Sterling State Park Campground offers 256 sites with electrical hookups, full hookup options, and a mix of back-in and pull-through configurations. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the park features both sandy beaches and fishing opportunities despite its industrial surroundings. May flies typically hatch in mid-June, creating seasonal challenges for campers during this period. Most sites have paved slabs with limited shade from younger trees.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling access: Sterling State Park Campground offers a small inlet that can be navigated all the way to the beach. According to a visitor, "There is a boat launch which is extremely popular and the bass and walleye fishing can't be beat. No boat, no problem. The park has several fishing piers as well as a kayak launch into a small inlet."
Explore island destinations: Kelleys Island State Park Campground provides a unique camping experience with ferry access required. One camper notes, "Been going here my entire life. Amazing small town feel with cute shops, family activities, world's largest glacier groves, shallow beach and fun history."
Biking trails: The recreation areas have extensive paved trails connecting campgrounds to beaches and natural areas. A visitor at Proud Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths. You are also close to the lake which I love."
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds in the region have recently updated shower facilities. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, a camper highlighted, "Bath house is newly built with amazing showers including large Family/Handicap showers. Good warm water." Another visitor noted, "Very clean, however, bathhouses are shared between two loops. Each bathhouse only has two shower stalls."
Level, well-maintained sites: Most campgrounds offer concrete or paved pads for stable setup. At Harbortown RV Resort, a camper reported, "All concrete roads and pads. Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance."
Waterfront views: Many sites offer direct water access or views. A camper at Kelleys Island State Park Campground shared, "A lot of shaded sites and waterfront sites that are right on the water. No city lights and being in the middle of the lake means lots of stars, the sounds of water and being so dark you can barely see."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park closes completely from November through March, with one visitor stating, "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season."
Insects can be intense: The proximity to water means insect activity can be significant. A visitor to Sterling State Park Campground warned, "First 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."
Limited shade at some locations: Many sites lack mature trees for protection from summer heat. A camper noted at Bishop Lake Campground, "Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas and activities. At Harbortown RV Resort, a visitor shared, "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!"
Water-based recreation options: Families appreciate the swimming and water play areas. A visitor at Bishop Lake Campground mentioned, "It's connected but costs money. $15 for a 45 minute jump session. Follow on Facebook for coupons. You can also just swim at the lake- nice area with shade trees beach and nice lake water."
Halloween camping: Several parks offer special fall programming. One camper at Proud Lake Recreation Area explained, "We've been going to halloween camping for the past 2 years, decorate your site and the kids get dressed up an go trick or treating in camp, there's a costume contest and hay rides, fun family atmosphere."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds have uneven quality between loops or sections. A visitor to South Bass Island State Park Campground advised, "The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling)."
Urban proximity considerations: The campgrounds near Grosse Ile offer surprising natural settings despite industrial neighbors. A Sterling State Park camper observed, "Sterling is an interesting park, nestled between the Fermi nuclear power plant and the coal powered DTE plant it makes for an unique experience."
Utility hookups: RV campers should check for specific hookup availability. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, a visitor detailed, "Large state park with 256 campsites, all with electric (20-30-50 amp) hookups. Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric)."
