There are 593 acres of public land open on North Bass Island, with the park being headquartered on the south end. North Bass Island State Park is only open to primitive camping with a special permit, hiking, picnicking, biking, wildlife watching. Fishing is also allowed along the shoreline. There is no ferry service to the island. It can be reached only by airplane and personal watercraft.

History:

Trails are planned to connect key points of interest including the island’s historic chapel and cemetery, and landmarks such as the Simon Fox and Gottesman houses. ODNR continues to lease 38 acres to Sandusky’s Firelands Vineyard to preserve North Bass Island’s cultural fabric and history of vineyards and winemaking.

North Bass Island, also known as Isle St. George, is the northern-most island in Ottawa County. It is located 18 miles from the Ohio mainland and less than 2 miles from the Canadian border.

The public areas on North Bass Island were purchased with state funds and grants from the Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program, which is now administered by the ODNR Office of Coastal Management.

Activities

Boating

Four public mooring balls are located on the south side of the island, just west of the main pier. There is no fee to tie up; they are first come, first served.

Camping

Primitive camping is allowed in the park (first come, first served).

Fishing

Fishing is allowed in appropriate areas along the island's 4.1 miles of public shore. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hiking

Hiking is permitted on the island. Trails are planned to connect key points of interest, such as the island’s historic chapel and cemetery, and landmarks including the Simon Fox and Gottesman houses.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in designated areas during scheduled hunting seasons. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Picnicking is allowed on the island, but please help to keep the island clean by packing out your trash.