Best Tent Camping near Erie, MI

Searching for a tent camping spot near Erie? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Erie. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Erie, Michigan's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Erie, MI (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    1. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    194 Photos
    255 Saves
    Oregon, Ohio

    Campground closed for renovations starting Nov 2019

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from White Oak Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Oak Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Oak Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Oak Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Oak Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from White Oak Campground

    2. White Oak Campground

    10 Reviews
    17 Photos
    107 Saves
    Whitehouse, Ohio

    White Oak Campground is a primitive campground. It has eight individual and two group campsites for tent camping. Only tent camping is permitted.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $30 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wiregrass Lake Metropark
    Camper-submitted photo from Wiregrass Lake Metropark
    Camper-submitted photo from Wiregrass Lake Metropark

    3. Wiregrass Lake Metropark

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    26 Saves
    Holland, Ohio

    Campers must walk approximately 700 feet to campsite #1; 1,000 feet to campsite #2 and 1,300 feet to campsite #3. Vehicles are not permitted to drive back to the campsite. It is suggested to use a wagon to get camping gear to the campsite. The wagon is not provided.

    Fireplace: Fire Ring is available. Firewood is available for purchase at the Firewood Locker for $5 plus tax, credit card only. Please deposit empty bags in designated locations.

    Additional Information: This campground is a primitive campground around Wiregrass Lake. It has three (3) individual campsites for tent camping only. Please note that our campgrounds required 24 hour advance reservations via phone or online. All renters will receive an email confirmation, that must be brought with you. If you made a reservation and did not receive an email confirmation please call customer service at 419-407-9700, Monday through Friday. Due to the high volumes of campers, we may not be able to accommodate requests to move campsites with less than 24 hours notice and are subject to availability.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cannaley Treehouse Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cannaley Treehouse Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cannaley Treehouse Village
    Camper-submitted photo from Cannaley Treehouse Village

    4. Cannaley Treehouse Village

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    32 Saves
    Swanton, Ohio

    The Cannaley Treehouse Village is the only public treehouse village in the country, creating an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Treehouse Village includes six-, four- and two-person treehouses plus three raised platforms attached to trees for tent and hammock camping.

    The treehouses have electricity with heat and air conditioning. There restrooms and shower facilities are nearby.

    A large common treehouse available for day uses, a group gathering place around a campfire, connecting boardwalks, a canopy bridge and a crow's nest complete the charming village in the trees.

    Treehouse Village Features A six-person treehouse A four-person treehouse (ADA accesible) Two, 2-person treehouses Three tent/hammock platforms for camping in the trees A common treehouse with seating for up to 20 people (day use only; ADA accessible) A crow’s nest A canopy walk linking the common treehouse to the crow's nest Restrooms with showers Common fire pit (wood provided)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockland Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockland Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockland Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockland Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockland Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockland Lake

    5. Rockland Lake

    Be the first to review!
    6 Photos
    20 Saves
    Millbury, Ohio

    Rockland Lake is a private ten acre property with a spring fed crystal clear quarry, and lots of free space on all waterfront property. We have activities from volleyball, tether-ball, to fishing, swimming, and paddle boarding and much much more! There are diving boards, grills, and tents available. Reserve the camping trip of a lifetime today.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $75 - $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Lake Recreation Area

    6. Island Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    79 Saves
    Brighton, Michigan

    Island Lake Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an "up north" experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in. Island Lake is the only balloon port in the state park system. Balloons usually take off in the early morning or late evening, depending on the wind and weather.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • No image available

      7. Farnsworth Campground

      Be the first to review!
      4 Saves
      Whitehouse, Ohio

      This campground is a primitive campground. It has two individual and one group campsite for tent camping. Only tent camping is permitted. Please note that our campgrounds required 24 hour advance reservations via phone or online. All renters will receive an email confirmation, that must be brought with you. If you made a reservation and did not receive an email confirmation please call customer service at 419-407-9700, Monday through Friday. Due to the high volumes of campers, we may not be able to accommodate requests to move campsites with less than 24 hours notice and are subject to availability.

      Day Camping available November through April, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to book call 419-407-9701.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Trash

      $20 - $30 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

      8. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground — Pinckney Recreation Area

      2 Reviews
      5 Photos
      13 Saves
      Pinckney, Michigan

      Pinckney Recreation Area is a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, anglers and other recreation enthusiasts. Pinckney is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. Over forty miles of multi-use trail with remote campsites afford a backcountry experience. Pinckney is also a short drive from the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area.

      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash

      $20 - $28 / night

      • No image available
        • No image available
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        Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Erie

        472 Reviews of 15 Erie Campgrounds


        • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from East Harbor State Park Campground
          Oct. 29, 2024

          East Harbor State Park Campground

          Another great Ohio State Park

          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.

