For those who want to experience Erie, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Erie, MI. You're sure to find glamping for your Erie camping adventure.
Campground closed for renovations starting Nov 2019
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$36 - $45 / night
East Harbor State Park Campground is the largest in the Ohio State Park system. It offers Full Hookup, Electric, Non-electric and ADA sites. Pets are permitted at all sites. Other options include a Yurt (ADA), two Sherman Cabins (one ADA cabin), and Group Camping. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Located in Ohio on the sandy shores of Lake Erie awaits an enormous haven of fun, with tons of chances to recreate. Boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping all attract flocks of visitors to East Harbor State Park.
Nature lovers will rejoice thanks to the dense population of waterfowl, shore birds, and other species of wildlife. Owing to the swampy, wetland climate, a host of migratory species regularly flock to the region. However, the land was not always this rich. It wasn’t until the draining of the Great Black Swamp that the land transformed into an agricultural oasis, producing regional varieties of fruits such as grapes and peaches.
Before European Settlement, East Harbor region was home to Native American tribes like the Ottawa and Wyandot Tribes. Stemming from the translation “trader”, the Ottawa tribe earned its title due to the geographic location of East Harbor. During the period of Westward Expansion, this park’s acreage was first the heart of popular trade routes for Native Americans.
As it developed, the region has long been valued for its recreational potential. In fact, Lake Erie is more similar (and exotic) to a tropical beach resort than you’d first think. This is due to the extensive range of plant and animal life, long sandy beaches, and the immense size of the lake itself. As a result of these factors, 1,831 acres were reserved and protected, to be known today as East Harbor State Park.
Camping at East Harbor is readily available with 352 electric sites. Furthermore, there are 160 non-electric sites available for a cheaper nightly rate. There are also an additional 51 full hook-up sites for those in Recreational Vehicles. Working Nomads and Van Dwellers will be grateful to find Wifi Available, however there is a small fee to use it.
Finally, there’s Dump Stations, Bathrooms, and Showers are routinely located throughout. For a more secure (and expensive) shelter option, there is one Yurt available for reservation. Book in advance, however, as it tends to be very competitive.
If you’ve got furry friends, you can take a breath of relief as pets are permitted on all sites. Moreover, Bike rentals are available as well as games and sporting equipment from the camp office/lodge. Get outside with your friends (any number of legs invited) and enjoy everything that East Harbor State Park has to offer.
Sandusky's Hidden Gem. Crystal Rock Campground has called Sandusky home for over 45 years and is just minutes from Cedar Point Amusement Park and the Lake Erie Islands, including: Marblehead, Port Clinton, Catawba, Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island! We offer a quiet place to stay with nearby access to a variety of area attractions. Beaches, Boating, Fishing, Roller Coasters (Cedar Point), Water Parks, Hiking, Kayaking, Water Sports, Foodies, Breweries and Wineries, and exploring Nature.
$32 - $1 / night
Legend
General: This campground is huge with a mix of FHU (some back-in and some pull-through), electric hookup, no hookup, group sites, cabins, and one yurt. On a Monday night in June, many of the sites were occupied.
Site Quality: All camper pads were paved and appeared level. Some sites were a little close together but there was reasonable separation and there was plenty of foliage. Site H3 was a good one as it had no site next to it on one side.
Bath/Shower house: In our loop, the bathhouse was clean. It took a while for the water to get hot but once it did, it was very hot. The water pressure was very good. The only problem with the shower was that water leaked out onto the floor outside and there always appeared to be a lot of water, which could pose a slipping hazard.
Activities/Amenities: A camper store and nature center, game room, laundry, dump station and potable water, disc golf, hiking trails, multi-use trails, marina (for large boats, not kayaks or SUPS), basketball, volleyball, archery, fish cleaning station. I think I mentioned everything!
We enjoyed our two-night stay here, and if/when we return, we would consider taking a ferry to some of the smaller islands nearby.
Traveler
There's so much to do at the village! What a wonderful place for history lovers and/or kids. In addition to the village, there is a splash pad, a pool (in the nearby inn), and a couple of hiking trails.
We stayed in Site 23. The sites are sizable, level, and well maintained. The shower house and restrooms were extremely clean.
The campground was peaceful. It was full during our stay, and the other campers were very courteous. Nobody was loud and obnoxious.
We were able to catch the Northern Lights!
Scout
This park will accommodate any size travel trailer? Fifth wheel camper of any kind, the pull throughs are huge. The park is enormous with lots of fishing activities. Great water, the only downfall is there's no shade. Showers and restrooms are updated and always clean.
