93% (221) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sandusky
Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
1. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
99%
(333)
44mi from Sandusky · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Lexi and Little Bits can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There are chickens and Brindle the barn kitty. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
Cedar Point
2. Cedar Point
2.3mi from Sandusky · 447 sites
Lighthouse Point stands out as one of the most picturesque campgrounds in the United States, having been recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the 9 Most Beautiful Campgrounds. Nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Erie, this campground offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families looking to create lasting memories.
With 156 cottages and cabin rentals, alongside 145 RV campsites, Lighthouse Point is thoughtfully designed to cater to families. Our lakefront cottage rentals provide breathtaking panoramic views through expansive picture windows, while our inland cabins and deluxe ten-person cabins ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For RV enthusiasts, our luxury sites come equipped with full hook-ups, including 50 premium patio sites that overlook the serene waters of Lake Erie.
Guests can take advantage of a variety of amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, a convenience store, and a range of planned activities that cater to all ages. Additionally, Lighthouse Point is conveniently located just steps away from the entrance of Cedar Point, one of the top amusement parks in the country.
Staying at a Cedar Point Resort also grants you exclusive perks, such as Early Entry, allowing you to access the park one hour before it opens, along with other unique benefits that enhance your experience. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, nearby
Tall Timbers Campground & Resort
3. Tall Timbers Campground & Resort
9.8mi from Sandusky · 4 sites
Discover the unique charm of Tall Timbers, a serene campground nestled in the tranquil woods near the picturesque shores of Lake Erie, renowned as the Walleye fishing capital of the world. With a diverse selection of 400 camping sites ranging from primitive options to permanent accommodations, we cater to every camper's needs. Our campground is equipped with a variety of amenities to enhance your stay, including wireless internet access, house rentals, and RV rentals.
At Tall Timbers, you can enjoy our inviting man-made lake, a spacious pavilion, and three well-maintained public restrooms. Families will appreciate the children's playground, while our general store offers essentials like ice and firewood. Additional conveniences include laundry facilities, an outdoor movie theater, and fish cleaning stations, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
We welcome dogs (excluding aggressive breeds), so feel free to bring your furry friends along—just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them! Please note that each campsite accommodates one RV or one tent. Come and experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at Tall Timbers, where nature and comfort meet.
East Harbor State Park
4. East Harbor State Park
88%
(4)
State park 8.1mi from Sandusky · 23 sites
Wildlife, water sports, and wetlands await on the banks of Lake Erie.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kelleys Island State Park
5. Kelleys Island State Park
100%
(3)
State park 11mi from Sandusky · 25 sites
Get decked out...In a yurt...On an Island...In the middle of Lake Erie. Now where else can you say that?! At Kelley’s Island State Park, on what is known as Lake Erie’s Emerald Isle, you can have the adventure of your dreams. Take a ferry to arrive on this pristine island before setting in for your stay. Choose daytime activities such as hiking or mountain biking on dryland. If you prefer a bit of H2O, don’t hesitate to rent a kayak and hit the water! Boat rentals are found on the sandy beach, where you can also sit back with your book and chill out. Kelley’s Island State Park is where weekends are made.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
South Bass Island State Park
6. South Bass Island State Park
100%
(7)
State park 15mi from Sandusky · 24 sites
White cliffs and sparkling blue waters make for a warm invite from South Bass Island State Park. Try to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or painted turtle from your boat, or just listen to the waves lap against the stony shore of Lake Erie. Bring that license to catch some fresh fish, where a cleaning station makes dinner prep just a little less messy. Once you're ready to get your adventure on, seek out the glacial grooves near the camping area or ice skate or fish the frozen waters when the frost takes over. Located on the north side of the island, Put-in-Bay is only a short distance away, along with all the restaurants and shopping you could hope for.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Middle Bass Island State Park
