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East Harbor State Park Campground is the largest in the Ohio State Park system. It offers Full Hookup, Electric, Non-electric and ADA sites. Pets are permitted at all sites. Other options include a Yurt (ADA), two Sherman Cabins (one ADA cabin), and Group Camping. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Located in Ohio on the sandy shores of Lake Erie awaits an enormous haven of fun, with tons of chances to recreate. Boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping all attract flocks of visitors to East Harbor State Park.
Nature lovers will rejoice thanks to the dense population of waterfowl, shore birds, and other species of wildlife. Owing to the swampy, wetland climate, a host of migratory species regularly flock to the region.
However, the land was not always this rich. It wasn’t until the draining of the Great Black Swamp that the land transformed into an agricultural oasis, producing regional varieties of fruits such as grapes and peaches.
Before European Settlement, East Harbor region was home to Native American tribes like the Ottawa and Wyandot Tribes. Stemming from the translation “trader”, the Ottawa tribe earned its title due to the geographic location of East Harbor. During the period of Westward Expansion, this park’s acreage was first the heart of popular trade routes for Native Americans.
As it developed, the region has long been valued for its recreational potential. In fact, Lake Erie is more similar (and exotic) to a tropical beach resort than you’d first think. This is due to the extensive range of plant and animal life, long sandy beaches, and the immense size of the lake itself. As a result of these factors, 1,831 acres were reserved and protected, to be known today as East Harbor State Park.
Camping at East Harbor is readily available with 352 electric sites. Furthermore, there are 160 non-electric sites available for a cheaper nightly rate. There are also an additional 51 full hook-up sites for those in Recreational Vehicles. Working Nomads and Van Dwellers will be grateful to find Wifi Available, however there is a small fee to use it.
Finally, there’s Dump Stations, Bathrooms, and Showers are routinely located throughout. For a more secure (and expensive) shelter option, there is one Yurt available for reservation. Book in advance, however, as it tends to be very competitive.
If you’ve got furry friends, you can take a breath of relief as pets are permitted on all sites. Moreover, Bike rentals are available as well as games and sporting equipment from the camp office/lodge. Get outside with your friends (any number of legs invited) and enjoy everything that East Harbor State Park has to offer.
Love going to East Harbor! Always a relaxing stay! Although this time the showers needed a little more attention this time bc of mold growing in showers. Grew up coming here and it has always been a state park favorite. The employees were very nice and welcoming and lawns well kept.
Will always be one of my favorite campgrounds!! I grew up coming here and bring my family eith me now. It's beautiful year round and if you can manage to get in for a Halloween weekend, it's a must!!
I have mixed thoughts on leaving 3 stars. The park itself is beautiful! Very well maintained and the beach is beautiful.
The camping is where I have issues. Mind you we went at the end of August during the week. The sites are small and very close together. There are no trees or bush's to block the view of your neighbor.
It was empty until Thursday night when it started to get loud. The park was maybe 1/4 full at this point. I can not imagine camping here when it is busy. People coming in to set up at 9:30/ 10 pm was a little inconvenient when you need to get up early to leave.
Showers were great, tons of parks for the kids to play at. Being use to larger more secluded sites this was a different experience for our family.
East Harbor is a great place for children as the water is shallow near the beach. You have to go out pretty far before the lake becomes deep. Pets are not permitted on the beach, but they are welcome in other areas of the park. Great campground and picnic areas!
This is hands down the best state park I have been to in Ohio and my absolute favorite. The hiking here boasts of a variety of trails from wooded/marshy to sandy/beach trails. This place is teeming with wildlife, wildflowers, and just sheer beauty. There are so many birds here of so many different varieties. I honestly can't say enough about this park. If you're looking for a place to come day hike, come here.
