Grand Lake St Marys

[Tom and Patty]

On the road and it is HOT HOT HOT, but we got a good spot at Grand Lake St. Marys Ohio State Campground​. 50 amp and only $13. What a bargain. The lake is green with algae but we weren't up for a swim anyway. Our first Ohio state park. Nice.

Tomorrow it is on to Michigan and Sterling State Park on Lake Erie. We will be there 5 days then on to the U. P.

[NLOVNIT]

GLSM's is one of OH SP's that have very nice lakeview sites. Which number are you in? We usually eat at Pullman Bay in Celina. It's a shame about the algae. The bloom last year closed swimming in the lake. By the time they got it under control, the season was all but over. Is it closed again this year?

Lori-

[Tom and Patty]

We are in site #7, right at the beach next to the cabins. Had great shade when we pulled in around 4pm. The ladies at the entrance station were great! We walked the campground after dinner ( I think it was one degree cooler but there was a breeze) and decided that this was the best spot. It might not be the best if you want a quiet day being next to the beach, if swimming was allowed.

No swimming. The lake is closed to elderly and infants with a strong advisory for all to stay out. It doesn't look inviting anyway, water clarity is non-existent. Too bad.

People around the lake have formed a foundation to clean it up. It is quite an undertaking, from dredging, killing the rough fish like carp, controlling sediment flow into the lake, running aerators to put oxygen into the water and Alum treatments to clump suspended particles and sink them to the bottom.

The lake was formed in 1841 as part of the Miami-Erie Canal.

[Superslif]

With the poor lake water conditions, how full was the campground?

Here is a site on the Ohio .Gov site for warning levels for the state park lakes re-guarding algae bloom levels...

[salvagediver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom and Patty On the road and it is HOT HOT HOT, but we got a good spot at Grand Lake St. Marys Ohio State Campground​. 50 amp and only $13. What a bargain. The lake is green with algae but we weren't up for a swim anyway. Our first Ohio state park. Nice. Tomorrow it is on to Michigan and Sterling State Park on Lake Erie. We will be there 5 days then on to the U. P.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Campgrounds (U.S. National Park Service)

While it's been a long time since we've camped there, I must strongly recommend a visit to the Sleeping Bears Dunes National Seashore on your way to the U/P - which is a primo destination too. Link above for the park.

Enjoy the journey through the Buckeye State!

[Superslif]

Was there ( Sleeping Bears Dunes) like 30 years ago while living with my parents.

A 2 week trip to MI. and upper UP. are in the near future for us now. (Lori (NLOVNIT) last year was saying how they were charged $8 per day for cars passes. This year it was changed to a yearly pass for $29.

Will have to see what gas prices will be for 12'

[Tom and Patty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superslif With the poor lake water conditions, how full was the campground?[/URL]

I would say maybe 30%, DW says 50%. After 34 years I think she is more likely correct :-)

[Tom and Patty]

Unfortunately we will be cutting the trip short to be in Nappanee for some interior remodeling. We won't make the UP :-( so....we will try Sleeping Bear Dunes, thanks for the tip.
Staying at Mill Creek in Mackinaw City. Tomorrow Mackinac Island.

[salvagediver]

Great! What flex! Now I hope you have a good time - I'll feel rotten otherwise. I SWEAR we had a great time there (I checked the Way-Back Machine to verify). One more thing: as kids we would run down the dunes until we would "over speed" our legs then tumble the rest of the way...they don't make enough Motrin for me to do that anymore - but maybe you'll have a crazy night there and go for it?

Please send photos of Sleeping Bear Dunes if possible...

[salvagediver]

One more thing...the fudge available on Mac Island is addictive. Be careful.

[Tom and Patty]

Too late on the fudge, but it will keep for weeks in the fridge.

[NLOVNIT]

Play on the lower dunes, above the parking lot - at least those are doable.



Stay away from the BIG ONE (yes, it IS that steep!). Those few dots near the bottom of the line in the sand....those are people.



Lori-

[salvagediver]

Thanks for the photos - great After Action Report! Danke!

[Tom and Patty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT Play on the lower dunes, above the parking lot - at least those are doable. Stay away from the BIG ONE (yes, it IS that steep!). Those few dots near the bottom of the line in the sand....those are people. Lori-

That looks darn scary. But would it be fun on a toboggan? Definitely "E" ticket ride!