7. Middle Bass Island State Park
State park 16mi from Sandusky · 20 sites
Boaters, rejoice! One of the newest state parks in Ohio, Middle Bass Island State Park is rockin' a 190-slip marina just waiting for you to join in on the fun. Park your beauty of a watercraft in one of the seasonal or transient slips, then enjoy the chirp of migrating songbirds and the smell of fresh lakeside air. A mini-golf area and bicycle rental just ups the fun. Once you've boated around to your heart's content, consider checking out the historic Marblehead Lighthouse off S.R. 163, or cast a line on the fishing pier at the nearby Catawba Island State Park. Go on, we think it'll really float your boat.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Findley State Park
8. Findley State Park
State park 34mi from Sandusky · 23 sites
Findley State Park's got a lot of wood, but don't have a dirty mind about it. White ash and black cherry forests create a scenic backdrop for this 838-acre refuge. For those interested in exploring the area, the abundance of paths make this park especially notable. Hike or bike 16 miles of trails, or decide to face the mountain biking challenge on Thorn Trail, which cuts sharp turns and weaves through wooded areas on a nine-mile loop. A smaller beach is good for some downtime, and the lakes welcome everything from motor boats to kayaks and canoes. Try your hand at disc golfing or fishing, Findley is your oyster!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Maumee Bay State Park
9. Maumee Bay State Park
100%
(6)
State park 39mi from Sandusky · 25 sites
With fishing, golf, swimming, boating, and biking, there's fun for the whole family
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
93% (221) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sandusky
Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
1. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
99%
(333)
44mi from Sandusky · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Lexi and Little Bits can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There are chickens and Brindle the barn kitty. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
Cedar Point
2. Cedar Point
2.3mi from Sandusky · 447 sites
Lighthouse Point stands out as one of the most picturesque campgrounds in the United States, having been recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the 9 Most Beautiful Campgrounds. Nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Erie, this campground offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families looking to create lasting memories.
With 156 cottages and cabin rentals, alongside 145 RV campsites, Lighthouse Point is thoughtfully designed to cater to families. Our lakefront cottage rentals provide breathtaking panoramic views through expansive picture windows, while our inland cabins and deluxe ten-person cabins ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For RV enthusiasts, our luxury sites come equipped with full hook-ups, including 50 premium patio sites that overlook the serene waters of Lake Erie.
Guests can take advantage of a variety of amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, a convenience store, and a range of planned activities that cater to all ages. Additionally, Lighthouse Point is conveniently located just steps away from the entrance of Cedar Point, one of the top amusement parks in the country.
Staying at a Cedar Point Resort also grants you exclusive perks, such as Early Entry, allowing you to access the park one hour before it opens, along with other unique benefits that enhance your experience. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, nearby
Tall Timbers Campground & Resort
3. Tall Timbers Campground & Resort
9.8mi from Sandusky · 4 sites
Discover the unique charm of Tall Timbers, a serene campground nestled in the tranquil woods near the picturesque shores of Lake Erie, renowned as the Walleye fishing capital of the world. With a diverse selection of 400 camping sites ranging from primitive options to permanent accommodations, we cater to every camper's needs. Our campground is equipped with a variety of amenities to enhance your stay, including wireless internet access, house rentals, and RV rentals.
At Tall Timbers, you can enjoy our inviting man-made lake, a spacious pavilion, and three well-maintained public restrooms. Families will appreciate the children's playground, while our general store offers essentials like ice and firewood. Additional conveniences include laundry facilities, an outdoor movie theater, and fish cleaning stations, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
We welcome dogs (excluding aggressive breeds), so feel free to bring your furry friends along—just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them! Please note that each campsite accommodates one RV or one tent. Come and experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at Tall Timbers, where nature and comfort meet.
