About this Location

Facility Overview

Red Shed Parking Lot--Family Owned is a welcoming, independent outdoor parking facility situated along North Crogan Street on the scenic Catawba Island peninsula near Port Clinton, Ohio. Designed as a traditional open-air surface lot, this location offers convenient, stress-free vehicle staging for both short-term visitors and extended travelers heading out onto Lake Erie. Because it is an unobstructed ground-level lot without low-clearance decks, parking overhead height is virtually limitless. Standard passenger cars, crossover SUVs, full-sized pickup trucks, minivans, and vehicles with rooftop bike or luggage carriers can easily enter, maneuver, and park without clearance concerns.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned in Ottawa County\'s premier vacation corridor, Red Shed Parking Lot serves as a practical gateway to the Lake Erie Islands and coastal outdoor recreation:

Miller Ferry & Island Connections: Located within a short drive of regional ferry docks, making it an excellent staging ground for day-trippers and weekenders traveling to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island.
Catawba Island State Park: Just minutes away, offering scenic shoreline views, cobblestone beaches, public boat launch ramps, and prime Lake Erie fishing access.
East Harbor State Park: Located a brief drive to the east, featuring extensive sandy beaches, hiking trails, and wetland birdwatching habitats.
Local Marinas & Charter Docks: Conveniently close to local Catawba marinas, professional walleye/perch fishing charters, and waterfront seafood eateries along West Catawba Road and Route 53.
Downtown Port Clinton: A short drive south to downtown attractions, including the Port Clinton Lighthouse, Waterworks Park, and the Jet Express terminal.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The facility is easily accessible via State Route 53 (Catawba Road), the primary north-south artery running through Catawba Island, connecting directly to State Route 2 (the Lake Erie Memorial Highway). Ingress and egress along North Crogan Street are straightforward, featuring broad entry aprons suitable for larger vehicles. While regional public fixed-route transit is limited across the peninsula, Ottawa County Transit Board (OCTA) on-demand curb-to-curb shuttles operate throughout the county. Local taxi services and rideshare operators are also available to bridge transfers between the lot, private marinas, and ferry departure points.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Ample ground-level parking spaces accommodating sedans, SUVs, and standard passenger trucks.
No Height Restrictions: Open sky layout accommodating tall roof racks, kayak carriers, and high-profile recreational equipment.
Friendly Local Management: Family-operated atmosphere offering personalized customer service and localized area knowledge.
Direct Roadway Access: Smooth entry and exit onto North Crogan Street with swift links to SR-53 and SR-2.
Extended Stay Accommodations: Suitable for multi-day vehicle staging while visiting Lake Erie islands.

Ideal For

Island Vacationers: Travelers spending the day or weekend at Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island.
Anglers & Boaters: Fishing enthusiasts and charter passengers needing a dependable staging spot close to Catawba boat ramps and marina docks.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Visitors exploring East Harbor State Park, coastal nature reserves, or Catawba Island beaches.
Seasonal Cottage Guests: Lakehouse visitors and guests requiring supplemental off-street parking.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During peak summer weekends, holidays (such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day), and major island festival dates, parking demand across Catawba Island runs high. Arrive early in the morning to secure preferred spots and ensure timely transfers to scheduled ferry departures or morning charter boats. Because this is an open outdoor lot, drivers are encouraged to bring windshield sunshades during warmer months and remove all personal valuables from view before locking up.