Best Campgrounds near Erie, PA

The area around Erie, Pennsylvania, has camping spots that range from lakeside sites to forest settings. Sara's Campground sits just a walk away from Lake Erie's beaches, with concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Minister Creek Campground in the Allegheny National Forest gives campers a more basic woodland experience for those who prefer fewer amenities. If you're into fishing, Linesville Campground puts you close to Pymatuning State Park, which is known for good catches. Hiking trails thread throughout the Erie area, with paths for different skill levels. Most campgrounds can be reached on regular roads, though a few of the more out-of-the-way spots might need vehicles with higher clearance. Some campsites sit close together while others give you more space from neighbors. Trees cover many of the camping areas, which helps when the summer heat kicks in. The sites work for both tents and RVs, depending on which campground you choose. Weather around Erie can change quickly, so checking the forecast before you go is smart. Many campers find spring and fall have the best combination of nice weather and smaller crowds.

Best Camping Sites Near Erie, Pennsylvania (80)

    1. Sara's Campground

    16 Reviews
    Erie, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 833-4560

    "been going to erie now for 30 years and i can asure its sarah's not sara coyne the campground is on lake Erie just befoe the entrance to presque isle and below waldameer water and amusement park location"

    "Across the street from the Lake Erie beach. At the entrance of Presque Isle park. There is a a couple restaurants connected to the park and a little store for any needs you may have."

    2. Lampe Marina Campground

    12 Reviews
    Erie, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 454-5830

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Lake Erie has the best sunsets east of the Mississippi lots of things to do from fishing for walleye or perch or just out on a watercraft. This property is maintained by the Erie Port authority."

    "There is not a lot of shade at the sites so I would recommend taking a pop up tent if you're going to spend a lot of time outside around the campsite. Clean shower facilities."

    3. Erie KOA

    9 Reviews
    Girard, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 476-7706

    "This was our second trip to the Erie KOA for a soccer tournament in Edinboro. Our trip was almost ruined when our popup cable system failed and we could not use our camper."

    "Camped in the back behind the pond in popup camper. Nice and quite back there and close to the bath house and wash station."

    4. Sparrow Pond Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Waterford, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 796-6777

    $40 - $72 / night

    "We stayed here because it was fairly close to Presque Isle and the price was very reasonable for the area. Overall, the campground was not as wooded as I would have liked."

    "THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access to Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park 

    • Clean and well-maintained property with lots of activities 

    • All of the RVs appeared well-maintained without trashy-looking"

    5. West haven rv park and campground

    5 Reviews
    Girard, PA
    9 miles
    +1 (814) 403-3243

    "Close to Lake Erie & Presque Isle."

    "The site was nice, kinda secluded but could still see RVs and people driving around. Was pretty quiet though. A little walk to the restroom and water, but not bad."

    6. Presque Isle Passage RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Girard, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 833-3272

    7. Follys End Campground

    3 Reviews
    Girard, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 474-5730

    $19 - $30 / night

    "It is a no frills, beautiful location on the river. Nice and quiet. Would stop here again!"

    "Gravel pad where I parked was nearly level. Bathroom was cleaned the day I used shower and hot water was good. Prices for the site was $31/night and this was early season."

    8. Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake City, PA
    17 miles
    +1 (814) 774-8672

    "The restrooms near the entrance are their main with showers and in the ladies room one stall."

    "Fantastic camp ground for anyone looking to rough it a bit, they have cabins and rv/tent sites located on Elk Creek great area for fishing and great people."

    9. Virginia's Beach Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Springfield, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 922-3261

    "Our site was right on Lake Erie. There was nothing except a drop of about 25' to the lake. There is lake access for swimming, boat launch and Jetsons etc. It was quiet and simple."

    "There is an entrance down a rocky driveway to get to the lakes sandy edge which is great to bring chairs down and watch the sunset."

    10. Family Affair

    3 Reviews
    North East, PA
    16 miles

    $35 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 80 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Erie, PA

273 Reviews of 80 Erie Campgrounds



Guide to Erie

Camping near Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have access to scenic trails. For example, at Minister Creek Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Easy access to hiking trails right from camp," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Pymatuning State Park Campground is a popular choice. A visitor noted, "Plenty of spots to go fishing and hang out by the lake."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Lake Erie State Park Campground provide beach access. One camper shared, "There is a nice nature trail that you can take the dogs on and a little beach to go do some swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Chapman State Park Campground highlighted, "Very clean restrooms. Fantastic lake for kayaking, fishing, swimming, etc."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Linesville Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The Tuttle Campground was enjoyable. It is a well-maintained park with big spacious spots."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Sara's Campground are known for their friendly vibe. One reviewer said, "Tried to stay beach side but it was too windy... Campsites were clean and had showers available."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds have weak cell reception. A camper at Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "The only slight downside for us is weak T-mobile cell service."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Erie State Park Campground shared, "The campground was very crowded the night we were there."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for rain, as some sites can get muddy. One camper at Evangola State Park Campground mentioned, "The tent area is a mud pit and sites were pretty tight in that field mud pit."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby attractions. At Sara's Campground, a reviewer said, "Waldameer water world place is perfect for kids in the 5-12 range."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options nearby. A camper at Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "Not much in the way of grocery stores as the closest towns... are small."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. One family at Chapman State Park Campground enjoyed the "several nice playgrounds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Buckaloons mentioned, "The campsites are large and not crowded on top of each other."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations. At Linesville Campground, a camper appreciated the "RV dump station and water fill up conveniently located in the center of the grounds."
  • Plan for Power Needs: Ensure your site has electric hookups if needed. A review for Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "Quite a few of the sites are lakefront and of those a number are full hook up."

Camping around Erie, PA, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Erie, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Erie, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Erie, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Erie, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Erie, PA is Sara's Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Erie, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Erie, PA.

What parks are near Erie, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Erie, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.