Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Available Activities

Camping
Fishing
Boating
Scenic Overlooks

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 15, 2026

🏆 Official Guide: South Bass Island State Park — An island state park on Lake Erie accessible by ferry to Put-in-Bay, Ohio — featuring 128 campsites, stunning sunset cliffs, a fishing pier, and proximity to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (352 ft).

South Bass Island State Park occupies the scenic southwestern shore of South Bass Island in Lake Erie — better known by its village name, Put-in-Bay. The park offers the only public camping on the island, with 128 campsites perched along dramatic Lake Erie cliffs that deliver some of the most spectacular sunsets in Ohio. Access requires a ferry ride from the mainland — adding to the island adventure.

Visitor Information

Detail	Information
Location	South Bass Island, Lake Erie, OH
Access	Ferry only — Miller Ferry (vehicles) or Jet Express (passengers)
Campsites	128 (electric, non-electric, full-hookup)
Season	May – mid-October
Fishing License	Required — Ohio license, age 16+

Ferry Access

Ferry	Type	Departs From	Notes
Miller Ferry	Vehicles + passengers	Catawba Island (OH-53 N)	Every 30 min peak season
Jet Express	Passenger only	Port Clinton & Sandusky	High-speed, late-night service

Nearby Attractions

Attraction	Description
Perry’s Victory Memorial	352-ft Doric column — observation deck, NPS site
Put-in-Bay Village	Restaurants, shops, wineries, caves
Crystal Cave	World’s largest celestite geode

Activities

Activity	Details
Camping	128 sites — only public campground on island
Fishing	Fishing pier + fish cleaning station — walleye, perch
Lake Erie Sunsets	Dramatic cliff-top views — park’s signature experience
Swimming	Stone beach along Lake Erie shore
Boating	Public boat launch ramp
Exploring	Perry’s Memorial, Crystal Cave, island wineries

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re bringing a vehicle, take Miller Ferry (the only car-carrying service). Reserve campsite early — it’s the only public camping on the island. The cliff-top sunset views are unforgettable. Walleye and yellow perch fishing is world-class in these waters. Perry’s Victory Memorial offers a panoramic observation deck — arrive when it opens for the shortest lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to South Bass Island?

By ferry. Miller Ferry departs from Catawba Island (end of OH-53 N) and carries both vehicles and passengers — every 30 minutes during peak season. Jet Express offers high-speed passenger-only service from Port Clinton and Sandusky. No bridge connects the island to the mainland.

Can I camp on Put-in-Bay?

Yes — South Bass Island State Park is the only public campground on the island, offering 128 campsites (electric, non-electric, and full-hookup). Cabins and a group area are also available. Reservations are required during peak season (May through mid-October).

What is Perry’s Victory Memorial?

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a 352-foot Doric column on South Bass Island — the third-tallest monument in the National Park System. It commemorates Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s 1813 victory in the Battle of Lake Erie and celebrates lasting peace between the US, Britain, and Canada. An elevator takes visitors to the observation deck for 360-degree views.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 15, 2026

At a Glance

State
Ohio
Established
1877
Features
Caves, Overlooks, Lakes, Beaches, Islands, Cabins, Lodges, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Boat Launches, Lighthouse, Camping Sites
Park Size
33 acres
Address
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Phone
(419) 285-2184
Hours
Ferry-dependent; Island accessible spring-fall
Entry Fee
Free (ferry & attraction fees separate)

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The Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center lies on South Bass Island in Lake Erie’s western basin. The inside of the center is updated with interactive displays and exhibits that showcase Lake Erie’s great and historically significant fishing for species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Additional improvements include addressing longstanding structural problems, enhancing waterproofing, and building an ADA-accessible ramp and entrance.