Scout
Super nice people- small sites- bathroom/ shower cleaned - a interesting area by Lakerside which is an 1800s art with very nice restaurants and shops most closed after Labor Day / do not take your rv /small roads - skip Sandusky
Ranger
This state island campground is more than expected! worth the ferry travel, a paradise kept secret. We stumbled upon this island by accident along our travels after Labor Day and we totally fell in love. The water front camping, swimming, boating, kayaking, historic sites, attractions and facilities are superb. Everything you need and more than you expect. We traveled in with our 34’ trailer. The ferry cost was a bit high, around $200 round trip for us, truck and camper….but it was worth it!! The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week especially after Labor Day, the weekend brings a larger crowd. Walking trails, sites, boating and swimming all available from campground. Sandy shallow beach with beautiful view. Ice, firewood and a store conveniently located at campground. The campground is small and sites a bit tight but spaced accordingly and comfortable. Two waterfront cabins and two yurts available for rent as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the island overall. The glacial grooves, limestone crusher, north loop trail, beach and boat launch all withing walking distance. We rented bikes downtown to explore rest of island, including winery, cantina and local bars. Counting the days to go back.
Legend
Our first time at this park and got lucky with our site. The pad was a little unlevel but easy to fix. The fire ring was fantastic and had pea gravel around it so if it rained it wasn’t a muddy mess. Great site with grass for tents and no one behind us besides a cornfield. We had a sidewalk next to us to the bathroom but there were so many bathrooms we didn’t have very many people pass by. It had pretty decent shade but unfortunately a sweet gum tree nearby so watch out if you’re barefoot. The shower house was nice but no benches in the stall and only had curtains. They were very clean and the camp hosts were friendly. We are headed back in September!
Guide
If you’re looking for a camping spot that mixes comfort with a touch of nature, Lighthouse Point Campground is just the place. I recently stayed at one of their Deluxe Patio Sites, and I’ve got to say, it was a fantastic experience.
GuideStayed 5 days. Had a FHU site, of which there's a lot here. That all worked fine. Almost no trees here. None of the usual painted lines on the pavement to indicate your site boundaries, which sucks. You have to guess, and hope your neighbor doesn't spread out.
Nothing seems enforced here, and I mean nothing. Rarely saw anyone patrolling the park, never saw any staff checking sites before the next camper came in. My site had dog droppings and cigarette butts in the firepit. Neighbors had FOUR vehicles on site, two more than the rules. Witnessed endless speeding and people going the wrong way on the roads. Without exaggerating, 80% of the cars were going too fast, 75% going the wrong way. No one seems to care or enforces anything. I think the supervisor here should be fired or retrained. I camp in 4 to 8 MI state parks per summer, this is the only one where it felt like no one cares.
They need some "wrong way" signs and "speed limit 10" signs. (15 is too high, cause 15 means 20 to people, 10 means 15... ). Then they need to care.
At least the bathrooms were clean.
You can get TV from Detroit or Toledo, and T-Mobile service was ok.
Groceries and many dining options not far off.
We're 50/50 on staying here ever again.
Scout
Great out of the way campground. It was nice and quiet. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. The gentleman that checked us in moved things around so we could all be together not on different sites well away frome each other. Would definitely go there again.
ScoutThe sites in the tent-only section were well sized and shady. We were on the lake side and were able to get some nice views of Harrison Lake. There were families on either side of us with little kids who were well behaved, albeit a little noisy (i.e a really young child was screaming for about 2 minutes straight non-stop at 9 am until finally the parents said something). Bathroom facilities (single occupancy with shower) were about a 3 minute walk and were clean. Good stay!
GuideWonderful views from site 117. We booked the last spot of the night. It was an easy pull through with water, electric, and sewer hookup. You are right across from some good walking trails and walking distance to the beach. Lots of electric scooters, dogs, and bikes around.
GuidePark on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point Amusement Park. Sites are very tightly packed. Park was mostly empty while we were there early in season. We camped at East Harbor State Park in a Motorhome. Sites in our section were back in and would be difficult to back a trailer into a site with a full campground.
Ranger
My family only got to stay here for a night while traveling. But it was very nice, in a modern state campground kind of a way. The sites were spacious, flat, and fairly private. There was plenty of room for riding bikes around, including a paved path to the lake. One that I would go back to.
