Sterling State Park Campground sits on the western shore of Lake Erie, approximately 7 miles east of Trenton, Michigan. The park encompasses 1,300 acres of wetlands and recreational areas at an elevation near 575 feet. Lake Erie's western basin has an average depth of just 24 feet, creating warmer swimming waters in summer months compared to Michigan's deeper Great Lakes.
What to do
Fishing access: Sterling State Park Campground offers multiple fishing piers and a boat launch for Lake Erie fishing. "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 which is navigatable all the way to the beach, approximately two miles," notes one visitor.
Biking trails: The paved pathways at Sterling State Park Campground connect to regional trails. "There is a bike path that will take you all the way to the Historic Rasin River Battlefield and then to downtown Monroe," reports a camper. The trail system offers both recreational riding and practical access to nearby amenities.
Family recreation: Harbortown RV Resort features multiple family-friendly activities beyond camping. "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!" writes Noel L. The adjacent recreation area includes mini-golf and an arcade.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance of bathroom facilities ranks high among camper priorities. "The shower house is clean and in good condition. Sandy beach on Lake Erie is very nice," reports Joe S. about Sterling State Park. Similarly, at Harbortown, another camper noted, "Bath houses were very clean. Everything well kept up."
Spacious sites: Haas Lake Park RV Campground receives positive reviews for its site dimensions. "Sites where huge and the campground was so clean and beautiful!" writes Jennifer F. Another camper adds, "We have a pull thru that was very spacious with a long driveway. Nice lake view across the road."
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer water-based activities within walking distance of campsites. "This location has 4 lakes. There is plenty of nature. Lots of trees along a nature trail. Cranes and ducks in the water," notes Karen C. about Haas Lake Park. At Sterling State Park, the beach is "kept fairly clean and raked often."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv sites near Trenton, Michigan operate on limited schedules. Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park has important closure periods: "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season," reports Mike M. The fairgrounds typically closes from November through March.
Weather considerations: Lake Erie conditions can affect camping experiences. At Sterling State Park, mayflies emerge seasonally: "First two nights were perfect but then the may flies hatched (in mid june) and covered everything," notes Kourtney D. Wind conditions also persist year-round along the lakeshore.
Noise factors: Highway proximity creates noise at certain campgrounds. At Harbortown RV Resort, one camper reported, "Another big issue is how close it is 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
Activity planning: Cedarlane RV Resort offers diverse family options within one facility. "This campground has a little bit of everything. Rv parking, tent sites and several cabins to rent. Rates are decent. Has lots of stuff for kids to do. Pools are small and can be a little crowded during the summer on weekends. They have a great splash pad and wading pool for kids," notes Jeffrey C.
Swimming options: Multiple water features accommodate different age groups. "My daughter had fun doing the gem mining and playing in the pool and splash pad," writes Ashley R. about Cedarlane. The resort maintains separate pools for adults and children.
Budget considerations: Many campgrounds charge extra for recreational amenities. At Harbortown, a camper noted, "Expensive for what's included everything is extra, putt putt, go karts, etc." Planning for these additional costs helps families manage their vacation budgets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites near Trenton, Michigan vary significantly in layout and dimensions. At Wayne County Fairgrounds, "The sites are level but some lack grassy making the patio pretty dusty or muddy," according to one camper. Another notes, "Many campers are long-term" and warns about "Buddy campsites with patios facing each other."
Hookup availability: Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA provides full service sites but varies in quality. "We arrived without a reservation and the women in the office was very helpful providing a map with all available sites during our stay and letting us choose which one we wanted," reports one RVer, though another notes, "When it rains several campsites get very wet!"
Big rig accommodation: Harbortown RV Resort provides concrete sites suitable for larger vehicles. "All concrete roads and pads. Basketball court, sand volleyball, playground, dog run, batting cages and go karts within walking distance," notes Bill B. The pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs while maintaining easy access to amenities.
