Aerial photograph of Middle Bass Island State Park

Middle Bass Island State Park, along the shores of picturesque Lake Erie just 58 miles east of Toledo, was once the site of the historic Lonz Winery. Once referred to as the “wine islands”, Today this Ohio state park provides guests with unlimited opportunities for boating, swimming, camping, fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, and more.

These historic grounds now feature a Marina with day-use and overnight boat slips, a Harbormaster building with modern conveniences, a primitive camping area, and picnic areas.

The Lake Erie Island parks also include Kelleys Island State Park , South Bass Island State Park, North Bass Island State Park, and Catawba Island State Park.

Activities

Escape to the Lake Erie Islands for a bit of rest, relaxation, and more. As one of these vacation islands, Middle Bass Island State Park provides its visitors with opportunities to stay and play.

Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more is available for guests to enjoy on each of the islands that make up the Lake Erie Islands.

Guests may access Middle Bass Island from the mainland at Catawba and South Bass Island. Ferry rides are offered multiple times a day during the summer. If you are interested in transporting your car to the island be sure to call ahead and make a reservation on the ferry. For more information check out the Lake Erie Shores & Islands website or call them at 800-255-3743.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Middle Bass Island State Park:

Boating at Middle Bass Island State Park

Spend the day paddling around Middle Bass Island State Park. The park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals (available at the Harbormaster building) for guests who would like to get out on the water and see more of the local flora and fauna.

For guests who arrive on their own vessels the park offers day dockage and seasonal overnight dockage at Middle Bass Island Marina. For a fee guests may access one of the 184 slips (either electric and non-electric) and also have access to showers and flush toilets.

Fishing at Middle Bass Island State Park

High nutrient levels and warm temperatures help make Lake Erie one of the best fishing lakes around. Guests with an Ohio fishing license may catch channel catfish, yellow perch, smallmouth and white bass, and walleye.

Birding at Middle Bass Island State Park

This picturesque area is considered one of the best bird watching spots in all of North America. Hundreds of species have been sighted along the Lake Erie shoreline and near Middle Bass Island State Park.

A few to keep an eye out for include Bald Eagle, American Blackbird, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Black-crowned Night Heron, Double-breasted Cormorant, Eastern wood-Pewee, or an American Coot.

Nature and Wildlife at Middle Bass Island State Park

The Lake Erie Islands, which includes Middle Bass Island, supports a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Snakes, such as the harmless fox snake, are especially common throughout these islands. Guests may also come across the Lake Erie water snake. This gray-green-brown snake is native to this area and only found among the islands.

Pets at Middle Bass Island State Park

Pets are allowed at Middle Bass Island State Park, but should be supervised and kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet.

Camping at Middle Bass Island State Park

For guests who would like to spend the night inside the park, Middle Bass Island State Park offers guests a primitive camping area or overnight dockage at the Marina. Guests may only stay overnight between early May and mid October.

The primitive tent-only camping area has picnic tables and fire rings. And the Marina features 184 seasonal overnight boat slips (both electric and non-electric). Restrooms, water, and showers are available for all registered guests at the Harbormaster building.

Camping Near Middle Bass Island State Park

Not really up to primitive camping? Here are some other options for nearby overnight accommodations:

  • Kelleys Island State Park has a lakeside campground with full-hookup, electric, and non-electric sites near restrooms and showers, and furnished Yurts and Sherman Cabins.
  • South Bass Island State Park offers full hookup and electric campsites near showers and flush toilets, plus Cabents. These cabin-like structures have a canvas roof and contain a small kitchen, a furnished living area with tv, and a bathroom with a shower.
  • North Bass Island State Park features a 4 bedroom fully furnished lake house that sleeps 10-12 guests on a secluded island park accessible only by private boat or aircraft.

Park Location

Middle Bass Island State Park
1965 Fox Rd
Middle Bass Island, OH 43446
Phone: 419.734.4424

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Middle Bass Island State Park: