97 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Girard, Pennsylvania provide a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts with a particular focus on lake access and fishing opportunities. Folly's End Campground in Girard offers both tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups, while Uncle John's Elk Creek Campground and Virginia's Beach Campground provide cabin accommodations along with traditional camping options. Most facilities in the area are seasonal operations, typically open from April through October, with limited year-round availability. The region includes several campgrounds with direct access to Lake Erie and its tributaries, making it popular for fishing enthusiasts.
Access to most campgrounds requires navigating local roads that can be challenging during wet weather. "Entry road was filled with LOTS of holes & ruts which were filled with mud mud & more mud," noted one camper about Virginia's Beach Campground. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with most facilities closing for winter. Water pressure varies significantly between campgrounds, with some visitors reporting extremely low pressure that required filling their RV tanks and using onboard pumps instead. Cell service and internet connectivity are inconsistent throughout the area, with some campgrounds having very limited coverage, particularly those closer to the lakeshore.
Waterfront sites are consistently mentioned as highlights in visitor reviews, with Lake Erie views being a major draw. Several visitors commented on the quiet atmosphere at campgrounds like Folly's End, describing it as having "an old time feel" with "spacious" sites. Fishing access appears to be a primary reason many choose these campgrounds, with some facilities specifically catering to anglers with well-stocked camp stores. Campgrounds in the area typically provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities with varying levels of upkeep. While some locations offer more privacy with wooded sites, others feature more open layouts with limited separation between camping spots. Several reviews mention the trade-off between beautiful lake views and basic facilities, suggesting visitors prioritize location over amenities when selecting campgrounds in this region.
"We went to Sara's Campground and walked around the campsite (bayside aka away from the beach and behind the restaurant) from end to end (3 times). I didn't see a camp host sign or office. "
"Really enjoyed our stay here, from check in, to escort, firewood delivery all done with a nice positive attitude and smile ( behind a mask)."
"Camped in the back behind the pond in popup camper. Nice and quite back there and close to the bath house and wash station."
"Our trailer spot was tucked in the woods amongst tents. Nice and wooded. There was a nice playground with a bounce mat that our kids loved. Got busier on the weekends but has plenty to do."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Lots of things to do and see nearby. There's Erie museum of maritime l , along with the tall ship Niagara , which was used in the war of 1812. Couple small lighthouses to tour."
from $32 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Close to Lake Erie & Presque Isle."
"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."
from $22 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Several shaded, grassy RV campsites face the lake. There are cabins to rent that are right near the lake. It's a mix of short-term and long-term/permanent rentals."
"Located right on Lake Erie. Rocky beach with bost launch."
from $60 / night
RangerSimple site with hookups. For the price, I didn't expect much. The hosts were friendly and got me in last minute despite coming in their last weekend of the year. It's about an hour from Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Sadly didnt get more pictures from the campground, aside from a frosty picnic table.
ScoutIt sits in an industrial park the starts operations at 6am. Coyotes roam the grounds at night. Howling for ours. Not pet or kid friendly. Unless your pet and kid is mute. They want you to leave for the day and come back before curfew and to be quiet. No noise at all. We were asked to leave 2 days early because our dogs were barking at other dogs barking. Only good thing was the laundry was cheap. Bathrooms clean but showers were terrible. If you stay use your rigs shower. At least it will be hot. And by the way no refunds are giving at any time. I have stayed in Super 8s better than this place.
RangerUnique place! Boondocking only. Really suited for smaller setups. My 30ft TT fit fine but was limited. Host was great. Partially shaded spot in the woods. Great trails. Ticks galore. Sadly had a very wet trip but was otherwise nice.
GuideThis place has so much to offer so I’m just going to list them : -Beautiful lakeside camping -clean, spacious and level spots -Boat launch -sandy beach -friendly camp host and park employees -basketball court, sand volleyball court, kids playground and nature center
LegendWe’ve stayed here several times over the years and it’s always a pleasant experience. Lots of seasonal campers, but most are only in residence on the weekends. During the week we have the place to ourselves. Clean facilities, the standard picnic table and fire ring. Incredible sunsets, lake breeze and nothing but the crashing of the waves to lull you into a peaceful nights rest.
TravelerIt was off season but we needed a place to sleep. Fortunately there was no freeway or train nearby. Commuters were busy by early at 6 am. Office was closed so we found our info and pulled into our assigned site. Manager showed up soon after to question me on if I was competent enough pull out my rig and the length of my dogs leash. The campground was half empty and no one nearby.
TravelerStayed here right after Labor Day - very few other campers. Campsites were large and gave privacy - easy to park. Plenty of activities - hiking, frisbee golf, swimming, horseshoes, basketball, maze and a playground. Clean sites - they do a great job of keeping up on the property. AT&T cell phone service was weak - one bar most of the time. Close to bike trails along Oil Creek. A lot of great history to explore in both Titusville and Oil City. Shopping for food just 10 minutes down the road. Great customer service on arrival - gave us options for sites and let us explore before choosing even after we arrived about 15 minutes until the office was supposed to close.
GuideEasy to book the site and friendly office staff. All sites are pull through. Most sites are grassy. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked with showers available. Picnic table and fire ring available at each site. Right off the interstate which was nice for an overnight stay only but very noisy with traffic.
TravelerManagement if nice, view of sunset is amazing, has showers, electric, and laundry services. Not secluded, but it's almost like you are in a village, with everyone being close together
Camping options near Girard, Pennsylvania cluster along Lake Erie's southern shoreline where the elevation ranges from 570 to 820 feet above sea level. The camping season typically spans April through October when temperatures average between 60-80°F during summer months. Local campgrounds experience frequent lake effect weather patterns with sudden temperature changes and precipitation possible even during summer camping trips.
Fishing access: Follys End Campground offers direct stream access with specialized amenities for anglers. "Camp office was geared towards fishing but was very interesting. Definitely will be back to try the trout fishing!"
Beach activities: Lake Erie provides numerous swimming and relaxation spots along its 40-mile Pennsylvania shoreline. "We stayed in what they called the train car. I only recommend that for a group of guys only there for the world class fishing," notes one visitor about Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The wetlands and forests surrounding campgrounds attract diverse birds and small mammals. "Bring your camera fishing rods or hicking boots," suggests a camper at Follys End Campground.
Boating opportunities: Several campgrounds offer boat launches for easy lake access. "Rocky beach with bost launch," mentions one review about Virginia's Beach Lakefront Cabins, allowing campers to bring watercraft.
Waterfront experience: Sites directly facing Lake Erie provide constant water views. "This place has an old time feel that me of good times past. The sites are generally spacious, and are gravel based," notes a Follys End Campground visitor.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments despite being near attractions. A camper at Lampe Marina Campground reports: "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."
Fishing-focused amenities: Multiple campgrounds cater specifically to anglers with specialized facilities. "Large stream runs along the property, and it was a nice hike up it," mentions a Follys End reviewer.
Sunrise and sunset views: Lakefront sites offer spectacular daily light shows. "We came for a quick visit and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and sunrise," shares a Lampe Marina camper.
Variable site quality: Within single campgrounds, site conditions can differ dramatically. At Sara's Campground, "This campground has 2 sides. One near the bay and one right on the beach. The beach side is wonderful."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity due to rural locations. "Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable," reports a Follys End camper.
Water pressure issues: Multiple campgrounds experience significant variations in water supply. One Lampe Marina reviewer notes some campers need "good facilities" but should be aware of campground limitations.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite natural settings. A visitor at Presque Isle Passage RV Park warns about being "close to the highway so there is constant noise!"
Rustic facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize location over modern amenities. "Tent Camper, overnight... It is a no frills, beautiful location on the river. Nice and quiet," summarizes one Follys End visitor.
Activity planning: Consider campgrounds with built-in recreation options. "Nice fishing pond. Easy to ride bikes around. Kids loved seeing the giant teepees. Pool is clean and centrally located," reports a Erie KOA visitor.
Site selection for privacy: Request specific areas for more seclusion when traveling with children. At Sparrow Pond Family Campground, one camper notes, "From our site, we had a beautiful view of the pond. It was a good family campground."
Nearby attractions: Consider proximity to regional family destinations. "Close to Presque Isle and the price was very reasonable for the area," mentions a Sparrow Pond camper about accessing the popular peninsula.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "There was a nice playground with a bounce mat that our kids loved," shares a family staying at Erie KOA.
Site leveling challenges: Bring additional leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment. "The site was nice and in a great location with a view of the pond, but wasn't level," warns a Sparrow Pond visitor.
Water supply considerations: Be prepared to fill tanks rather than rely on direct connections. "We had extremely low water pressure so we filled our tank and used our pump. Problem solved!" advises a Virginia's Beach camper.
Reservation timing: During peak summer season, advance bookings are essential for lakefront sites. "The location of this Campground is great! Right by the lake with plenty of beach within walking distance!" notes a Sara's Campground visitor about the premium locations.
Site spacing awareness: Some RV parks place units very close together. "Spots are VERY close together (think sitting next to your neighbors sewage pipe) despite the fact it was off season," warns a Sparrow Pond camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites near Girard, Pennsylvania?
The best camping near Girard includes Sara's Campground, located on Lake Erie with beach and bayside options, making it ideal for water activities. The campground features a restaurant on-site and firewood delivery service. Another excellent option is Follys End Campground near Girard, which offers drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Pymatuning State Park offers beautiful lakeside camping with both electric and non-electric sites, popular for fishing and relaxing water views.
Can you rent RVs in Girard, Pennsylvania for camping trips?
While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities specifically in Girard, nearby options exist. The Westfield-Lake Erie KOA has been noted for being RV-friendly with helpful staff who provide tips for new RV users. Another option to consider is Erie KOA near McKean, which accommodates RVs with full hookups. Many campers in the area rent RVs from dealerships in Erie or regional rental companies that deliver to campgrounds. For the best rental options, check online rental marketplaces or contact local RV dealers in Erie County for availability and rates.
What RV campgrounds and facilities are available near Girard?
Near Girard, RV campers have several quality options. Presque Isle Passage RV Park in Fairview offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Shenango Campground provides over 300 sites on a lake about 12 miles north of I-80 with easy access, making it popular for boating and fishing activities. Many sites are right on the water, offering beautiful views. Additional options include Village Green Campground on Lake Erie, which has full hookups, bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, though it primarily serves as a residential RV community rather than for short-term camping.
Keep Exploring
