Looking for an adventure where you can explore Lake City and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Lake City. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lake City's most popular destinations.
This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views.
This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.)
Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time.
Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park.
Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods!
DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.
$40 - $45 / night
This is a newly created campsite that has picturesque view of surrounding farmland and of Peek-n-Peak. Located conveniently off of Rt426 with a slight drive along a field to reach the destination. Private and out of the way. Plenty of wildlife (family of fox and usually mamma deer and her babies, can normally be seen doing what animals do. Close to Peek-n-Peak and Findley Lake and its many amenities.
This is a little campsite on top of a hillside besides, you guessed it, a big oak. This is on a working hay farm, so depending on when you arrive you might be able to see hay being harvested. Again, this a new campsite so improvements will be made based on demand.
To enter the property, you will use a field entrance right off Harrington Hill Road (coming from the west it will be on your left-hand side). We have the way marked for you with posts/markers so hopefully it will take you right there. Please be aware this is located on top of a hill (with a big oak, hence its name :)) and you will be going through an active hay field to reach it.
$20 / night
Located on 50 acres of beautiful forest with lots of trails and wildlife. Only a couple miles from the shores of Lake Erie. This is wine country with wineries to the left and to the right. Many surrounding towns that will take you back in time. Fun day trips in the area: Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, Panama Rocks, Lilydale, casinos, Chautauqua Institute, Waldameer, Lucille Ball museum. Something for everyone!
$25 - $60 / night
TENT CAMPING ONLY
*NO AMMENTIES*
•Nearly 2 wooded acres, in Millvillage, PA.
•Just minutes from Port Farms, Amish goods, and the beautiful French Creek. Quiet country setting right off the main road. Surrounded by unoccupied woods.
•30 mins to Lake Erie.
•20 mins to Canadotah Lake.
•10 mins to Lake Leboeuf & French Creek river.
$50 - $100 / night
$8 / night
In an effort to provide more opportunities to enjoy our parks, Lake Metroparks offers tent camping so campers may experience unique natural features and the great outdoors. Reservations are required.
Campsites provide a “rustic” experience for small groups of up to eight people staying in tents. Campers must hike or paddle to the campsites. The sites are set back from the developed areas of the parks from about 0.25 mile to more than a mile. Each location is different and provides a quiet, intimate natural experience—much different than crowded campgrounds.
The paddle-in sites may require a three- to eight-mile paddle by canoe or kayak to reach the campsite. The idea is to paddle a stretch of the Grand River, spend the night under the stars and then paddle another stretch the next day. Imagine paddling 27 miles and spending two nights on the wild and scenic Grand River! That is all possible in your Lake Metroparks.
Each site has a designated area to pitch a tent, a place to build a fire, a grill and a picnic table. The sites do not have restrooms, running water or trash cans. Campers are expected to practice a “leave no trace” camping ethic including carrying in and carrying out all supplies and trash, with the goal of leaving the area better than it was found.
$10 - $20 / night
Tent & RV camping & cottage & cabin rentals at Canadohta Lake with Higby's - Seasonal & Transit campsites. Check us out in Crawford County, PA. Higby's Campground and Cottage Rentals at Canadohta Lake, PA provides a place to stay for your summer vacation destination! Check out our website for additional information www.canadohtalakecamping.com We have office hours and can also be reached outside hours if needed. Late check-ins aren't a problem, just let us know! See you at camp! Call or email us today!
$40 - $50 / night
Traveler
I have tent camped here many times over the years. No reservations for tent sites. Off and on the beach camping. Very friendly staff. Impeccable bathrooms and showers. Sandy but well worth the price. Will come back.
Traveler
We stayed in site C6 one of the reservable sites. Every site has plenty of room. Campground overall is quiet. And most if not all of the full hookups are pull throughs. But seems many of the tent sites are on grades. Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids.
Traveler
the tent site had biting ants, poison ivy, and no privacy. hated it.
Scout
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.
Ranger
We have been tent camping here since the 90's it was r&k campground back then . We would stay in the honey moon sight. Completely surrounded by trees bath rooms where clean . Cant say anything about the place now hope its the same or better
Scout
We have a large group that has stayed there for the last 6 years..always a great time and friendly people.. mostly fair goer's...best tent sites around.. looking forward to this year.
