Facility Overview
Miller Ferry Parking Lot 3 is an official designated vehicle parking area serving travelers departing from the Catawba Island mainland dock to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island. Located at 5018 Water Street on Catawba Island near Port Clinton, Ohio, this open-air surface lot offers a clean, easily accessible layout designed to handle high volumes of island-bound vacationers, cottagers, and day-trippers. Because it is an open outdoor lot with no overhead barriers or height limiters, Parking Lot 3 accommodates standard sedans, large SUVs, full-size pickup trucks, and minivans with ease. Oversized vehicles and roof-rack-equipped family transporters can navigate the wide driving lanes comfortably.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
This parking facility is strategically situated along Water Street on the Catawba peninsula, positioned within a comfortable 4- to 6-minute walk (roughly 0.2 miles) of the main Miller Boat Line Mainland Dock at 5174 E Water Street. Leaving your car here places you steps away from the frequent 18-minute scenic ferry crossing to South Bass Island, which features renowned destinations such as Perry\'s Victory and International Peace Memorial, downtown Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island State Park, and Heineman\'s Winery. On the mainland, visitors are within minutes of Catawba Island State Park, coastal fishing charters, and nearby culinary favorites such as Gideon Owen Wine Company and coastal Lake Erie dining spots.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are straightforward via Ohio State Route 53 North (Catawba Road), which leads straight north from Ohio Route 2 before transitioning into Water Street near the tip of the peninsula. Driving lanes into Lot 3 are spacious, making entry quick and smooth even during busy holiday weekends. While public transit options like municipal rail do not operate on the peninsula, regional taxi and private shuttle companies serve the mainland corridor, and the Miller Ferry terminal provides immediate passenger and pedestrian transport directly across Lake Erie to South Bass Island.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air surface parking with no vertical clearance restrictions
- Convenient complimentary parking provided for Miller Ferry customers
- Clearly marked pedestrian path toward the Miller Boat Line dock and ticket booth
- Dedicated passenger and luggage drop-off loop located nearby at the ferry staging dock
- Lighting installed for early morning departures and late evening arrivals
- Accommodates single-day visitors as well as multi-day overnight island stays
Ideal For
- Day-trippers heading across Lake Erie to explore Put-in-Bay and downtown South Bass Island
- Overnight vacationers and weekend cottage renters staying on the Lake Erie Islands
- Families and groups traveling with bicycles, beach gear, or heavy luggage
- Motorists driving standard cars, lifted pickup trucks, or full-sized vans seeking free ferry parking
Visitor & Driver Tips
During peak summer weekends and holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, parking on Catawba Island fills quickly. If you have substantial luggage, golf equipment, or traveling companions, use the complimentary five-minute passenger and baggage drop-off loop at the main dock before parking in Lot 3. Arrive at least 45 minutes ahead of your target ferry sailing to allow plenty of time to park, take the short walk back to the ticket office, and board. Remember to lock your vehicle, secure any personal belongings out of sight, and double-check ferry departure schedules for the final return boat of the evening.
