Middle Bass Island State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Middle Bass Island State Park is a park on one of the many Lake Erie islands in northern Ohio. During the middle and late 1800s, this island was home to the Lonz Winery, where grapes were produced and harvested for wine production. In 2001, the state purchased the island and winery to create a historical landmark. Even earlier in history, this island was home to the Ottawa native tribe, whose name can be roughly translated to “Islander.” Visitors can access this island via boat or ferry, and there is a staffed marina with concessions on the island that are open from May to October. The 124 acres of this state park include wetlands, forests, glacial grooves, and lakeshore beaches.
Nearby Cities
Sandusky, OH
Port Clinton, OH
Vickery, OH
York, OH
Spring 30-44 F
Summer 66-82 F
Fall 36-50 F
Winter 19-33 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Middle Bass Island State Park
This park is accessible by boat and ferry only and does not permit RV camping on-site.
Middle Bass Island State Park Campground
Middle Bass Island State Park Campground is not RV-friendly. However, there is a lot near the marina where you can park your RV for a day at the state park. Middle Bass Island State Park Campground is an ideal location to enjoy a relaxing experience along the shores of Lake Erie. The campground is within a walking distance from the marina in the southwest part of the island. You can camp here for a multi-day fishing trip or if you are just looking to get out of your motorhome. The campground only opens between May and October. Nightly rates start at $35.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: fire ring, picnic tables, day shelters, showers, restrooms
Fox’s Den Campground
Fox’s Den Campground is a privately owned RV campground with 60 sites and water and electric hookups. It is one of the few places that allows pets in Put-in-Bay, but you have to leash and pick after your pet. The camp provides a relaxing environment for family gatherings and picnics. You can also play golf, fish, and hike while in the campground. Hot showers, flush toilets, a swimming pool, and a laundromat are available. Fox’s Den Campground is only 1 mile from Middle Bass Island State Park. Nightly rates start at $45.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: fire rings, camp store, dump station, fish cleaning house, grocery store, beer and wine carryout store
Cedarlane RV Resort
Cedarlane RV Resort sits 1 mile from Lake Erie in Vacationland. It is a family-oriented facility with more than 300 campsites for big-rigs and pop-ups. There are many amenities for kids and pets, including Tiki Lounges, three heated pools, store and gift shops, shower houses and restrooms, and a sprayground/water play area. You can only park one RV per site with up to six people. There are dump stations throughout the park, and you can rent a pump service at a small fee. Nightly rates start at $40.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: laundromat, shuffleboard courts, basketball court
What to Do at
Middle Bass Island State Park
Boating is one of the most popular activities at Middle Bass Island State Park, and dock rentals are available for day and overnight use. The marina at the park offers 184 slips with dockside electrical and water hookups, and the Harbormaster building provides showers, restrooms, and kayak and bike rentals. Cornhole and playground areas are also at the marina.
At Middle Bass Island State Park, visitors can explore the marina or check out The Press House, a concession area on the historic grounds of the Lonz Winery. This area provides food and drinks as well as a rentable pavilion and a patio with frequent live entertainment in the summer.
Inside Middle Bass Island State Park
Lake Erie makes Middle Bass Island State Park a relaxing destination to visit. When winter arrives, you can enjoy birding with over 100 bird species in residence and fishing with the 190-slip marina. You can also hike and bike although there are no designated trails. In summer, you can enjoy boating, picnicking, outdoor games in the cornhole and ladder ball areas, and a day at the Kuehnle Wildlife Area.
Fishing
There are many fishing spots at Middle Bass Island State Park, including near the ferry docking area and on the southeastern tip of the island. Many species of fish can be found in the waters of Lake Erie, including walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and rainbow smelt.
Nature Watching
Visitors to this state park can enjoy looking for local wildlife at the picnic areas, which are scattered along the hiking trails. The Lake Erie watersnake is one species of animal only found on the islands of Lake Erie, and it can often be spotted in the wetlands on Middle Bass Island. Other native wildlife includes the Ambystoma salamander, the American toad, Blanding's turtle, raccoons, eastern cottontail rabbits, melanistic gray squirrels, and white-tail deer.
Flora and Fauna
The park is notable for its exposed limestone cliffs, which provide a habitat for rare plant species, such as the endangered Drummond's rock cress and the Northern bog violet. The park is also home to sunburst lichen, a very rare species distinguished by its vibrant yellow-orange formations that grow on rocks and bark.
Hiking
A few hiking trails run alongside the roads in Middle Bass Island State Park and through the island’s wooded areas. The main trail system connects the park’s marina to parking areas, picnic areas, and the campground.
Boating
You can rent kayaks from the Harbormaster building at this state park’s marina, and personal boats can dock there as well. While boating at the state park, no open flames or rafting off of boats is permitted. The marina also offers personal watercraft floats, a launch ramp, and five docking piers.
Swimming
You can find designated spots for swimming on the island, including one near the primitive campground. Note that swimming is not permitted in the marina.
Biking
Bicyclists are welcome to explore the roads and trails at Middle Bass Island State Park, and rentals are available from the marina. Many visitors like to walk their own bikes onto the ferry that travels to and from the island. Some of the hiking trails of the park are paved and can accommodate bicycles.
How to Get to
Middle Bass Island State Park
Middle Bass Island can only be accessed by boat or personal aircraft. The most common way to access the island is by ferry, specifically using the Miller Ferry services. To reach the ferry station from Sandusky, take Interstate 90 West to Ohio 2 West over Sandusky Bay Bridge. From there, exit 124 Ohio 53 North, and continue 7 miles to the end of the road, where Miller Ferry is located.
Vehicles may take the ferry to Middle Bass Island so long as reservations for the ferry are made in advance. Walk-on tickets are also available. The ferry typically runs every 18 minutes during the peak season.
Entering Middle Bass Island State Park
At Middle Bass Island State Park, parking areas are available for vehicles up to 52 feet long.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Middle Bass Island State Park
The best time of year to visit this state park is between May and the middle of October, when the park is open for boating and primitive camping. During this time, visitors can rent kayaks and bicycles.
Middle Bass Island is home to many fauna, including the rare Lake Erie watersnake. Other animals of the island and its state park include the eastern fox snake, eastern garter snake, Ambystoma salamander, American toad, Blanding's turtle, and white-tailed deer.
RV camping is not permitted at Middle Bass Island State Park. However, there is a tent-only primitive campground with 10 sites. Also, boaters can stay near the campground at the slips fitted with electrical hookups.
Reservations must be made in advance to stay at the campground at Middle Bass Island State Park. You can make reservations by phone or online. The cost to stay at the campground is $22 per night.
Pets are allowed at this state park but must be leashed while not on a boat or in a vehicle. Pet owners must clean up after their animals while visiting, and pets cannot be left unattended at any time.
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