Traveler
Quiet park. Some road noise from campsite J100 but US route 322 is lightly traveled. Typical tent site with fire ring and picnic table. Across street from bath house with shower and toilet which was clean.
Guide
This is a great stop for an overnight on a road trip. There are a few tent sites but the campground mostly caters to RV'ers. One huge benefit, free showers. The campground is a quick dive to a beach on the shore of Lake Erie.
Traveler
The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it. Only bad are no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping. But we love the sites so much that we keep coming back.
Traveler
We tent camped here in early June. GPS had a hard time as there are so many locations referred to as "Pymatuning State Park." Campsite was fine other than trying to find room to put our big tent. The showers were great--roomy and well maintained. Wish there were more hiking trails; unless you fish or boat, there isn't a lot to do. The Ohio State Parks website is a bit clunky! Very little, if any cell service.
Guide
Stayed here for a girls weekend in Geneva at one of the tent sites. The tent area was small (this is mostly an RV Park), but it was a good spot to stay! Showers and bathrooms available as well as electric hookups. Located within a matter of minutes to several wineries in the area. Entertainment provided during the summer time. Several lakes for swimming and fishing.
Traveler
We arrived on a Friday afternoon and stayed 2 nights. We were a little worried about getting in on a June weekend, but surprisingly, it did not fill up. $15/night for a tent site with showers and it was a great site along the woods with a nice flat area and could still see the lake.
TravelerHad an amazing 1 night tent camping. When we arrived it was just after a big rain storm and at check in she warned some spots can be flooded. We went to look at our reserved spot and it was super wet muddy and almost under water. They let us pick a new spot that was dry. It was really peaceful. The bathrooms were insanely clean. Didn't check out the showers but I imagine they were just as clean
ScoutSites aren't on top of each other. Best sites are along the river and store has lots of fishing supplies. Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable. The site has a tire rim fire pit and picnic table with electric and water. 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. I'm in a pickup with rooftop tent.
GuideThe location of this Campground is great! Right by the lake with plenty of beach within walking distance! The scenery is amazing and I'd recommend it! The attached restaurant is also very good! We eat there every year as a tradition when we visit Presque Isle. There is also an awesome water park/amusement park called Waldameer just down the road!
The facilities are good and the campground is very nice and clean. However if you are tent camping, it's not really meant for it.. The sites are small and kinda boring. However the location definitely makes it worth it.
TravelerSites are tight but nice because of the gravel. Keeps everything clean. 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.
The office is across the street. There is tent camping on the shores of Lake Erie, first come, first served. Staff is remarkable
Bring your bikes if you like to bike.
If you have kids this is a great place. Water park right next door
Only downfall, some of the seasonal sites look pretty bad.
TravelerPlace was horrible. We were tent camping and the area they offer for that is up a muddy hill in a mud pit. Getting stuck is likely. Even without that, the seasonal campers are nuts. I was driving slowly up the road and this lady ran out in front of my car and stopped (which I was clearly able to do because I was going very slow) and she screamed that I needed to slow down and that I was "driving too fast." I am guessing she was on some kind of substance or something. Don't ever go to this dump.
RangerThis was my second time staying here, I felt the need to write an updated review. I stayed in cabin 4 and was very impressed very clean and spacious probably could sleep 8 people. If you are looking for a place to stay while fishing for trout and steelhead this is your spot. They are directly on elk creek for the finest fishing imaginable. Campsite offers tent camping but it’s mostly in a open field. If your going to stay there don’t mess around just stick with the cabins. Uncle Johns is run by husband and wife, doesn’t seem to be any other staff so you need to have some patience.
Guide
Relax, breath, and camp. Perfect spot.
This Campground is quiet, full of fun, for families or older people.
Beautiful area.
Many pull through lots, with patios. 50. 30. Full hookup, (sewer and Electric) back in, pull through, tent sites, cabins, teepees. Swimming pool, private bathrooms and showers. Fishing lake, swimming lake, trails. Children play areas. Basketball, bad mitten/volleyball, Dog wash, dog parks (2), private fenced dog sites. (2)- pull through site.
Golf cart rentals, and seasonal sites that are being updated, but all are decorated nicely, and kept up.
KOA is revamping some of this campground. Work in progress, but awesome stay.
