Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Erie, MI has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Erie, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Erie, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "
"Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."
$30 - $40 / night
"I set up right at 3 at Site 7 - there's no check-in process or attendant. I hadn't printed my permit, so I wondered if I would get a visit from a ranger but all was quiet."
"Nice restroom facilities, FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Parking is general, but close to each site."
$20 - $25 / night
"Wiregrass lake was a very nice camping atmosphere. There are only 3 camping spots around the lake so you’re not packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is very calm, quiet, and relaxing."
"3 camp sites available near fishable wiregrass lake in wiregrass metropark. Open year round. Firewood provide. Reservation required."
"I think 1 night is plenty as the site itself doesn't offer a ton of amenities but there are some trails that you can walk/bike without leaving base. They also have showers which is a bonus!"
$20 - $30 / night
"Island Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay."
"Island lake really does feel like you’re up north with the hours spent on I-75. There are great hiking trails that give novice and Intermediate hikers a chance to sharpen their skills."
$20 - $28 / night
"The views of the lake are awesome, it’s a great slice of wilderness in this part of the state. Wish there were better noise restrictions and the campgrounds were more separated."
"We could see the lake and had an outhouse right nearby."
GuideI had a friend's wedding at The Stables (which I didn't realize was 3 min away) and decided to camp here rather than get a hotel. I set up right at 3 at Site 7 - there's no check-in process or attendant. I hadn't printed my permit, so I wondered if I would get a visit from a ranger but all was quiet. The site was spacious, sandy, and well suited for both tent and hammock. The fire ring was in good condition and fire wood was already stacked. The property was well maintained and the bathrooms clean and cool - the women's did have some standing water from a leaky toilet it looked like. You can hear distant cars and some not so distant planes. Also, while all the sites are wooded the woods are not very thick so you can see and hear your neighbors pretty well. Site number three looks at the most secluded to me while site number four was pretty much in the open beside the bathrooms. Group sites were full sun it appeared. The stream behind my site was dry. Nice map and brochures at the parking area. Sturdy picnic tables.
ScoutCampground is nicely kept, only 5 individual sites, has two group sites. Nice restroom facilities, FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Parking is general, but close to each site. We were there on a Monday night, only had one other tent in the campground. Nice flat sand pads for tents to set up on!
DOWNSIDE: MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night.
GuideWe camp here at the beginning and end of the season where the bars are less crowded and the campground isn’t as booked.
These lakeside campsites are stunning and even the one tucked further into the park have a lot of options too. From open areas where it would be fun to book a couple sites with friends, and some secluded for more privacy.
We always stay lakeside because you cannot beat the view! We’ve stayed 103 and 114!
One hint: be we are on the cliffs of Lake Erie, some sites you might have to hunt for soft ground to stake your tent.
GuideIsland Lake Recreation Area is home to two Huron River Canoe Camps. The sites are boat-in only (!) meaning you must haul any and all gear in a kayak or canoe for your stay. The sites, Canoe Camp #1 and #2, can be only be reserved by calling or visiting the main office.
This is an awesome place to stay, especially if you live in the area, as it provides a backcountry, boat-in camping experience very close to town. The sites each feature a fire ring and picnic table. Canoe #1 sports a floating dock to tie up boats. There is also a vault toilet, and firewood provided for both sites to share, as well recycling and trash cans.
The sites and common area (toilet and garbage cans) are connected by short trails and you may, once in awhile, hear the folks at the site next to you. Thankfully, In my experience, people have always been friendly and respectful.
TravelerThis campground is part of the Waterloo State Recreation area, about 6 miles north of Chelsea MI. Sites are decent-sized, not much privacy between some sites. Only a couple of sites overlook the lake. Picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and hand pump water. Quiet little campground.
RangerI stayed here with my kids because it was close to home and town. It makes for an easy getaway for a night or two.
It is rustic with just vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.
The lake is not good for swimming as it is very mucky and covered in Lilly pads.
It can fill up quick because it is close to town.
There is a Yurt for rent here as well through the Waterloo Recreation web page.
LegendWe stayed in the Southfork Rustic Cabin at the end of Feb and it was lovely much needed get away. The cabin was semi modern (solar lighting) but only a wood stove for heat. Small kitchen unit with table for eating. You had to hike in about a quarter mile to get there, and it sleeps four people with two bunk beds. There is an outside vault toilet behind the cabin. Lots of trails connecting the cabin to the rest of the park. Cheap too! Only $68 per night.
GuideVery nice campground, it’s large so if you’re walking around, remember to take a map. The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie, there are a few restaurants nearby. The sites vary in size, lots of shade trees where we camped. There are picnic tables and fire rings, some sites have FHUs, some standard electric, and of course, primitive.
TravelerI recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children. Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)
The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.
The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.
Tent camping near Erie, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing well-maintained facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Erie, MI is Maumee Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Erie, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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