KELLEYS ISLAND STATE PARK
The family campground contains 45 non-electric and 84 electric sites, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. A volleyball court and playground offer more to do. The camp office loans games and sports equipment to registered campers. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. A youth group camp is available by reservation for organized groups. Six miles of hiking trails lead to scenic vistas, historic sites and two nature preserves, North Pond Nature Preserve, and the North Shore Nature Preserve, offering excellent locations for watching wildlife. Picnic areas, a picnic shelter, launch ramps, fishing access areas and a 100-foot swimming beach are also available. Limited hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park. Check with the park office for details. Kelleys Island can be reached by ferry from Sandusky or Marblehead Peninsula. Two premium Yurts, complete with efficiency kitchen, bath with shower and furnished living area, along with two Rent-A-Camp units are available during the summer season.
Kelleys Island Park Map (pdf)Limestone cliffs, historic wineries, crystal caverns and a shimmering Great Lake greet visitors to the Lake Erie Islands state parks. These five state parks offer unique island retreats with an atmosphere both festive and casual. Fishing, boating and swimming can be enjoyed at each park.
Several parks comprise the Lake Erie Island group. The islands were formed during the glacial period when massive ice sheets entered Ohio. Glaciers gouged and scoured the bedrock; their tremendous weight left deep depressions which filled with meltwater, forming the Great Lakes.
Lake Erie, the smallest of the Great Lakes, is shallow--allowing for violent storms with high waves. The lake is divided into three basins. The western basin has an average depth of 25 to 30 feet; the central basin averages 61 feet; and the eastern basin shows an average depth of 120 feet.
Lake Erie has high nutrient levels and warm temperatures which produce greater numbers and varieties of fish than any other Great Lake. Annual catches nearly equal the combined catch of all other Great Lakes. Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and walleye are dominant species.
The islands are composed of limestone bedrock. Small scratches in the rock surface known as glacial striations are common while major grooves such as those found at Kelleys Island are rare but awesome. Vast stands of red cedar and the presence of underground caverns, both associated with limestone are found here. The islands and shoreline support a variety of reptiles including the state's highest concentration of the harmless fox snake. The timber rattlesnake was at one time quite prevalent on the islands but is now gone from the area. Rattlesnake Island was so named due to the presence of this reptile years ago.
Migrating songbirds rest here before winging across the lake. Hundreds of different species have been identified, making this one of the best birdwatching areas in the country. Several nesting pairs of the magnificent bald eagle are located in the area.
Prior to the War of 1812, the Lake Erie Island region had been occupied by Ottawa and Huron (Wyandot) Indian tribes at different times throughout the years. A testimony to their existence on the islands is carved in Inscription Rock on Kelleys Island. Pictographic writings over 500 years old are etched in this massive limestone boulder.The Ottawa and Huron were eventually moved out by European settlers. The War of 1812 ended the last Indian threat to the European settlement of Ohio. One decisive naval battle of that war was fought in Put-In-Bay, off the shores of South Bass Island. Oliver Hazard Perry with an inferior fleet defeated the British making famous his saying, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." The victory gave the Americans control of Lake Erie and led to the ultimate defeat of the British in that war.
The islands remained sparsely settled until 1854 when J.D. Rivers purchased five of the islands. At first he turned Put-In-Bay into a sheep ranch, having at one time a herd of 2,000, but eventually he converted the island into a fruit farm. Despite the extreme northern location, the islands have the longest frost-free period of any area in Ohio due to the stabilizing effect of the lake.
It soon became apparent to islanders that the cultivation of grapes was very profitable. The grape culture has had a dramatic influence on the islands, sometimes called the "Wine Islands." By 1887, more than one-third of the grape product and nearly one-half of the wine product of the entire state was credited to this area. Wines from these islands were once pronounced by the best judges as being comparable to the best productions of France. Several island wineries still exist today.
In addition to raising fruits, the islands supported other profitable industries. Logging of red cedar, quarrying for limestone and the propagation of fish provided additional means of support.
For over a century, South Bass Island has been famous as a summer resort. Ruins of the Victory Hotel, destroyed by fire in 1919, are still evident. Tourism thrives today making the islands one of the most popular vacation spots in the state. The five areas comprising Lake Erie Island state parks were added to the state park system in the early 1950s.
- T Walker
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres677
Water, acresGreat Lake
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trail, miles5
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beach, feet100
Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimitive, #45
Electric Sites, #82
Pets Permittedyes
Flush Toiletsyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Rent-A-Camp Sites, #2
Youth Group Camp, capacity50
Rent-A-Yurt, #2
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
Ice Skatingyes
Ice Fishingyes
Conference Center
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
0.8 miles from park*
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Kelleys Island State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park is located on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes known for its abundant fish populations.
One popular spot within Kelleys Island State Park is the 100-foot public white sand beach where shoreline fishing can be enjoyed. Anglers often catch Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye from this location.
