Ohio Camping

[TG1956]

Well, the family has changed its mind (ref: Minnesota Camping Help) and we are now looking at the Cedar Point area of Ohio. Any suggestions?

East Harbor State Park looks interesting. Is anyone familiar with it, or do you have any other suggestions. We want to stay within an hour driving time to Cedar Point. Since I have a tandem recreational kayak, I'd like to be near suitable water.

Oh, yes. We will be there the first week of August. I suspect the breeze will be fairly cool off of lake Eirie (?).

Thanks!!

[angelsmom10]

Go over to www.glpuc.org message board and there are plenty of people from that area that can help.

[cpine]

We live about an hour from Cedar Point. I wouldn't plan on any cool breezes the first week of August. You can expect Hot and Humid. I'm not sure exactly what things you are looking for but many people like to camp at Maumee Bay State Park.

A couple years ago we went to northern Minnesota and stayed here
http://www.timberwolflodge.com
We had a great time in this area, the lake had loons and we could hear wolves howling. I would change the plans again LOL. Well at least check it out.

[Viking99]

East Harbor is the way to go. My wife and I stayed there a year ago. It is very convienant to Cedar Point probably about 20-30 minutes away if that.

[TG1956]

Thanks for the input, everyone. My first choice was Minnesota - Itasca State park. I was over-ruled by my two teenagers who have dreamed about going to Cedar Point for the last two years.

I'll make reservations at East Harbor in the next month - NOT looking forward to the heat and humidity!! We have a tandem kayak, so I'm hoping to do some paddling in some of the harbor areas. Other than that, we'll look for some sight seeing opportunities in and around the Islands. I think I can only handle one day at the Amusement Park, so the DW and I will be on our own a couple days.

Next year I'll have two weeks of vacation to burn, so that's when we'll go to Northern Minnesota or Canada, eh?

Thanks, again!!

[angelsmom10]

Thanks for the input, everyone. My first choice was Minnesota - Itasca State park. I was over-ruled by my two teenagers who have dreamed about going to Cedar Point for the last two years.
 
I'll make reservations at East Harbor in the next month - NOT looking forward to the heat and humidity!! We have a tandem kayak, so I'm hoping to do some paddling in some of the harbor areas. Other than that, we'll look for some sight seeing opportunities in and around the Islands. I think I can only handle one day at the Amusement Park, so the DW and I will be on our own a couple days.
 
Next year I'll have two weeks of vacation to burn, so that's when we'll go to Northern Minnesota or Canada, eh?
 
Thanks, again!!

Not sure of Cedar Points prices, I know at Kings Island -- once you pay for 2-3 days, you can get a season pass cheaper and it has a few discounts offered.
 
If you DD's will be there for several days, check into a family pass or even single passes for them -- after 3 days it will definitely pay for it self

[Unregistered]

We have stayed at the Kelley's Island State Park for the past 5 yrs every summer - wonderful place. My teenage daughers & nieces love it. We went to Cedar Point one year - you can get to it by boat from the island or drive over. Takes about 45 min to get their by car - you can see Cedar Point from kelley's Island. Check out their web site: kelleysisland.com. If you want an "non tourist trap" place - this is it! Make sure the kids have bikes. the beach is right next to the camp grounds.

[angelsmom10]

JUST AS AN FYI.....

 
Not sure of the difference in distance or if the lake is the selling point, but to me comparing parks, Kings Island is a better deal.  It's been so long since we've been to Cedar Point (10 to 15yrs) -- but maybe Matt (viking99) has a better take since I know they just went to Cedar Point and Kings Island is in his back yard (basically) he may give you advice if you want other options

[Viking99]

It really depends on what you want in a park.
Cedar point has some great coasters and a small kids area with some rides.
Kings island has a great mix of coasters and thrill rides. Kings Island also has a great kids area with Nick Central. lots of stuff to do there.
 
They both are pretty similar with prices.
 
Both parks are building new water park areas that look to be great.
 
Kings Island: http://www.pki.com/
 
Cedar Point: http://www.cedarpoint.com/

[TG1956]

All Great Information...Thanks!! Kelley's Island really looks like fun. I think we'll have a great time!! I have a tandem recreational kayak, I hope we can float it around there. I'll also be sure to take the bikes!

[angelsmom10]

FYI..... Be sure to check out the $$$$ for going to any of the islands.  If I remember correctly, it can get very costly.

[TG1956]

I hear you about being costly getting to the islands. I checked prices on the ferry from East Harbor to Kelleys Island. For the TV, camper, DW, DS, DD, and DM (Dear Me), it will be in the $100 range. WOOF! We won't be leaving the island!

I just reserved our campsite. I got site 94 which is listed as full shade, high traffic area (traffic to the beach, I suppose), and less than 50 yards from the beach.

BTW, I have a two-person Jocasse kayak, which is just a recreational kayak. Will we be able to paddle around the island or would we need a "Sea kayak"?

Thanks for all of the inputs! I think we'll have a great time! (I'm especially looking forward to exploring the island by bicycle with DW while the kids are at Cedar Point.)

[Stacie]

We loved East Harbor.  If you go there, you should plan a day trip to Put-in-bay.  It is beautiful there.

[Unregistered]

The water is great, but watch the wind.  It can kick up quickly and the waves with it.  Expect 3-4's at least one of the days your there.  Not good for a Kayak.  Put-in-bay on South Bass Island is a good day trip (not a cheap boat ride though, and you pay each way separately).  At put in bay, don't miss Perry's monument, and the wild life museum.  On Kelley's, don't miss glacier groove national park.

Cedar Point back on the main land is accessible by jet boat from Kelley's.  Forgot the cost.  Expect $40 tickets at the point.  Take Pepsi cans in May and June with the $10 coupons.

Senaca Caverns just south of Sandusky are another stop-over after you get back from the islands.  The Merry-go-round museum in Sandusky is another good stop.

[TG1956]

WOW!! Thanks for the suggestions. We're all going to go to Cedar Point for one day, then we'll let DS (14) and DD (20) go on their own (without the "old folks"!). While they're at the Point, DW and I can explore the Islands. (I think DS and DD could spend the whole time at Cedar Point - ha!)