Lake Erie is a top destination in the North. If you are looking to travel to Lake Erie, you are probably looking for public access. I highlight the top public access on Lake Erie in this article.
Top Public Access on Lake Erie
| Park | Location | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presque Isle State Park | Erie, PA | Swimming, Hiking, Bird Watching | 11 miles of beaches, fishing, boating, hiking trails, and Gull Point. |
| Headlands Beach State Park | Mentor, OH | Swimming, Fishing, Picnicking | Ohio’s largest natural beach, fishing pier, picnic areas, hiking, and nearby lighthouse. |
| Geneva State Park | Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH | Boating, Camping, Winter Sports | 300-foot beach, marina, fishing, hiking trails, and winter recreation. |
| East Harbor State Park | Marblehead, OH | Swimming, Hiking, Birdwatching | 1,500-foot beach, camping, fishing, boating, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. |
| Kelleys Island State Park | Kelleys Island, OH | Kayaking, Exploring, Relaxing | Glacial Grooves, swimming beach, hiking trails, birdwatching, and scenic Lake Erie views. |
Top Lake Erie Public Access Sites
Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
Location: Erie, PA
Best for: Swimming, hiking, bird watching
Presque Isle is a peninsula that reaches far out into Lake Erie. It offers beaches, camping, and an amusement park. It offers 11 miles of beaches with plenty of access for fishing also.
- 21 miles of hiking trails
- A 13.5-mile Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail for biking
- Gull Point, is a unique ecosystem that’s home to rare and endangered species
- Fishing Access
- Boating Access
Headlands Beach State Park, Ohio
Location: Mentor, OH
Best for: Sunbathing, fishing, picnicking
Headlands offer the largest natural beach in Ohio. The mile-long sandy shore is perfect for exploring and swimming. Nearby, you’ll find:
- Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
- A fishing pier
- Picnic areas with grills
- Boat Ramp
- Hiking Trails
Fun fact: The nearby Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse is open for tours in summer.
Geneva State Park, Ohio
Location: Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH
Best for: Boating, camping, winter sports
Geneva State Park offers year-round fun with its 698 acres of land and water. This secluded area in NE Ohio is a top destination for vacations in Ohio. Highlights include:
- A 300-foot guarded swimming beach
- Six miles of multi-use trails
- A marina with 383 docks
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Boating
In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and sledding.
East Harbor State Park, Ohio
Location: Marblehead, OH
Best for: Swimming, hiking, birdwatching
If you are planning on camping, East Harbor is the place you want to be. It is a state park that offers clean facilities and plenty of sites. There is a beach, fishing access, and boat ramp available. Its 1,831 acres include:
- A 1,500-foot sand beach
- Numerous hiking trails
- Wetlands teeming with wildlife
- Boat Ramp
- Fish cleaning station
- Hiking trails
- Wildlife viewing: Deer, birds, and other small animals.
Birdwatchers take note: over 300 species have been spotted here!
Kelleys Island State Park, Ohio
Location: Kelleys Island, OH
Best for: Kayaking, exploring glacial grooves, relaxed atmosphere
Accessible only by boat or plane. There is a ferry service located in Marblehead, OH. You can bring your car, or rent a golf cart on the Island. Kelleys Island offers a unique Lake Erie experience. Don’t miss:
- The Glacial Grooves, a National Natural Landmark
- A 100-foot swimming beach
- Hiking trails with stunning lake views
- State park that offers hiking, birdwatching, and hunting!
- Public Boat Ramp for Walleye Fishing.