RangerPerry Township Park campground is exactly what campground should be: great accommodations, beautiful views, tremendous service, and easy accessibility to a lot of fun stuff :-)
Most of the tent sites (there are only a few), are pretty uneven. But the views are incredible! You are just a stones throw away from Lake Erie, a boat launch, and a private beach. There’s no lifeguard on duty, so it’s definitely everything “at your own risk.“
Quick tip: make time to swing by the nearby town Geneva on the Lake.  plenty of touristy kind of stuff for those interested!
ScoutFirst, I’d like to inform everybody reading that the pictures listed here are NOT from this campground. I have reported the pictures to Dyrt as well. This is the absolute worst campground I have ever stayed at. Driving up to the entrance, I would bet my life that this is a junkyard. It is full of rundown and rusty vehicles and trash. We were brought back to our tent site all the way in the back (we were the ONLY tenters and there was only one RV spot rented so obviously locals knew something we didn’t). Staying there was so unsettling due to the trash, lack of amenities, and uncleanliness that we ended up leaving our site at 2am and sleeping at a truck stop. Consider that - we preferred sleeping at a truck stop Ford Focus to staying here. (The pictures I posted were taken from a google review to show you the actual state of the site).
Ranger
Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent.
The tent section is cleared and grassy with communal firepit and picnic table. Lots of trees to enable hammock set up. There is a supply of firewood in a covered shed for a small donation and two(2) drop toilets. Water is available in the summer months. The shelters are approx. 15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. It’s a stunning walk with lots of small swimming spots along the way.
The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA. The walk-in from the carpark is approx. 15min– slight downhill on the way in.
TravelerI knock off a start for the neighbor who apparently stays there annually, who stumbled into our campsite in route to annoy other campers. She was visually drunk and kinda ruined our last night. But on the lighter note the man who is the caretaker and owner is a nice man he was kind enough to get us firewood on a night we came back later and had forgot to stop along the way. The lady who works the front desk is very blunt and a business only kind of gal which I like but others may find rude. The grounds were beautiful and for the most part quite. The restrooms near the entrance are their main with showers and in the ladies room one stall. They are dated but function well regardless, there are port-a-John’s around the tent sites that are closer but they are what they are. The owner told us best time to come back is fall/winter and the cabins are heated. We would come back if the lady is evicted or if we can find a spot further away from permeant tenants.
ScoutMy family has visited Pymatuning park many times now and try have used a variety of spots at Jamestown campground. It is large, offering multiple options for campsite types. It’s a standard PA state park campground offering bathrooms (bathrooms are older, but are being renovated July-August 2021) showers, fire ring, picnic table, etc. Campsites J-106 thru J-116 are well shaded, but are alongside route 322 which maintains consistent traffic at all hours. If the noise is not an issue, this run of tent sites are well spaced, and offer easy access to the facilities. To be away from the road (and nearer to the lake) sites J-120 thru J-128 are closer together but can be quieter (depending on your neighbors…)
The beach area is clean, and raked often. It has a playground and volleyball court. On Friday’s they have a family movie night at the amphitheater. Most Saturdays in the summer they offer crafts and activities for kids at the beach.
The surrounding area also has plenty of activities to offer: Local restaurants, ice cream, hiking, kayaking/boating, fishing, etc.
