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Nature of the Area

Several parks comprise the Lake Erie Island group. The islands were formed during the glacial period when massive ice sheets entered Ohio. Glaciers gouged and scoured the bedrock; their tremendous weight left deep depressions which filled with meltwater, forming the Great Lakes.

Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes --allowing for violent storms with high waves. The lake is divided into three basins. The western basin has an average depth of 25 to 30 feet; the central basin averages 61 feet; and the eastern basin shows an average depth of 120 feet.

Lake Erie has high nutrient levels and warm temperatures which produce greater numbers and varieties of fish than any other Great Lake. Annual catches nearly equal the combined catch of all other Great Lakes. Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and walleye are dominant species.

The islands are composed of limestone bedrock. Small scratches in the rock surface known as glacial striations are common while major grooves such as those found at Kelleys Island are rare but awesome.

Vast stands of red cedar and the presence of underground caverns, both associated with limestone are found here. The islands and shoreline support a variety of reptiles including the state's highest concentration of the harmless fox snake. The timber rattlesnake was at one time quite prevalent on the islands but is now gone from the area. Rattlesnake Island was so named due to the presence of this reptile years ago.

Migrating songbirds rest here before winging across the lake. Hundreds of different species have been identified, making this one of the best birdwatching areas in the country. Several nesting pairs of the magnificent bald eagle are located in the area.

Kelleys Island                                

Camping

• 82 electric sites
• 32 non-electric sites
• 11 non-electric premium sites
• Showers, flush toilets, and dump station.
• Volleyball court and playground 
• The camp office loans games and sports equipment to registered campers.
• Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.
• Youth group camp available by reservation for organized groups.

Trails - Five miles of hiking trails lead to scenic vistas, historic sites and two nature preserves: North Pond Nature Preserve, and the North Shore Nature Preserve

• Kelly's Island Trail- Hiking- 3.5 Miles, Easy
• Glacial Groove Trail- Hiking- 1.5 Miles, Easy 

Picnicking

• 7 Picnic areas
• A picnic shelter at South Bass and Catawba each are available for reservation
• Launch ramps
• Fishing access areas

Swimming

• 100-foot swimming beach available

Boating

• Kayak rentals are available

Hunting

• Limited hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park.
• Check with the park office for details.
• Kelleys Island can be reached by ferry from Sandusky or Marblehead Peninsula.  

Catawba Island

• This day-use park also serves as the main headquarters for Kelleys Island, South Bass and Oak Point and Middle Bass Island state parks.
• A fishing pier, launch ramp, picnic shelter and picnic areas can be found here.
• Swimming is permitted at your own risk.

Oak Point

• Located on the northwestern tip of South Bass Island, this day-use park offers a scenic picnic area, fishing access and overnight docking facilities.

South Bass Island

Camping

• 120 non-electric sites
• 11 full service sites with electric, water and sewer hook-ups. 
• Campground offers flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.
• Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.
• A youth group camp is available by reservation for organized groups.

Erie Islands Parks

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All information adopted from this link http://ohiodnr.com/parks/lakeerie/tabid/753/Default.aspx 

Written and maintained by Eduardo C. Hernandez, Summer 2009