        • Amanda E.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Leafy Oaks RV Park and Campground
          Oct. 24, 2024

          Leafy Oaks RV Park and Campground

          One of our local favorites

          We tent camp. They have a great spot that’s set back in the woods. There are lots of trees. Very peaceful. Dislikes are no shower houses or toilets back there except one port a potty. The shower houses they do have not a huge fan of. Def bring your flip flops. They have a nice pond.

        • Wendy F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Hudson Recreation Area
          Oct. 14, 2024

          Lake Hudson Recreation Area

          Spacious sites

          What an absolute gem of a state park. Almost every site is private, with a few exceptions. Nice trails, well built picnic tables, and huge fire pits. Overall a fantastic experience.

        • BluePitMom O.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
          Oct. 7, 2024

          Sauder Village Campground

          History Lovers Heaven

          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!

        • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sandusky-Bayshore KOA
          Oct. 1, 2024

          Sandusky-Bayshore KOA

          Great base camp for visiting Cedar Point

          The owners are very frank about what they have here. This isn't a place to get away from it all. It's behind a car dealership and next to a fairly busy railroad. But they do offer amenities to make your stay easier.
           We normally stay at State Parks, so didn't understand all the options they had, and ended up with a deluxe dual site which had more than we needed, but was a pleasant surprise.
          Our site was not in the tree shaded area, but instead included a Shelter with table, a patio with furniture and a fire pit, a grill and a free-stranding sink and electricity. the sites are close together, but our neighbors were friendly and comradery was the norm. 
           The showers are a bit cramped, but plenty of hot water.  There are TWO heated pools, which we didn't have time to use.  Plus there's  a big bouncy hill for the kids, something I've never seen before. A good General store and friendly staff.
          We spent all our time at Cedar Point, but here are things for the kids to do here, including a crafts barn.

        • Mano P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
          Sep. 28, 2024

          Sterling State Park Campground

          Travel Trailers

          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.

        • Mano P.
          Camper-submitted photo from W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
          Sep. 28, 2024

          W. J. Hayes State Park Campground

          Travel Trailers

          If your longer than 40ft be aware most sites will not work for you here, they do have some but the wood line, privacy and nature is great. Lots of activities for the family by camp staff. Water sports and lots of trails

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center
          Sep. 23, 2024

          Indian Creek Camp & Conference Center

          Super friendly staff

          I only stayed one night. I am a tent camper and where I was, it was only me in a fenced in area. I was right next to a cow field. The cows did not moo all night and there was no foul order. I needed no amenities so I can't vouch for that

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Rock Campground - Sandusky, OH
          Sep. 22, 2024

          Crystal Rock Campground - Sandusky, OH

          Lakeside - East Harbor State Park

          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

        • Wailym C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Kelleys Island State Park Campground
          Sep. 7, 2024

          Kelleys Island State Park Campground

          Simply amazing camping

          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.

        • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
          Aug. 24, 2024

          Harrison Lake State Park Campground

          Great site!

          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!

        • Gary G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Sterling State Park Campground

          Nothing seems enforced here

          Stayed 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.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA
          Aug. 5, 2024

          Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA

          Small basic campground near Toledo

          Our site was $59.95 a night.

          We were in Site# 504. We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
          We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep. The site was easy to level. We were charged $25 additional for my jeep since we were towing the trailer. We also were charged $10 because we arrived at 1:25 PM and check-in is at 2 PM. The park was close to empty so arriving early was not an inconvenience. We drove ourselves to our spot (no escort).

          Our site was shaded with lots of trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.

          The lot comes with a concrete patio with picnic table and fire ring. They sell wood for $6 a bundle.

          There is free WiFi, although not strong. They offer Cable TV and there are many channels.

          There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.

          They pickup your garbage at your site daily before noon.

          You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They do not provide golf cart rentals. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.

          They do have a Swimming pool but it is currently closed due to maintenance (although it just looked closed- no signs of maintenance being done).

          There is a Playground. They also offer horseshoes, corn hole, giant jinga.

          They have a basic general store. There are not scheduled activities for kids.

          There is not a snack bar/restaurant on site.

          The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes. This is an RV park with tent camping and cabins to rent.

          They have one shower house. The shower house has individual bathrooms with your own sink, shower, toilet. These are kept very clean.

          There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine. There are approximately 4 washers and 4 dryers. It is approximately $2.50 to wash and $2.50 to dry a load.

          They have a small fenced in dog park.

          There isn’t tons to doin the actual city of Perryville. But Toledo is a 20 minute drive.

