Camping near Sandusky with wildlife watching

Stroll the beach at Lake Erie or picnic in the woods while camping near Sandusky.

95% (501 reviews)

United States
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Ohio
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Sandusky

95% (501 reviews)

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Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

The host is so hospitable! They don’t come any nicer! There are trails to hike, animals to pet, and a creek to enjoy.

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Some friends and I took tent sites 1, 2, and 3 along the river with our sons, and it was great! We had a fantastic time, fishing and exploring the river. The hosts were attentive and accommodating. We would definitely go back.

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

The property was beautiful and secluded. Our boys had so much fun!

3 nights at Riverside Camping

I loved camping here! Site 4 is secluded. We camped for three nights and felt like family, everyone is so kind and welcoming. The goats are probably my favorite out of the animals 🥰 I’d absolutely recommend this camp and will be back. Perfect location close to everything yet not near anything. Just what I needed!!

2 nights at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We stayed on site 3 with our one year old and our dog for our first camping adventure since our baby was born. It was exactly what we needed—beautiful, peaceful, and also very convenient. Jay and Heather’s hospitality for a campsite was better than most Airbnbs I’ve stayed! If you’re daunted by lugging your camping gear into a spot marked “secluded”—don’t be. They helped us move everything we needed in a golf cart (and we brought a lot because of our baby). I loved birdwatching and listening. My husband loved fishing and walking in the river. Our baby loved to the ponies and Rusty. Our dog loved meeting another dog friend! We cannot wait to come back! Even if site 3 isn’t right for your family or setup, I guarantee you one of the other spots will be!

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Fantastic hosts and location! So peaceful and relaxing! Great trails and waterfront property.

1 night at Riverside Camping

The property is really beautiful! The hosts were absolutely amazing and so friendly. Bryan was very accommodating! We tent camped and really enjoyed bird watching and fishing. The only thing I would recommend when staying here is having some earplugs for sleeping. There are train tracks very close by and the train does run through the day/night. Other than that, it was a perfect stay and made our Memorial Day weekend so relaxing. Would recommend and will be back to stay again! :)

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Fun place by the river with only a few sites. There is a train nearby but didn’t bother us very much. This is a good home base for birding activities!

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

The campsite was lovely: right on a small pond where I woke up to a deer drinking water, rabbits hopping about, a turtle, and bald eagles. Bryan and his wife were super friendly and gracious hosts- loved the tour of the animals and the eggs were delicious! Close enough to town to partake in a lot of different activities but still out of the way enough to feel out in nature. It is RIGHT NEXT TO a busy train track, though. Bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

Collin

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Great stop on our trip down south. The grass is super soft for walking around the site and they’re right on the river. Hosts were super friendly and welcoming!

1 night at Riverside Camping

We had a wonderful time camping on Bryan’s Land. The location of site 2 is absolutely gorgeous. My son enjoyed exploring around the site with views of the bay and marsh. There is a port-o-potty within short walking distance of the site. It was very clean. Bryan and his wife checked up on us several times during our stay-even delivering firewood to us at our request. There are many activities on site including axe throwing, kayak rentals, and lots of cool animals to look at. We didn’t get to enjoy any of these things since it was chilly when we camped here- but we are definitely planning a trip back later this year when it is warmer.

1 night at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

This is a very nice location, and the hosts were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The camp sites are well thought out and designed as camp sites. This is not just parking in someone's back yard like some locations are. The hosts have put real effort into making a pleasant location. Highly recommend.

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

1 night at Serene Pasture Getaway

Booked a night here last minute as a getaway after a day at cedar point. All in all it’s about 50 minutes from the park. Loved the site, perfect for what I needed!

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Had a great and peaceful time out here would recommend a friend. Very relaxing.

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

We had such a wonderful experience! Great host's, welcoming and friendly. We had fun fishing, walking the land, and visiting all the animals. We can't wait to get back during warmer weather to go kayaking!

1 night at Hempstock Farm

The site is a beautiful meadow, and the hosts could not be any more accommodating or friendly! The only issue I had was the area I was supposed to set up still had knee-high grass and I had a few ticks. The owners quickly set me up on site and a great spot and even allowed me to use the shower in the morning! Not sure that is a regular thing but regardless it is a nice spot

1 night at Riverside Camping

Great place. Had the area all to ourselves. Wish we could have taken advantage of the kayaks but arrived too late. The train is loud but we got used to it and it stopped at one point. Would definitely come back if we were in the area. Wish it had a hookup or two, but it's okay. Bryan was a great host. great place

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

We had a great time and Brian was a great Host. He was very helpful and accommodating. The site was well kept and organized. There is a lot to enjoy and see at this site and we are talking about visiting this place again. We stayed in site #2. They have plenty to see and add to your outdoor needs.

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Came up for the weekend to check out Maggee Marsh, Camp sites are spacious, private and scenic. lots of room for the kids to run around and explore, kept busy fishing in the small pond, saw many different birds. Lots of amenties at the camp office, we got to enjoy the canoes and giant yahtzee. Bryan was friendly, easy to communicate with, and provided great service delivering firewood to our site. Only downside is the close proximity to the train tracks, trains were pretty frequent at all hours on Friday, Saturday there was much less train traffic. Would definetly stay again.

1 night at Riverside Camping

This is a nice hipcamp that I would recommend. The owners keep an eye out on the campers without intruding.

3 top campgrounds near Sandusky with wildlife watching

96%

(419)

Riverside Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents94 acres · Port Clinton, OH

We have a kayak and canoe livery called Portage River Paddling Company. We are nestled on 94 acres on the Portage River. You will be camping in the back of our property along the Portage River. You will be just a 5 minute walk from renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, gem mining, axe throwing, cornhole, giant Jenga, goats, Gizmo the 160 pound Sulcata Tortoise, Jasper the iguana and more!

100%

(305)

Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

13 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · West Millgrove, OH

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.

95%

(19)

Hempstock Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Oberlin, OH

Welcome to your lovely home away from home. Located on 30 acres of land, our farm is just a few minutes from downtown and all things Oberlin College & Conservatory. Come watch the sunset overlooking our beautiful garden, explore the vibrant campus life, or cook yourself a meal in our open outdoor kitchen. The space: Our campsites are situated on active organically farmed land. We have several sleeping spots available and amenities include an outhouse, an outdoor kitchen with sink & gas stove and seating area. Guests can freely use the basement shower which can be accessed through the red storm doors on the side of the house. Other things to note: Helpful to have a car even though campus is so close. 1/4 of the 25 minute walk to campus is along a state route. There is a beautiful longer walk to avoid the highway along a bike trail but if you have places to be, either ask us for a ride or best you have your own vehicle :) I walk all the time. Very doable just depends on your preference.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(3)

Kelleys Island State Park

Kelleys Island, Ohio

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(5)

Maumee Bay State Park

Harbor View, Ohio

Middle Bass Island State Park

East Harbor State Park

Detroit Beach, Michigan

Other options near Sandusky

Cedar Point

224 sites1 acre · Sandusky, OH

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Sandusky with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate resource for camping enthusiasts! Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or wildlife enthusiast, we've got you covered. With over 690 options near Sandusky, Ohio, where you can indulge in your favorite activity of wildlife watching, you'll find the perfect camping spot to immerse yourself in nature. Need some top recommendations? Check out Camping at Heritage Farms (976 reviews), The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), and Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (258 reviews) for an unforgettable experience. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like potable water, toilets, and campfires. Don't miss out on the exciting activities available, including surfing, exploring historic sites, and of course, wildlife watching. Prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average of $40 per night. Start planning your next camping adventure today!