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Ohio
25

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northwest Ohio Region
East Harbor State Park
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East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
East Harbor State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Beach View
East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Harbor State Park © TONY EVERHARDT
East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Harbor State Park East Harbor State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Harbor State Park © Bonny Turayev
East Harbor State Park © Bonny Turayev
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EAST HARBOR STATE PARK
EAST HARBOR STATE PARK
E Harbor State Park
Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio   43440
(lat:41.5506 lon:-82.8093) map location

Reservations: 866-644-6727
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, East Harbor State Park has unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. Boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking and camping are popular while nature enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of waterfowl, shorebirds and other species of wildlife found in the park's scenic wetlands.
History of the Area
Before European settlement, the East Harbor region was home to the Ottawa and Wyandot Indians. Ottawa in native tongue means "trader." An east-west trail skirted the southern shore of Lake Erie connecting the Pittsburgh and Detroit settlements, and also linked with the famed Scioto Trail from the south. This important area remained in Indian control until the British and Indians were defeated in the War of 1812 by the Americans.

After the Great Black Swamp was eventually drained, the land became highly productive. Fruits, particularly peaches and grapes, were grown extensively. The grape culture became very successful as a result of quality soil, natural drainage and suitable climate.

East of the park on the Marblehead Peninsula is the Marblehead Lighthouse, one of the oldest on the Great Lakes. Johnsons Island on the bay side of the peninsula was the site of a prison for Confederate soldiers captured during the Civil War. A Confederate cemetery still remains on the island.

The region has long been valued as a recreation area. The unique plant and animal life, sandy beaches, marshlanand the lake itself led to the development of East Harbor State Park. The park was opened in 1947 and today is one of northern Ohio's most popular vacation spots.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres1,831
 Water, acresGreat Lake
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles10
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet1,500
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
 Seasonal Dock Rental123
 Launch Ramps, #1
 Fuel For Saleyes
CampingPrimitive, #197
 Electric Sites, #351
 Full Hookup Sites, #23
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Camper Cabins, #2
 Group Camp, capacity120
 Rent-A-RV Sites, #2
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
The campground at East Harbor is the largest in the Ohio State Park system with 365 electric sites and 205 non-electric sites. The campground is equipped with showers, flush toilets, dump station, launch ramp and camp store. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. A group camp can accommodate 120 units. Two Rent-A-RV units are available on full-service sites for weekly rental. Two camper cabins are also available for rent.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
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.
6.6 miles from park*
Swimming
Thousands of visitors come to East Harbor's 1,500-foot sand beach. A beach concession is available.
Boating
Lake Erie offers unlimited horsepower boating opportunities. The park's marina provides seasonal and day-use dock rentals, fuel, launch ramp, supplies and restaurant. Boats and campers can be stored year-round at the marina in a fenced enclosure.
Fishing
East Harbor 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.

The primary species that can be caught at East Harbor State Park include Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass and Channel Catfish. These are common catches during open water season which typically runs from spring through fall depending upon weather conditions.

Walleye fishing is particularly popular due to Lake Erie's reputation as "the walleye capital of the world". Anglers often use trolling techniques with crankbaits or worm harnesses to catch these predatory fish.

Yellow perch are another favorite among fishermen visiting this state park. They're usually found near underwater structures like rock piles or drop-offs where they feed on smaller baitfish and crustaceans.

Smallmouth bass provide an exciting challenge because they tend to put up a strong fight when hooked making them fun sport fishes while white bass also offer good action especially during their spring run upstream into tributaries off lake erie

Channel catfish round out main target species list being most active night providing opportunity those who enjoy nocturnal angling sessions

In addition shore-based access points there several boat ramps available within east harbor allowing visitors launch own boats onto waters explore deeper parts lake beyond reach shoreline casters

Fishing regulations including bag limits size restrictions apply all activities ensure sustainable management local resources it recommended check current rules ohio department natural before heading out trip



Picnicking
Picnic areas with fantastic views of the lake and marshlands are equipped with tables and grills. One picnic area is conveniently located next to the beach. Two spacious shelterhouses may be rented by the public. Contact the park office for details
Trails
East Harbor's 7-mile trail system leads through the many different habitats within the park. The Middle Harbor Trail skirts the southern edge of the Middle Harbor game sanctuary and includes a stop at a bird observation blind. The short Blackberry Trail near the camp check-in station invites campers to enjoy a pleasant evening stroll. Other foot trails near the swimming beach offer the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of a beach community.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 2.5-mile multi-use trail, suitable for all skill levels.

The park's bike path is paved and flat, making it ideal for family rides or leisurely cycling trips.

For those seeking more adventure, the nearby North Coast Inland Trail offers over 13 miles of terrain to traverse on two wheels.

Remember that helmets are strongly recommended while biking in this area due to safety concerns.

Always follow posted signs and respect other users when using shared paths within the park premises.

