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Gladhaven Campground and Marina Introduce

For those of us living in Ohio, the call of Lake Erie is often irresistible, especially when seeking a refreshing escape from the everyday. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Port Clinton area, Gladhaven Campground and Marina offers a delightful retreat for campers and boating enthusiasts alike. This family-owned and operated seasonal campground provides a welcoming and tranquil environment, making it an excellent choice for Ohio locals looking to unwind, reconnect with nature, and explore the myriad attractions of the Lake Erie region.

Gladhaven Campground and Marina strikes a wonderful balance between offering essential amenities and preserving a peaceful, natural atmosphere. It caters to a variety of camping styles, from those who prefer the simplicity of primitive tent camping to RVers seeking convenient water and electric hookups. The focus here is on creating a relaxing experience where you can truly de-stress, enjoy the fresh air, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Its location on the Portage River also adds a unique charm, providing direct access to waterways that lead out to Lake Erie.

Many Ohioans appreciate finding well-maintained and friendly places to enjoy the outdoors, and Gladhaven consistently receives praise for its clean facilities and accommodating staff. This commitment to guest satisfaction makes it a reliable and appealing option for your next local adventure. Whether you're planning a weekend fishing trip, a family vacation filled with island hopping, or simply a quiet escape to enjoy the lakeside ambiance, Gladhaven Campground and Marina is poised to be your perfect Port Clinton base camp.

Location and Accessibility

Gladhaven Campground and Marina is conveniently located at 3830 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA. This address places it squarely in a prime area for Lake Erie recreation, offering easy access to the numerous attractions of the Marblehead Peninsula and the Lake Erie Islands region.

West Harbor Road is a well-traveled route in Port Clinton, ensuring straightforward navigation for visitors arriving from various parts of Ohio. Whether you're coming from Toledo, Sandusky, or further inland, reaching Gladhaven is typically a smooth drive. The campground's proximity to major roads means that you're never too far from essential services, grocery stores, and dining options in Port Clinton.

A significant aspect of Gladhaven's accessibility is its direct access to the Portage River. This river connection provides boaters and paddlers with a convenient waterway to explore, ultimately leading out to the vast waters of Lake Erie. This makes it an ideal spot for those who enjoy fishing, boating, or simply cruising the waters. Furthermore, its location serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring nearby attractions such as East Harbor State Park, the historic Marblehead Lighthouse, and the ferry services that transport visitors to popular islands like Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. The combination of ease of access and proximity to regional highlights makes Gladhaven an exceptionally convenient choice for an Ohio outdoor adventure.

Services Offered

Gladhaven Campground and Marina offers a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable, catering to various preferences.

  • Diverse Campsite Options: The campground provides both seasonal and daily camping sites. These include water and electric hookup sites for RVs and trailers, as well as primitive tent camping sites for a more rustic experience. They accommodate different sizes of RVs, with various pull-through and back-in options.
  • Clean Restrooms and Showers: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the bathrooms and showers, which is a significant factor for a comfortable camping stay.
  • Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV users to dispose of waste, located outside the middle bathrooms. Local sanitation companies also offer pump-out services weekly for an additional cost.
  • Camp Store: There is a well-stocked camp store on-site where campers can purchase essentials like ice, candy, pop, merchandise, and bundled firewood. The ability to pay with Venmo for purchases adds to the convenience.
  • Marina and Dock Rentals: As part of a marina, Gladhaven offers seasonal and daily dock rentals, providing direct water access for boats. There are two boat ramps on the grounds for easy launching.
  • Fish Cleaning Station: An outdoor, open fish cleaning station with water and electric access is available, a great amenity for anglers.
  • Recreational Amenities: The campground features a playground for children and a volleyball court. Volleyball or badminton rackets and birdies are available in the office.
  • Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Reviews highlight the "super friendly and accommodating staff," indicating a strong commitment to guest service and satisfaction.
  • WiFi: While not a primary amenity for a rustic experience, WiFi is available at the camp store for staying connected.
  • Affordable Firewood: Campers appreciate the "cheap firewood," making it easy and economical to enjoy campfires.