RangerThis was our second time to the Wolfkiel Shelters in Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in camping areas which consists of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived. The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile(~15min). The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue. The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still. Snow did blow into our Shelter in the morning but was minimal. There is a self-serve timber stack which was fully stocked. A donation is requested. It’s wise to bring your own kindling, or an axe to cut some from the larger pieces. The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames. Even in Winter, the shelters positioned so you do not look at other shelters. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. These shelters are very peaceful in the winter and would highly recommend them if you are keen for some“winter camping” but not keen to sleep in a tent or be completely exposed. The shelters are approx.15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA
ScoutThey gave us tent site #60, we pull up and someone’s tent is there, we call and she says “go to #62” and we agree, well someone’s belongings were on the picnic table for that site and we thought well it’s probably just the campers stuff that are in site#61 but we let her know about the stuff and she says “oh well a lady lives at #62 in her car so that’s probably her stuff and she’s just gone for the day. I’ll have the park ranger come check it out”our thought was okay….well why offer it if you know a lady lives there?? So the park ranger comes over and says “just go to 63 that’ll be fine” so we do even though we’re a$$ to a$$ with a pop up camper. Shortly after setting up EVERYTHING a med sized camper pulls up and backs in next to #64 and just sits there and then proceeds to come tell us “you guys gotta move we gotta pull up in there cause it’s the only spot with a dumping site I’d call the office if I were you” Which pissed us off as this family just stood there watching us and waiting for us to move . We’re so flustered and confused and sweaty so I call the office for the 3rd time and the ranger shows up again and says “I told you to go to #64” and we like…..dude there’s a pop up camper there we can’t….he says well it wasn’t there before….IT WAS THERE THE WHOLE TIME. We then had to break it all back down and shove everything back into our car hurried and go to the other side in the campground to #35. We were very tempted to just pack up and drive 1,000 miles back home. It ended up being a great spot and no ther campers showed up but was all sand which sucked cause the rain but we worked with it. She gave us $30 out of $60 back for our two night stay and apologized. She was nice and sweet but clearly not organized. Our ankles got bit up not sure if it was just mosquitos but possible sand fleas cause they are very small bites like fleas and quite a few just on our feet/ankles and SO ITCHY. We made the best of our stay but will Never go back there…a campfire grate to cook food over fire pit is $17 and the middle of it burnt and bent so not great quality but once again we worked with what we had. To top it off we ended our last night short by having to hide out in our tent due to a skunk rummaging around a little to close to our site we watched out for it for about an hour as it got closer and closer to us, we kind of made a game of chicken out of it! Haha Sounded like a huge accident waiting to happen considering our dog was with us and she somehow ended up coming into contact with skunk spray only on one of her fluffy ears???
LegendWe 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. We never did find the main office until the 3rd time when we were driving out of the neighborhood. They do have a big sign at the entrance but my brain didn't process that they were also across the busy road.
This campsite is actually on BOTH sides of the road. My passenger spotted them as we were leaving the area after we had passed the area multiple times. It almost looks like they are an extension of the water park for those of us that are out of town. The area is very busy visually so be prepared to accidently drive past it.
The main campground (bayside) is located behind the restaurants. The location is awesome as it is right across the road from the beach. You will want to note that Presque Isle State Park does not have any camping within their park boundaries.
Sara's charges $30.00 a night and only two adults per tent. The beach camping is first come/first serve (no reservations). No pets on the beach side which may explain why there were some tents over on the bayside (RVs) side of the campground. If you wanted to escape the wind this might be a good spot to tent camp. Also, if you wanted to be close but not too close to the water due to having young children.
Sara's Diner was closed but seemed to be used for storage for the main business. We were able to get milk shakes at the eatery. You order at the outside window and then move inside to pick up your milk shake or other food items. At the other building (Eatery), I asked two employees if they knew where to connect with the campground office but they didn't know what I was talking about.
We used their cross walk to walk across the main street and we immediately came to the beach. On the left it was labeled private beach and a wall blocked the view. I didn't realize this might be part of Sara's but also looked like some private property/condos to me. Once on the beach to the right was a long beautiful shore line. It would be an easy walk and carry of beach items. I was hoping we could camp at the site and get a post card to reserve a spot for the upcoming year.
We did see folks camping in tents behind the restaurants with the RVs. The ground was slightly sandy and they looked comfortable. We looked on with campsite envy. Some folks may prefer this as it is back a bit from the shore so it isn't windy the whole time and less sandy. Either side had easy access to the bike trail and I would have felt safe riding my bike on their bike trail. It was a smooth paved lane that was mostly away from traffic.
Presque Isle Lighthouse Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.$7— House Tour and Tower Climb$3— House Tour FREE— Walk the grounds Taken from https://www.presqueislelighthouse.org/
We also did the boat tour https://piboattours.com/lady-kate/ This was $16.00 and well worth it. We were able to learn a lot about the history of the island. It is naturally windy and out on the open water so make sure you take some layers as it can get chilly even in July.
We then hit the road to continue to find another campsite. If you don't mind crowds and noise from the road, RVs, or other campers then this is the site for you. It has a great location that cannot be beat for ease of access to the beaches.
Discover the beauty of tent camping near Lake City, Pennsylvania, where nature meets adventure in a variety of scenic campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake City, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake City, PA is French Creek Flood Plain Overlook with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake City, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Lake City, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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