Ranger
This was a campground that we stayed at on our way to the northern part of the state. This for me, was a place that I would like to come back to for a longer stay. The camp sites were nice, there was a nice swimming area in crystal clear water and a beautiful bathhouse. It had a more modern layout that could accommodate many campers. My only complaint, and the reason that I'll have a hard time talking my wife into going back was the mosquitoes were pretty bad the evening that we were there. Other than that I liked it a lot.
Scout
I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season.
RangerVery popular campground, lots of people. Easy drive-up spots, fire pits, clean showers, bathrooms, and a camp shop. Really nice bike/walking bath out to the water.
TravelerThe campground was nice and the neighbors were quiet. The dump station is at the first buildings. So fill up before you head down to the campground.
Guide
We stayed the weekend at greenlake rustic, the access road into the Campground is a nice 1/2 ish mile in. We were on sites 5 and 3. Both sites seemed larger then most suburban house lots. Site 5 had a decent view of the lake, Site 3 had odd fire pit placement under 2 trees. Even though the sites were large they didn't have much for privacy in between sites.
Overall, it was a quiet stay. The freeway is on the other side of the lake, but it didn't bother us. At night it was like white noise.
The Campground has a small boat dock, no swimming area. We checked out half moon lake, wasn't really impressed, was told sugarloaf but its only for sugarloaf campers. We were then directed to Portage lake beach, which was a larger beach but it was really silty.
Green lakes vault toilets had nice motion sensor lights in them. The hand pump took a long time to get going.
We went on both east and west sides of the waterloo-pickney trail, located off the Campground access road. I believe it was the west trail after Cassidy road we experienced some steep inclines.
We also were able to see some awesome stars at night
FYI sugarloaf and portage both have firewood for sale $6.
TravelerWalk right into the park or swim park! Literally the best way to stay ay Cedar Point!!! Very clean campground!
GuideNice campground, lots of sites, old style putt-putt but fun for kids. Well kept up and the staff were very nice to interact with. Close to some of the local attractions and sites. We plan to schedule future trips to Crystal Rock.
GuideThis campground was family friendly, dog friendly, and very clean. About 30 minutes from cedar point. Our only complaint and the reason we’re docking a star is because our site was right next to a giant generator that seems to run 24/7 and sites seemed a little tight. Otherwise we enjoyed this campground very much.
Scout
We spent a night here to celebrate my husbands birthday with a couple of our friends. The campground was great! It was well setup with lots of things to do. The only complaint I have is that the tent sites aren’t very well designated. There aren’t any markers showing where sites start and stop. We rented two sites next to each other and when we pulled up the one we were assigned was being used by someone else. Luckily the one on the other side was open so we could still set up next to each other, so it really wasn’t that big of a deal, but I’m sure if there were better markers/signage it wouldn’t have been a problem to begin with. Otherwise it’s a great campground, we are definitely planning on coming back with the kids. Lots of fun things to do.
ScoutNice campground. Sites are close together and sites 60-72 or so are really tent site, not level, and need extension cord for electric. No water hookups. No ATT service.
TravelerI had a fantastic and totally welcoming weekend at Maumee Bay State Park with my dog. First time taking him camping and I was so appreciative of the facilities at the campgrounds & the park - I was able to focus on making sure he was comfortable instead of worrying about anything else!
Campsite neighbors were very respectful - lots of RVers and large family groups. The park store was clean & efficient and the park itself offered coffee & donuts every morning for a dollar. Very sweet!
One item of note is that there are sooooo many mayflies around - flying, landing on you & your gear, and oftentimes covering the ground around the park. Totally fine if you’re not shy of bugs, but something to be mindful of.
TravelerFirst two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything
Good size sites, friendly staff, great beach and boat launch
RangerWe spent two nights here on our trip to Michigan. We were quite pleased with the campsites and how large they are. You don't feel like you are close to anyone because most sites are surrounded by trees and shrubs. If you are looking to stay more than two nights keep in mind that there are only electric hook ups, so you have to fill your fresh water tank before you set up. Water fill stations are conveniently located throughout the campsite. Don't forget your bikes for this campsite! There are miles of paved bike paths throughout the campsite and a short ride to the lake.
Guide
The cliffside sites are absolutely beautiful. We stayed in 107 and the view is breathtaking! Bathrooms and shower house were good! Staff was very friendly. I wouldn’t suggest booking a cliffside site if you have small children. We also liked that the campground is gated. We will be going back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Erie, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Erie, MI is Maumee Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Erie, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 glamping camping locations near Erie, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
