East Harbor State Park, located in Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This state park offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its 1,500-foot sandy beach is a highlight for summer visitors. The park also features a large campground, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities, especially for waterfowl and shorebirds. With its scenic views and diverse wildlife, East Harbor State Park provides a serene getaway for nature lovers and families.
Does East Harbor State Park Offer RV Camping?
Yes, East Harbor State Park in Ohio does offer RV camping. The park’s campground is noted as the largest in the Ohio State Park system, providing a variety of camping options, including full hookup sites, which are suitable for RVs. These full hookup sites come with amenities like water, electrical, and sewer hookups. The campground is pet-friendly, ensuring visitors can bring their pets for their stay. Additionally, the park offers several other amenities, such as picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and a dump station for RVs.
East Harbor State Park Contact Details
- Address: Address: 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, United States
- Phone: 419-734-4424
East Harbor State Park RV Sites and Rates
East Harbor State Park in Ohio offers a diverse range of camping sites for RVs. There are 354 electric sites, including 4 that are ADA accessible, and 51 full hook-up sites, with 3 being ADA accessible. Additionally, there are 168 non-electric sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring for campers’ convenience.
The camping rates vary based on the type of site and season. Electric sites cost $36 from April 1 to October 31, and $32 from November 1 to March 31. Full Service sites, which include more amenities, are priced at $50 during the peak season (April 1 to October 31) and drop to $32 in the off-season (November 1 to March 31). Non-electric, back-in sites are available at $30 in the peak season and $26 in the off-season. These rates help accommodate a range of camping preferences and seasons.
East Harbor State Park Campground Map
East Harbor State Park Amenities for RV Camping
- Showers and Restrooms: East Harbor State Park provides clean and accessible showers and restrooms for camper convenience.
- Drinking Water and Dump Station: Facilities for drinking water and an RV dump station are available to meet the basic needs of RV campers.
- Boat Launch: For those interested in water activities, the park offers a boat launch facility.
- Fish-Cleaning Station: A convenient station for cleaning fish is available for anglers.
- Camp Store and Firewood: The park includes a camp store for basic supplies and firewood for campfires.
- Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, enhancing the outdoor camping experience.
- Pet-Friendly Camping: Pets are welcome in the park, but they must be kept on leashes and have up-to-date rabies vaccines.
- Cell Phone Coverage: Good coverage from major providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile is available, though Wi-Fi is not provided throughout the park.
Things to do inside East Harbor State Park
Swimming
The park features a 1,500-foot sand beach that attracts thousands of visitors. It’s a great spot for families and individuals to enjoy the water and relax by the Lake Erie shoreline.
Boating
Given its location on Lake Erie, the park offers unlimited horsepower boating opportunities. The marina at the park provides seasonal and day-use dock rentals, fuel, launch ramp, supplies, and a restaurant. This makes it an ideal spot for both casual and serious boaters.
Fishing
East Harbor State Park is a haven for anglers, with Lake Erie known for its abundant fish populations. You can expect to catch Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, and Channel Catfish. The park provides both shore-based access and boat ramps for fishing enthusiasts.
Picnicking
The park has picnic areas with scenic views of the lake and marshlands. These areas have tables and grills, and two shelterhouses can be rented. This makes it a perfect spot for a family outing or a group gathering.
Trails
There is a 7-mile trail system within the park, leading through various habitats. The Middle Harbor Trail, for instance, includes a bird observation blind. Other trails near the swimming beach offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Birdwatching
With over 300 species recorded, the park is a prime location for birdwatching. Its diverse habitats attract waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, making it an exciting destination for bird enthusiasts.
East Harbor State Park Nearby Attractions
Marblehead Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse, located about 3 miles from the park, offers stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding Marblehead peninsula. You can climb the tower for panoramic vistas or explore the museum exhibits that tell the story of the lighthouse and its keepers.
Put-in-Bay
This island resort town, accessible by ferry from Marblehead, about 4 miles away, is a popular boating, fishing, and swimming destination. There are also several wineries, restaurants, and shops on the island.
Sandusky Bay
This scenic bay, just 5 miles from the park, is great for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also several public beaches and parks along the shoreline.
Maumee Bay State Park
This park, located about 7 miles from East Harbor, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and camping. There are also several scenic overlooks with views of the Maumee River and Lake Erie.
Clay’s Ice Cream Parlor
This family-friendly ice cream shop, located about 8 miles from the park, is a great place to cool off after a day of exploring. They have various flavors, and you can enjoy your ice cream on their outdoor patio.
East Harbor State Park Brief History
East Harbor State Park’s history is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural landscape of the Lake Erie region. Before European settlement, it was home to the Ottawa and Wyandot Indians, with the Ottawa tribe known as “traders.” An important east-west trail along Lake Erie’s southern shore connected Pittsburgh and Detroit, intersecting with the Scioto Trail. The area was under Indian control until the Americans defeated the British and Indians in the War of 1812.
The region became notable for agriculture after the draining of the Great Black Swamp, with fruits like peaches and grapes thriving due to the quality of soil and favorable climate. The Marblehead Lighthouse, east of the park, and Johnson’s Island, known for its Civil War prison, are significant historical sites nearby. The area’s natural beauty, beaches, and marshlands led to the development of East Harbor State Park, which opened in 1947 and has since become one of Ohio’s most visited vacation spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Harbor State Park free?
East Harbor State Park in Ohio does not require an entry fee, making it free for visitors to enter and enjoy. There is also free parking available near the designated swimming areas of the park. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities and the natural beauty of the Lake Erie shoreline.
How big is East Harbor State Park?
East Harbor State Park in Ohio spans approximately 1,831 acres (741 hectares). This substantial size allows the park to offer a diverse range of recreational activities and natural habitats for visitors to enjoy, including its picturesque wetlands and beach areas on the shores of Lake Erie. The park’s significant land area contributes to its popularity as a major outdoor recreation destination in the region.
How to make reservations at East Harbor State Park?
To make reservations at East Harbor State Park, you can either book online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or call the reservation hotline at 866-644-6727. This process allows you to select and reserve specific campsites for your visit.
Are pets allowed inside East Harbor State Park?
Pets are allowed at East Harbor State Park, making it a pet-friendly destination. However, it’s important to keep them on leashes and ensure they are up-to-date with their rabies vaccines. Pet owners are expected to be responsible for their pets’ behavior and cleanliness to ensure the comfort and safety of all park visitors.
What are the reviews for East Harbor State Park?
Reviews for East Harbor State Park generally highlight its appeal as a great camping destination with well-maintained facilities. The park is appreciated for its peaceful and clean environment, offering a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. The beach area, though sometimes crowded, is a popular feature, especially for families. While most reviews are positive, noting the park’s cleanliness and the availability of amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, some visitors have mentioned issues with restroom maintenance and crowded conditions at times. Overall, the park is well-regarded for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.