Be aware that weather conditions may affect your ride; check forecasts before setting out on any trip.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 300 species recorded. It is particularly known for its migratory birds due to its location on the Lake Erie shoreline and marshlands. The area's diverse habitats including wetlands, meadows and beaches attract different types of waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can also enjoy spotting rare or endangered species such as bald eagles or black terns during certain seasons.
Area Attractions
Crane Creek State Park, west of Port Clinton, is one of the state's foremost birding areas and is noted for its spring and fall bird migrations. It is one of the few areas in the state where the endangered bald eagle may be seen. The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge borders this park to the west.

Encompassing 2,600 acres of wetland adjoining Crane Creek State Park, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area offers outstanding nature study areas and fishing access at Turtle Creek. Controlled public duck hunting is permitted here.

The Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center, located on the main entrance road to Crane Creek State Park is operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and features displays of native wildlife species and information about the area. An observation platform offers a unique perspective on the surrounding terrain.

Several other state nature preserves are located in the Sandusky area including Sheldon Marsh, Old Woman Creek and Erie Sand Barrens.
Things To Do in the Area
businesss listing main photo
Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
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.
6.6 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 23 Awesome Place to go on vacation. by Lovecamping
park review stars; one to five We love camping at East Harbor State Park. It is close to alot of things to do. Cedar Point is minutes away. There are alot of great restaurants in Port Clinton.
June 19 camp city
park review stars; one to five great atmosphere. great beach. but what happend to the arcade. spent most of the weekend there as a youngster. its a nature center now that few people even go in. still the best campground around.. also make reservations early. [march april]
September 5 Beach like the Bahamas by Robert L. Boyd
park review stars; one to five This is by far the best camp ground in Ohio, and the beach is spectatular.
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Area Campgrounds
Lighthouse Point Campground
1 Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, OH
Forest RV Park
8232 East Harbor Road
Lakeside Marblehead, OH
419-967-0418
The Resort at Erie Landing
4495 Darr-Hopfinger Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-734-2460
Crystal Rock Campground
710 Crystal Rock Rd
Sandusky, OH
419-684-7177
Plymouth Shore On The Bay
8010 East Bayshore Road
Lakeside Marblehead, OH
Fox's Den Campground
140 Conlan Road
Put-in-Bay, OH
419-285-5001
Chet's Place
7154 West Harbor Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-898-1104
Camp Sandusky
3518 Tiffin Avenue
Sandusky, OH
419-626-1133
Bayshore Estates MHC
105 West Shoreway Drive
Sandusky, OH
419-502-1217
Cedarlane RV Resort
2766 Northeast Catawba Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-797-9907
Camp Sandusky
3518 Tiffin Avenue
Sandusky, OH
419-626-1133
Camper Village
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, OH
419-626-0830
Family Camping Center
2318 East Harbor Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-734-5580
Tall Timbers
340 South Christy Chapel Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-732-3938
Portage Cove Park And Marina Condominium
531 South Findlay Street
Port Clinton, OH
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Herb's Sportsman's Supply
1713 NE Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 797-2455
Port Clinton Fisheries Inc
2 Madison St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-3101
Fishermens Trading Post
255 Se Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-2076
Fisherman's Wharf
83 Madison St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-9002
Sassy Sal Charters
40 Jefferson St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-7755
Shore Nuf Charters
247 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-2958
Drawbridge Marina
247 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-4422
Sandy Shore Variety Store Inc
215 Meigs St
Sandusky, OH
(419) 626-1291
C & J's Bait Shop
235 E Shoreline Dr
Sandusky, OH
(419) 609-3601
Sunnybrook Conference Ctr
1104 Fremont Ave
Sandusky, OH
(419) 625-8353
Captain Hook Sport Fishing Charters
503 Scheid Rd
Sandusky, OH
Unverified listing
Brands Dry Dock Marina
315 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-9753
Rickard's Bait & Tackle
17 NE Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-2496
Area Cabins and Lodges
Scrappin' at Country Corner
3872 Harbor Light Landing Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-1616
Beach Cliff Lodge
4189 NW Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 797-4553
Beachfront Resorts
252 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-6684
Char-Nel Shores Resorts
2327 E Sand Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-3356
West Bay Inn
1230 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 746-2597
Shores Condominium Resort The
1801 E Perry St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-2169
Fort Firelands RV Park
5650 East Harbor Rd
Lakeside Marblhd, OH
(419) 734-1237
Skippers Marina & Resort
7555 East Harbor Rd
Lakeside Marblhd, OH
(419) 734-3664
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
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
65.2 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Cleveland, Ohio: Take State Route 2 West to State Route 269 North. Park is located on State Route 269.

From Columbus, Ohio: Take State Route 23 to State Route 4. Go North on State Route 4 to State Route 2. Go West on State Route 2 to to State Route 269 North. Park is located on State Route 269.

From Cincinnati, Ohio: Take Route 75 North to S.R. 12 (at Findlay), go North/Northeast on S.R. 12 to S.R. 53 (at Fremont), North on S.R. 53 to S.R. 2, go east on S.R. 2 to S.R. 269 North. Park is located on State Route 269.

From Toledo, Ohio: Take S.R. 2 to S.R. 269 North. Park is located on State Route 269.

From Port Clinton, Ohio: Go East on S.R. 163 to S.R. 269 North. Park is located on State Route 269.

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Ohio
25

Ohio State Parks

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