Put-in-Bay, located on South Bass Island, is a popular tourist destination on Ohio’s lakeshore of Lake Erie. The small island village has tons of unique things to do whether you’re a local or a nomadic tourist! You and your family can learn about the Battle of Lake Erie or just enjoy the unsalted version of island life! Put-in-Bay is a low key Great Lakes destination that’s calling your name!
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Things to Do at Put-in-Bay
Family Friendly Attractions & Tours on South Bass Island on Lake Erie
Where is Put-In-Bay?
Put-In-Bay is a tourist village on South Bass Island in Ohio in Lake Erie. It is located about 15 miles northwest of Sandusky on the lakeshore.
Put-In-Bay is a popular summer tourist destination known for its’ historic sites, water activities, and excitingly vibrant nightlife. The island village is accessible by boat from several nearby towns and cities, including Sandusky and Port Clinton.
How to get to Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Since Put-in-Bay is an island, the obvious way to get there is by boat. Even with all the great lakeshore attractions on the island, the ferry ride to and from Put-in-Bay remains one of the favorite things to do at Put-in-Bay.
The Miller Ferry runs a daily schedule in the summer usually from about 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ferries depart from Catawba at the end of OH-53N at 5174 East Water Street in Port Clinton.
Transit time from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay’s Lime Kiln Dock on Langram Rd is under 20 minutes.
Passenger fares vary on ages. And they do offer a military discount to U.S. military personnel and military veterans when you present your military ID card or proof of Veteran status.
And yes, you can take your bicycle, motorcycle, car or RV for a fee. Be aware though, if you’re taking your car, motorcycle, RV or boat on a trailer, be aware they’re subject to vehicle guidelines.
While reservations are not required for vehicle transport, vehicles and RVs are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, proof of accommodation required for weekend vehicle travel. Important to note, vehicle fare is in addition to passengers.
Miller Ferry Passenger & Vehicle also offers ferry service to Middle Bass Island.
So, now that you know how to get to this unique Lake Erie island destination, let’s now take a look at all the fun and adventurous things to do on Put-in-Bay that suits solo visitors, couples and families of every size!
Can You Camp at Put-in-Bay?
Of course you can camp at Put-in-Bay! While you certainly can tent camp, you can also bring your RV as noted above.
The most popular campgrounds on Put-in-Bay are South Bass Island State Park Campground and Fox’s Den Campground (below).
South Bass Island State Park Campground
1523 Catawba Ave., Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
South Bass Island State Park Campground, located on the southern end of Put-in-Bay, offers campsites with full hook-up, electric and non-electric sites. Other amenities include dump station, bathhouses and restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables.
Be aware, State Park is over a mile from the downtown strip, so you’ll thank me for recommending a golf cart rental while staying and touring the island.
Don’t have an RV or tent? They also have 4 cabents that sleeps 6. Each has an efficiency kitchen, bathroom with shower and furnished living area with TV. But, you need to brig your own linens and towels. Also, be aware, pets are not permitted in the cabents.
There are no walk-in sites, therefore campers must have reservation (May 1 through mid-October). Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance online or by calling 866-644-6727.
Fox’s Den Campground
140 Conlan Rd., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Fox’s Den Campground, is a privately owned campground located just 5 minutes from downtown Put-in-Bay. They offer both tent and RV camping with over 60 sites with water and electric hookups.
Amenities such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, fish cleaning station. And according to OhioPut-In-Bay.com, guests at the Fox’s Den are more than welcome to use the indoor/outdoor pool at the Bay Lodging Resort.
Since they don’t have a website, you’ll need to call them at 419-285-5001 to make your reservation.
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Rent a golf cart at Put-in-Bay
Whether you’re visiting Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island for a day, a week or the whole summer, you’ve got to rent a golf cart! I highly recommend upon disembarking the ferry on Put-in-Bay, you need to head straight to the golf cart rental locations.
Golf carts are the most popular way to get around at Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island. They allow you and your family convenience to travel around the island and take in all of the points of interest and attractions the island has to offer.
Be aware that only adults 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license can rent and operate a golf cart or scooter/moped on the island.
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Wrapping up these family-oriented attractions and top things to do at Put-in-Bay
As you see, island getaways aren’t just about palm trees and coconut drinks in the tropics! These incredibly fun things to do at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island are a great way to get a taste of the unsalted life!
These family favorite attractions and tours are the perfect cure to enjoy the summer on the Lake Erie!
And lastly, once you get back to the mainland of Ohio’s Lake Erie shore, be sure to visit Cuyahoga National Park and the Covered Bridges Auto Tour! Check out our video for more details on what we did and where we stayed!
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