The state park also has a boat launch ramp providing access to deeper waters which are home to larger species such as Steelhead Trout or Northern Pike. Boating allows fishermen to reach areas not accessible from shore like reefs or underwater structures that attract different types of gamefish.
In addition to these spots, there's an old stone quarry lake inside Kelleys Island State Park itself where Largemouth Bass and Bluegill thrive among others - perfect for those who prefer freshwater angling over open water adventures.
Fishing at Kelley's island requires adherence with all Ohio Department Of Natural Resources Division Of Wildlife regulations including possession limits per day/angler etc., so it would be wise checking them before planning your trip here!
Kelleys Island State Park is located near Huron, Port Clinton and Sandusky
1. Picnic Areas: Kelleys Island State Park offers several designated picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, perfect for a family outing or group gathering.
2. Beachside Picnics: The park features a sandy beach where visitors can spread out their blankets and enjoy picnicking by the water's edge while taking in beautiful views of Lake Erie.
3. Pavilion Rental: For larger gatherings or events, there is an open-air pavilion available to rent within the state park that includes picnic tables under cover - ideal for unpredictable weather conditions!
4. Hiking Trail Pit Stops: There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park which offer scenic spots along routes suitable for setting up your own private picnic area amidst nature's beauty.
5. Fishing Spots: If you're planning on fishing during your visit, many of these locations also provide great places to have lunch whilst waiting for fish bites!
6. Picnic at Campgrounds: Visitors who choose to camp overnight will find plenty of spaces near their campsites where they could set up outdoor meals surrounded by lush greenery.
7. Picnickers may bring packed food from home but should remember all trash must be carried out as part of Leave No Trace principles practiced in Ohio parks.
8. Alcohol consumption is permitted only if it accompanies a meal; however glass containers are prohibited so plan accordingly when packing beverages!
9. Dog:Friendly Options: Dogs on leashes are welcome at most parts including some beaches making this location pet-friendly too (just make sure Fido doesn't steal any sandwiches!).
Located in Ohio, this park offers a variety of birding options. It is home to diverse species including warblers during migration season and waterfowl like ducks, geese or swans on the lake shores. The island's unique ecosystem also attracts rare birds such as Snowy Owls or Bald Eagles making it an ideal spot for avid bird watchers. There are several trails that provide excellent viewing opportunities throughout different habitats from wetlands to forests.
Several other state parks are near the Lake Erie Islands. Crane Creek State Park, west of Port Clinton, is one of the state's foremost birding areas and is notable for its spring and fall bird migrations. East Harbor State Park on Marblehead Peninsula sports the largest campground in the Ohio state park system. Swimming, picnicking, boating and fishing are popular at East Harbor. Marblehead Lighthouse, built in 1821, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation of the Great Lakes and Ohio's 73rd state park. It is located off S.R. 163 on the east side of the Village of Marblehead.
State nature preserves located in the area include Sheldon Marsh, Old Woman Creek, Erie Sand Barrens and DuPont Marsh. Contact the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves for more information.
The Ottawa County Visitors Bureau is an excellent source for travel options and ideas all around the Lake Erie Islands area.
Family Outting
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
0.8 miles from park*
Forest RV Park8232 East Harbor Road
Lakeside Marblehead, OH
419-967-0418
Tall Timbers340 South Christy Chapel Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-732-3938
Maverick
1 Cedar Point Dr
Sandusky, OH
+14196272350
Kimberly's Carousel
160 Delaware Ave
Put-In-Bay, OH
+14192852212
Tracey Family Farmstand
1480 Hartshorn Rd
Lakeside-Marblehead, OH
La Copa Cabana Charters
4422 E Barnum Rd
Port Clinton, OH
+13307196844
Herb's Sportsman's Supply
1713 NE Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 797-2455
Fishermens Trading Post
255 Se Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-2076
Matty Gs Jet Ski Rentals LLC
8620 E Bayshore Rd
Marblehead, OH
4196070134
Jet Ski Rental
14 Bath St
Put-in-Bay, OH
+14192857547
Lake Bay Yacht Sales
510 Stone St
Lakeside Marblehead, OH
(419) 798-8511
Skippers Marina & Resort
7555 East Harbor Rd
Lakeside Marblhd, OH
(419) 734-3664
Beach Cliff Lodge
4189 NW Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 797-4553
Fort Firelands RV Park
5650 East Harbor Rd
Lakeside Marblhd, OH
(419) 734-1237
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Campgrounds
Enjoy Southeast Michigan's Best Family Camping experience at our clean, quiet, friendly campground. Jumping Pillow, WiFi, Paddle Boats, Minigolf, Swimming, Bicycling and more
68 miles from park*
Catawba Island , 4049 E. Moores Dock Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452
The park staff was knowledgeable of the history of the island and the entire staff from the manager to the maintenance crew pleasant and helpful. The park was well maintained and clean.
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