East Harbor State Park
4. East Harbor State Park
88%
(4)
State park 8.1mi from Sandusky · 23 sites
Wildlife, water sports, and wetlands await on the banks of Lake Erie.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kelleys Island State Park
5. Kelleys Island State Park
100%
(3)
State park 11mi from Sandusky · 25 sites
Get decked out...In a yurt...On an Island...In the middle of Lake Erie. Now where else can you say that?! At Kelley’s Island State Park, on what is known as Lake Erie’s Emerald Isle, you can have the adventure of your dreams. Take a ferry to arrive on this pristine island before setting in for your stay. Choose daytime activities such as hiking or mountain biking on dryland. If you prefer a bit of H2O, don’t hesitate to rent a kayak and hit the water! Boat rentals are found on the sandy beach, where you can also sit back with your book and chill out. Kelley’s Island State Park is where weekends are made.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
South Bass Island State Park
6. South Bass Island State Park
100%
(7)
State park 15mi from Sandusky · 24 sites
White cliffs and sparkling blue waters make for a warm invite from South Bass Island State Park. Try to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or painted turtle from your boat, or just listen to the waves lap against the stony shore of Lake Erie. Bring that license to catch some fresh fish, where a cleaning station makes dinner prep just a little less messy. Once you're ready to get your adventure on, seek out the glacial grooves near the camping area or ice skate or fish the frozen waters when the frost takes over. Located on the north side of the island, Put-in-Bay is only a short distance away, along with all the restaurants and shopping you could hope for.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Middle Bass Island State Park
7. Middle Bass Island State Park
State park 16mi from Sandusky · 20 sites
Boaters, rejoice! One of the newest state parks in Ohio, Middle Bass Island State Park is rockin' a 190-slip marina just waiting for you to join in on the fun. Park your beauty of a watercraft in one of the seasonal or transient slips, then enjoy the chirp of migrating songbirds and the smell of fresh lakeside air. A mini-golf area and bicycle rental just ups the fun. Once you've boated around to your heart's content, consider checking out the historic Marblehead Lighthouse off S.R. 163, or cast a line on the fishing pier at the nearby Catawba Island State Park. Go on, we think it'll really float your boat.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Findley State Park
8. Findley State Park
State park 34mi from Sandusky · 23 sites
Findley State Park's got a lot of wood, but don't have a dirty mind about it. White ash and black cherry forests create a scenic backdrop for this 838-acre refuge. For those interested in exploring the area, the abundance of paths make this park especially notable. Hike or bike 16 miles of trails, or decide to face the mountain biking challenge on Thorn Trail, which cuts sharp turns and weaves through wooded areas on a nine-mile loop. A smaller beach is good for some downtime, and the lakes welcome everything from motor boats to kayaks and canoes. Try your hand at disc golfing or fishing, Findley is your oyster!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Maumee Bay State Park
9. Maumee Bay State Park
100%
(6)
State park 39mi from Sandusky · 25 sites
With fishing, golf, swimming, boating, and biking, there's fun for the whole family
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Nina
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We tent camped for four nights at Site 3 which was perfect for our needs. The river was bone dry but fishing in the pond was good! We also enjoyed exploring the trails Jay has cut out. Thanks for a nice stay : )
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J
Jacob
October 2025
Tent
Jay is a very good host and was very flexible with us. The drive into the sites is interesting since you have to drive through his grass. If it is rainy I would recommend 4/all wheel drive.
The area was great! Sites were secluded in a tree dense area and around 25 minuets away is the large town of Findlay. Plenty of hikes and parks around as well!
Ultimately it was a great stay, and I would definitely come back!
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Natalie
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lovely quiet and serene camping place. Rustic for sure but pleasurable and friendly, helpful owner and helpers.
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Mark
September 2025
Tent
Is a great place to go, and Jay is a very friendly person. Great paths to walk and very peaceful at night.
See moreD
Daniel
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Another great adventure at Rusty’s! This is our second time camping there this year and it certainly won’t be our last.
See moreE
Eden
September 2025
Tent
Jay was incredibly friendly and took the time to show us the land and introduce us to his lovely animals.
