Sterling State Park Campground on Lake Erie defines the camping landscape near Deerfield, Michigan, with 256 sites open from April through November. Sites feature paved pads with electrical hookups, while some include full hookups with sewer and water. Many campers cite the sometimes muddy conditions during rainy seasons as a consideration when planning trips, especially for tent campers who prefer the designated tent areas with tree coverage.
What to do
Water recreation: Lake access at Sterling State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing, and boating. The park features boat launches for Lake Erie and an inlet for kayaking. According to one camper, "It has a boat ramp to put into Lake Erie. Not a lot of shade on the sites!"
Biking: Trail systems throughout the region connect campgrounds to natural areas and nearby towns. Some campgrounds provide bike rentals. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths."
Wildlife observation: Birding opportunities abound in the wetlands and protected areas. Maumee Bay State Park features many varieties of birds and feeders throughout the park. One visitor noted, "We came for the birding and wasn't disappointed. Parts of this park are very built up as a resort feel but the nature center, shore swimming, and wilderness is still very nice."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. At Harrison Lake State Park Campground, "The bathrooms were scrupulously clean and always available without a line." Another reviewer mentioned, "Restrooms and showers are clean and well maintained."
Site privacy: Vegetation between camping spots creates secluded camping experiences despite proximity. Many campers appreciate the natural barriers at certain campgrounds. At Maumee Bay, "All sites are very generous in size and appear to be spaced with a decent amount of space apart with foliage providing varying levels of privacy."
Lake access: Sandy beaches and swimming areas provide relief during summer months. Bishop Lake Campground offers "a nice area with shade trees beach and nice lake water." One visitor shared, "The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive."
What you should know
Seasonal insects: May flies can significantly impact camping experiences in early summer. At Sterling State Park, "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid June) and covered everything." Plan accordingly if visiting during hatch season.
Limited shade: Many campgrounds in the region lack mature trees. Reviewers often mention this factor in their experiences. At Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park, "The spots are pretty close together and very few have trees/shade."
Train and highway noise: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Harbortown RV Resort, one camper noted it is "very close to the expressway which is noisy and there are trains that go by during the night. There must be a few crossings near by because they blew the horn for 5+ minutes at 4:30am."
Tips for camping with families
Inflatables and water features: Some parks offer additional water recreation beyond swimming. At Bishop Lake Campground, families can enjoy "Jump Island! $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons. You can also just swim at the lake."
Diverse accommodation options: Family-friendly alternatives to traditional camping include cabins and yurts. Harrison Lake State Park Campground offers unique sleeping options: "We rented a yurt as a local weekend escape. Our kids loved the yurt. It was nice with a little mini fridge and 4 double beds."
Entertainment options: Harbortown RV Resort offers activities beyond camping. The resort is "next door to putt putt go karts batting cages and arcade - this was pricey but fun." Another visitor mentioned, "This campground has everything! Go carts, playground, disc golf, pool, ext... Just a one night stay to visit A friend. If you have kids it is perfect!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Full hookup sites are available but limited at most campgrounds. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, "Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric). All camper pads are paved and long enough to accommodate large RVs."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park operates from "April 1 to October 31," with one camper noting, "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season."
Premium glamping options: Camp Lord Willing RV Park & Campground operates year-round with upscale accommodations. One visitor described it as "a very clean and beautiful campground. The employees are very friendly and helpful." Unlike seasonal glamping near Deerfield, Michigan, Camp Lord Willing remains open all year for those seeking luxury outdoor stays during winter months.
