Catawba Island State Park is a small 10-acre park located on the west side of Catawba Island and offers easy access to Lake Erie. The Catawba Island Township is one of the twelve townships in Ottawa County, Ohio and the Catawba Island State Park is one of five Lake Erie Islands State Parks. This state park is the headquarters for the other four state parks on the island that include Middle Bass Island, Kelley's Island, South Bass Island, and Oak Point. To get to the main entrance to the park, just travel 8 miles northeast of the city of Port Clinton, Ohio.
The islands are mostly made up of limestone and dolomite bedrock that have several grooves formed by heavy glacial prehistoric movement. The Catawba Island State Park also has several underground caverns. Wildlife at the park is mostly reptilian with animals such as the harmless fox snake and rattlesnake. At the park, you will also find birds, and especially migrating songbirds, that provides one of the best birdwatching opportunities in the country.
Other activities that you can enjoy at the park include picnicking, swimming, fishing, and boating. Amenities at the park to facilitate these activities include a fishing pier, boat ramps, picnic areas, and several picnic shelters. Additionally, you can come to the park with your family, including your four-legged family members, just to relax, exercise, and have some fun at no extra cost to you.
Just like in all other Ohio State parks, there are some basic rules that you must follow for everyone’s convenience and to protect the biosphere. Some of the park rules that you must follow include the following: You must keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. Also, you must keep your pooch away from park buildings and other areas that are not designated as pet-friendly zones. It is also highly recommended that you bring some poop bags with you so that you can clean up after your dog.