        • Ronald B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
          Jul. 29, 2024

          Hell Creek Ranch & Campground

          Great Campground

          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.

        • Tony T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
          Jul. 22, 2024

          Harrison Lake State Park Campground

          Great Campground

          The 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!

        • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Blue Heron Ohio Turnpike RV Lot
          Jul. 18, 2024

          Blue Heron Ohio Turnpike RV Lot

          Perfect overnighter

          Simplicity at its finest. Highway stop is open 24 hrs so you have food and bathrooms all night. Everything is bright, nice and clean and feels very safe. Free overnight stay allowed and for extra $20 you can get electricity (rows of hookups in the back of the parking lot). There was at least 10 other campers there. And no need to travel far to get back on the highway. Can’t be beat.

          Oh and Mario’s pizza in the plaza has an off the menu gluten free pizza and it was pretty tasty! I was happily surprised!

          FYI - you need cash to pay for the electric at a machine and then you get a ticket to display in the dash. The machine didn’t take cards.

        • Miranda J.
          Camper-submitted photo from W. J. Hayes State Park Campground
          Jul. 15, 2024

          W. J. Hayes State Park Campground

          Hayes State Park

          We stayed in a tent on site 32, this was a very nice campground, peaceful, with trails and ample shade. Campsites were decently sized, fire pits were big, $5 per bundle of dry wood, showers were private with hot water, and there were activities and a beach/playground for kids. Checkin/out was simple, and coffee/hot coco was provided by the campsite each morning. Will be returning to this campsite again. I suggest sites 93-96 for more private/shaded sites.

        • Kelsey S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sterling State Park Campground
          Jun. 15, 2024

          Sterling State Park Campground

          Great spot!

          Wonderful 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.

        • Mary S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Shadylake Campground
          Jun. 12, 2024

          Shadylake Campground

          It's unfortunate that I have to give them even 1 star.

          It's unfortunate I have to even give them 1 star. Absolutely horrible people to deal with and filthy place! The grounds were unkept and the pond, well, dont swim in it. We paid for the season and could not even get into our spot because he had rented out our spot to someone else! Every time we went out to make sure it was empty someone new was rented out to it. Filthy facility and the workers, when you could find one, were rude and obnoxious. We had to talk to the manager, who was hiding in the house, over a speaker. We couldn't hear him because of all the dogs barking in the background but he refused to come and speak to us.

        • N
          Camper-submitted photo from Twin Acres Campground
          May. 25, 2024

          Twin Acres Campground

          Good Time and nice place

          Stayed here with my family on memorial weekend. Nice campground with friendly staff. Would come again for sure.

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Maumee Bay State Park Campground
          May. 16, 2024

          Maumee Bay State Park Campground

          Clean Facilities / Great Location

          Sites are large, level, and grassy with vegetation barriers between sites with mowed buddy site access at back of each site. Shower houses are limited but modern and clean. Sunday morning’s line at the dump station can get very backed up!

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from East Harbor State Park Campground
          May. 16, 2024

          East Harbor State Park Campground

          Very Cramped in Season

          Park 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.

        • Rick M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Pleasant View
          May. 13, 2024

          Adventure Bound Pleasant View

          Scam company

          Place is a joke, ran by two little piece of shit trolls with a god complex to over come the lack of achievement in there lives. They have zero management skills and even less people skills. Must be overcompensating for something.


        Drive Time


        Guide to Erie

        Tent camping near Erie, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing well-maintained facilities.

        Tent campers appreciate these amenities

        • The Maumee Bay State Park Campground features spacious sites with electric hookups and drinking water, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
        • At White Oak Campground, visitors can enjoy clean facilities and the convenience of extra firewood available for purchase.
        • Wiregrass Lake Metropark offers a serene atmosphere with only three camping spots, ensuring a peaceful experience surrounded by nature.

        Tent campers should check out local activities

        • The paved bike paths at Maumee Bay State Park Campground provide a great way to explore the area while enjoying a leisurely ride.
        • Families can enjoy hiking and exploring the sand dune area at White Oak Campground, making it a fun destination for kids and adults alike.
        • Fishing opportunities abound at Wiregrass Lake Metropark, where campers can relax by the water and enjoy the local wildlife.

        Unique features of the campgrounds

        • Cannaley Treehouse Village offers a unique glamping experience with treehouses, perfect for those looking for something different in their camping adventure.
        • The Maumee Bay State Park Campground allows campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings under the stars.
        • Wiregrass Lake Metropark provides free firewood and a tranquil setting, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Erie, MI?

          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 40 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Erie, MI?

          TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Erie, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.