Top Free Dispersed Camping near Erie, PA

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!