EAST HARBOR STATE PARK
EAST HARBOR STATE PARKE Harbor State Park
Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio 43440
(lat:41.5506 lon:-82.8093)
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.
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.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
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
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.
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*
Thousands of visitors come to East Harbor's 1,500-foot sand beach. A beach concession is available.
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.
East Harbor State Park is located near Clyde, Fremont and Huron
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
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.
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.
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*
Forest RV Park8232 East Harbor Road
Lakeside Marblehead, OH
419-967-0418
Chet's Place7154 West Harbor Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-898-1104
Tall Timbers340 South Christy Chapel Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-732-3938
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
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
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*
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.
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. 
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]
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