See moreJ
Jack
September 2025
Tent
Wonderful property, beautiful sunrise. Very peaceful and quiet. Jay was a remarkably gracious host.
See moreL
Lizz
September 2025
17 ft Class C
With pets
We loved staying at Rusty's Retreat. There were a lot of camp site options that all felt private. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We loved learning a bit about the farm and Jay's plans for it.
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A
Aubriana
September 2025
Tent
With kids
site number 1 was beautiful. it was a good spot to relax and the girls loved hanging out in the creek.
See moreC
Christy
August 2025
Tent
The property is BEAUTIFUL! And our host was very kind!
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Natalie
August 2025
28 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a wonderful time at Rusty’s! 🐾 Our group of four adults, 2 silly (and sometimes loud) little girls, plus a couple of pups felt so welcomed from the moment we arrived.
We loved meeting Rusty and the rest of the animals, the golf cart tours of the property, kayaking, and hearing the story behind this special place. The accommodations were comfortable, the hospitality was above and beyond, and we really enjoyed our stay... even in the 95° weather. Thankful for the electric hookup for our camper's A/C!
We’re so grateful to Jay & Heather for opening their property to us and making our stay so memorable. Highly recommend!
See moreD
Damon
August 2025
23 ft campervan
Jay and Heather were super friendly and helpful. Their 2 miniature horses were very cute and Rusty, the bull was huge. Great walking trails through the woods.
See moreD
David
August 2025
Tent
With kids
One of the best 2 tent sites with the best access to the water. This has the best chance at being the most private. Assuming Noone is in site 2. Can pitch a couple of good sized tents. No picnic table on this site. Can drive vehicle basically up to the site directly. Can't really do that with the others.
Will be back another time. Great place to get some time outside for a night or two
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K
Kyra
August 2025
Tent
Jay was so helpful and kind to us even though we arrived 9 hours late! He brought us pizza and let us sleep next to the ponies, very needed after driving 500 miles that day.
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M
Mary Kate
July 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved our night at Rusty's Retreat! We were greeted upon arrival and given a tour of the land and sanctuary. Our site felt private and had very few bugs, despite being right next to the stream! We would absolutely come back.
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Robert
July 2025
18 ft Class B
Very accommodating and friendly host. Enjoyed the RV campsite, veggies from the garden, swim in the pond, and conversations with the host. Rusty and friends were great too!
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J
Jen
July 2025
18 ft Class B
Great spot. Really enjoyed swimming ( and could have fished & kayaked ) in the pond. Perfect for our campervan but tent sites were exceptionally nice.
See moreA
Alexia
July 2025
Tent
With kids
I stayed here with my husband and 2 kids and we had an incredible time! We booked a tent site, and were even able to upgrade to another site when we got there! Jay greeted us when we arrived and gave us a tour. He was so kind and accommodating our whole trip! We got to meet Rusty, Lexi, and Little Bits, they were all so sweet! The property is absolutely beautiful! The sites were a great size and well maintained. It felt so private and peaceful! The kids had a blast walking the trails and playing in the pond. They even had available kayaks to use! We spent HOURS playing in the river right off of our site and listening to the wildlife. Jay even brought us fresh vegetables from his garden! We had a fantastic stay and would love to come again, we will definitely be recommending to friends! Thank you for your hospitality and sharing your beautiful property with us!
See moreL
Lyn
July 2025
12 ft campervan
Went to sleep with the fireflies and woke up to bird singing and a deer at my doorstep. Jay was an amazing host. Gabe is a tour upon arrival. He put a lot of effort into his place and it shows. We really enjoyed our stay.
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Polly
July 2025
4 nights at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
We spent a few days relaxing in Jay’s RV spot #1. We enjoyed the quiet spot, the walking paths, meeting Rusty and his friends. The bonuses were enjoying the pond, meeting Jay’s fun dogs (who played nicely with our pup) and fresh eggs and veggies from Jay and Heather! We highly recommend a detour from I-90!
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