reports Chuck E. Lighthouse Point provides sanitary dumping stations and reliable 50-amp electrical service.
Weather considerations for island camping: Island locations experience stronger winds and temperature variations than mainland sites. "Clean site, adequately spaced sites and clean and well stocked facilities," reports Nick T. about South Bass Island, though preparing for rapid weather changes remains important.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Put-in-Bay, OH is East Harbor State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 57 reviews.
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