Camping near Erie, Pennsylvania offers access to Lake Erie's 76-mile Pennsylvania shoreline where most campgrounds operate from early May through October due to seasonal weather patterns. Lakeside temperatures can fluctuate rapidly with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s F and spring/fall nights dropping to the low 40s F. Many campgrounds across Erie County operate on different schedules based on local elevation and exposure to lake effects.
What to do
Beach access from campground: Sara's Campground connects directly to Lake Erie beaches with sites available directly on the shoreline. "The location of this Campground is great! Right by the lake with plenty of beach within walking distance," reports one camper who visits annually. Several sites offer waterfront camping where visitors can hear waves at night.
Fishing opportunities: Lampe Marina Campground provides direct access to fishing areas along Presque Isle Bay. "This place is a great place to watch the sunset. 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," notes a reviewer. The campground includes ramps for all abilities to access the pier.
Biking trails: Multiple campgrounds connect to cycling paths, particularly near Presque Isle. "There is a bike trail that loops presque isle that starts in frount of sarah's," explains one regular visitor to Sara's Campground. Bringing bikes is recommended for accessing the peninsula's 13+ miles of trails.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lampe Marina Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Very nice level paved spots. It's a small campground but the spots are spacious," reports one camper. Another notes it was "one of the cleanest we stayed at. Staff was amazing," highlighting the well-maintained bathhouses.
Family amenities: Erie KOA provides numerous activities for younger campers. "Nice little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old," shares a family who visited. The campground also offers nightly movies.
Lakefront views: Waterfront camping spots receive high ratings. "I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the waves at night and having my coffee watching the sun rise and the waves crashing onshore," describes one visitor to Sara's Campground. Several campgrounds offer either lake or pond views with corresponding premium rates.
What you should know
Tent camping limitations: Many Erie area campgrounds primarily accommodate RVs with limited tent options. At West Haven RV Park, one camper notes, "They were extremely nice and accommodating, but their idea of secluded and ours were very different. When we arrived our site was right next to others." Similar reports come from other facilities.
Noise considerations: Highway and commercial noise affects multiple campgrounds. A visitor to Presque Isle Passage RV Park mentioned, "Lots of RVs, not many tents. Small section in the back of the campground for tents. Also the worst part is being so close to the gas station/truck stop. Very bright lights on all night."
Seasonal operation: Most facilities close between October and May. Kenisee Lake RV Campground operates from "April 27 to October 23" while West Haven runs "May 1 - Oct 23," with similar patterns across most facilities. Only Presque Isle Passage remains open year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Erie KOA offers numerous child-friendly options. "The kids enjoyed the gaga ball pit and fishing in the KOA pond," shares one family. Another mentions, "There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins)."
Amusement park access: Multiple campgrounds provide convenient access to Waldameer Park. "There is also an awesome water park/amusement park called Waldameer just down the road!" notes a regular visitor to Sara's Campground. The park operates from late May through early September with daily operations during peak summer.
Site selection for children: Certain campgrounds offer more child-appropriate areas. At West Haven, a camper suggests requesting specific locations: "My wife called weeks in advance and reserved 2 tent spots for us and my parents... The site was nice, kinda secluded but could still see RVs and people driving around. Was pretty quiet though."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Across Erie campgrounds, paved sites receive better reviews for leveling. At Lampe Marina Campground, RVers consistently praise the "nice paved level sites." Another visitor confirms, "Very nice level paved spots. It's a small campground but the spots are spacious."
Big rig accommodations: Several campgrounds specifically welcome larger RVs. At West Haven RV Park, a reviewer notes, "The site was kept nice & loved the brick pavers patio. Very clean & quiet." Another camper highlights the "plenty of room for big rigs, and tents."
Internet connectivity: Cell service quality varies significantly by location. At Kenisee Lake RV Campground, a remote worker advises, "Kenisee Lake RV Campground is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet." Without external equipment, connectivity can be unreliable at several locations.
