Campgrounds near Portland, New York provide access to Lake Erie's shoreline with varying levels of privacy and amenities. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions. Waterfront camping locations often have rocky beaches rather than sandy shores, with some offering direct views of Lake Erie sunsets.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Erie State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing access with good catches possible during sunrise and sunset hours. "The lake was one of the coolest lakes I've ever seen and the sites are beautiful right on the lake," notes one visitor who found the park ideal for anglers despite some noise issues.
Watercraft activities: Lampe Marina Campground provides direct access to Presque Isle Bay for boating enthusiasts. "This property is maintained by the Erie Port authority," mentions a camper who appreciated the "lots of things to do from fishing for walleye or perch or just out on a watercraft."
Trail exploration: Willow Bay Recreation Area connects to the North Country Trail system for hikers seeking woodland paths. "These sites are less than a mile from the North Country Trail. Other, smaller trails are here as well," explains a visitor who found the campground's location perfect for trail access.
What campers like
Lake views: Many campers value the sunset views from lakefront sites at Lake Erie locations. "Camping on the shores of Lake Erie is sure to be an unforgettable experience. I was blown away when i walked up to the shores of the mighty lake," shares one visitor who enjoyed the panoramic vistas.
Clean facilities: West haven rv park and campground maintains well-kept amenities appreciated by visitors. "Bath house was well appointed and spotless. We will definitely keep this on our go to list," reports a camper who found the staff particularly welcoming during their stay.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention site size as an advantage at certain parks. "The campground itself is well maintained and the shower houses are clean. There are tent and RV sites available, with 15/30/50 amp electric service," notes a visitor who stayed at Lake Erie State Park for a week in mid-July.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have spotty or non-existent mobile coverage. "First of all, the Hemlock loop has literally zero Verizon coverage. If you walk up to the entrance of the loop, you'll get 2 bars," warns a camper at Willow Bay Recreation Area, suggesting guests plan accordingly for limited connectivity.
Water access varies: Not all campgrounds offer individual water hookups at sites. "The water hookups are NOT at each site, but there is one CLOSE to each site, so you can run your house over, fill your tank, and disconnect," explains a Lake Erie State Park visitor who found this system workable despite the inconvenience.
Bathroom quality concerns: Facilities vary significantly between parks and sometimes within the same campground. "Love the campgrounds and beach. However, this year the restrooms were disgusting!!!. We were here for 3 nights and the same washcloths were on the floor all weekend," reports a camper at Evangola State Park who noticed inconsistent maintenance standards.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Evangola State Park Campground provides recreational areas for children near its beach. "The beach area is a rocky walk along the sand but a beautiful area with a playground," mentions a visitor who appreciated the kid-friendly amenities despite noting some maintenance issues.
Wildlife viewing: Families can spot various animals around campgrounds in the area. "We saw lots of wildlife (black squirrels, rabbits and birds)," shares a Lake Erie State Park camper whose dog particularly enjoyed the natural surroundings during their stay.
Creek play areas: Some campsites offer natural water features for children. "We stayed at a site located next to a little creek. The kids enjoyed playing in it," notes a Willow Bay visitor who found this natural feature compensated for the lack of playground equipment at their loop.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Lake Erie State Park Campground has some uneven terrain requiring preparation. "A couple of extra tongue blocks would've been useful since the site slopes in the front and at the back," advises an RVer who stayed at Willow Bay but found the slight incline manageable with proper equipment.
Distance between hookups: RV sites near Portland, New York sometimes have electrical pedestals positioned far from parking pads. "We ran low on fresh water, so a 75' hose was long enough to reach the fresh water spigot," mentions an RVer who recommends bringing extended hookup equipment to accommodate variable utility placements.
Off-season availability: For RV camping outside summer months, Presque Isle Passage RV Park offers year-round access with varying experiences. "3 day stay. Clean, nice, stuff for kids. Room for big rigs, and tents. Yurts and cabins available," reports a visitor who found the park suitable for larger recreational vehicles even during slower seasons.