Features / Highlights

  • Direct Portage River Access: A major highlight is the campground's location directly on the Portage River, providing easy access for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with a clear path out to Lake Erie.
  • Proximity to Lake Erie Attractions: Gladhaven's strategic position in Port Clinton makes it an ideal base for exploring the iconic Lake Erie Islands (Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island via Jet Express just 9 minutes away), East Harbor State Park, Marblehead Lighthouse, and other popular regional destinations.
  • Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently praised in reviews, the cleanliness of the bathrooms, showers, and overall grounds is a significant feature, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay for all guests.
  • Friendly, Family-Owned Atmosphere: As a family-owned and operated campground, Gladhaven fosters a welcoming and peaceful environment, often noted by guests for its friendly staff and quiet ambiance.
  • Excellent Value: Especially for tent camping, the campground is highlighted as an "excellent bargain," offering an affordable option for outdoor recreation in a popular tourist area.
  • Variety of Camping Options: Catering to both RVs (with water/electric hookups) and primitive tent campers, Gladhaven appeals to a broad range of outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Boating and Fishing Conveniences: With two boat ramps, dock rentals, and a fish cleaning station, it’s well-equipped for those whose primary activity revolves around fishing and boating on Lake Erie and the Portage River.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground and volleyball court adds to the family-friendly appeal, providing entertainment options for children and adults.

Contact Information

Address: 3830 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA

Phone: (419) 607-9430

Mobile Phone: +1 419-607-9430

Email: gladhavenllc@gmail.com

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Ohio locals, Gladhaven Campground and Marina offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for their next outdoor adventure. Its prime location in Port Clinton, with direct access to the Portage River and a short distance to Lake Erie, makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the best of the region without extensive travel. Whether you're an avid boater, a dedicated angler, or simply looking to relax by the water, Gladhaven's marina services and proximity to key attractions like the Lake Erie Islands are incredibly convenient.

The campground's commitment to providing clean facilities, friendly service, and affordable camping options (especially for tent campers) strongly resonates with the preferences of many Ohioans. The consistent positive feedback regarding the "super friendly and accommodating staff" and the "clean facilities" provides peace of mind that your stay will be comfortable and enjoyable. This family-owned atmosphere often translates into a more personalized and welcoming experience than larger, more impersonal resorts.

Furthermore, the blend of basic, well-maintained amenities with recreational features like a playground and volleyball court ensures that Gladhaven caters to both those seeking quiet relaxation and families looking for activities. It's a place where you can easily disconnect while still having access to essential conveniences. For any Ohio resident seeking a peaceful, clean, and well-located camping experience that offers excellent value and direct access to Lake Erie's wonders, Gladhaven Campground and Marina is a highly recommended choice for your next local getaway.

Location

OhioOttawa CountyPort ClintonWest Harbor Road

Customer Reviews

4.0
17 reviews
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Lindsay Davis
May 18, 2025

Excellent bargain for tent camping! Super friendly and accommodating staff, clean facilities, cheap firewood.

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Joe and Nikki Binkley
Jul 05, 2023

We visited for the 4th of July weekend and had a wonderful time. Great place we strongly recommend it! We tent camped for 3 nights, site was clean and dry with shade. Bathrooms and showers were clean and nice. Camp store was stocked with ice and you can pay with venmo!!!

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Robyn Bodine
Oct 11, 2021

Stayed at Gladhaven over long weekend and it was excellent!!! Chilling cook off and trick-or-treat for the kids - so much fun!!! Beautiful campground with amazing water view. Friendly campers and the owners were fantastic!!! Highly recommend!!!

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Laura Mitchell
Jul 07, 2023

Owners are very nice and accommodating. The camp ground and restrooms are clean. I highly recommend this place.

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dan davidson
Aug 27, 2022

Nice campground, river and lake access, boat docks and close by to many attractions. Seasonal camping is a primary but do accommodate others.