The best camping near Presque Isle State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Presque Isle State Park adventure.

Hit the beach or get on the water at this Lake Erie island.

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Community favorites near Presque Isle State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Presque Isle State Park

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Camp Bandur

26 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Erie, PA

We enjoy camping and like to share our passion with others.Learn more about this land:This property is a new, up and coming camping oasis. The camping area offers field camping, camping near a quiet stream or in the secluded woods. Any suggestions for improvement are welcome and big plans for attractions are in the not too distant future! All sites are accessible by vehicle.

99%

(69)

Steelhead Run Recreation Area

2 sites · RVs7 acres · Westfield, NY

When arriving at Steelhead Run you are greeted by the sounds of Lake Erie in a tranquil wooded setting. Only steps away from beautiful Lake Erie and Chautauqua Creek. Our location offers an array of experiences from walks along the beach, wildlife viewing, relaxing to the view of incredible sunsets and so much more. Cocktails, food, and public boat launching can be found just half a mile up the road. A quick drive inland, the historic town of Westfield provides weekend farmers markets, wineries, eateries, and antique shopping.

Booked 11 times

May Farms

7 sites · Lodging, Tents97 acres · Erie, PA

Secluded area of field and trees on old family farm. Property is 97 acres. Near Presque Isle state Park and Lake Erie beaches. Hike Wintergreen Gorge near by too. The surrounding area and city offers amusement park, bicentennial tower, shopping and indoor water park. We are only about 10 minutes off I90.

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(1)

Elk Valley Creekside

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Girard, PA

This campsite is a wildlife paradise and a fisherman's dream come true on the banks of Elk Creek. We open April 1 each season so campers can take advantage of three months of incredible steelhead, smallmouth bass, lake suckers and stocked browns. There are seasonal fishing ponds on the property as well. Campers will marvel at the incredible nature surrounding this secluded campsite. Watch bald eagles from your tent deck, and keep your eyes open for deer, turkey, seasonal steelhead and beautiful monarch butterflies. Elk Valley Creekside is a perfect getaway for campers interested in wildlife photography - the photo opportunities are endless. This campsite is only 20 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, and 30 minutes from Erie, PA. There are solar lights around the campsite to help you see at night, and plenty of firewood is provided. The Space: Creekside Campsite with Incredible Fishing and Wildlife Guest Access: This was a former Tentrr Signature 5 star campsite. An outdoor toilet (job johnny) and fire wood are provided

58%

(6)

Walnut Creek Valley

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Erie, PA

Learn more about this land:Beautiful Walnut Creek valley. Walk the creek to local waterfall. Setup camp right next to site. Very flexible on what you do or bring to the site. It cannot allow rvs due to the steep terrain to access creek. Great for tent camping parties or picnics. Very private acreage with creek frontage. Feel free to cut up surrounding logs and and make a bonfire.

Bean Can Landing

1 site · RV1 acre · Clymer, NY

A landing perfect for an RV or pull behind trailer. Right off Rt 426 (GPS address is 1999 Rt. 426 Clymer NY) and nestled in between the quaint town of Findley Lake and the Peek n' Peak Ski and Golf Resort. There are no RV hookups or sewer connection, but this is a simple place to pull in and camp for a few nights. Sunsets are amazing and is also a large migratory bird (Canadian Geese) path in the fall time. It is truly a sight to see. Site is ~2000 sq ft (50' long x 40' wide) and can comfortably handle a larger RV and/or trailer.

86%

(22)

Compass Rose Campgrounds

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents49 acres · Ripley, NY

Compass Rose Campground is 49 acres of camping fun. You can choose to go deep into the woods for a maximum camping experience or stay closer to the modern amenities. A full kitchen is available as well as bathrooms with showers. No potable water is available. The pond was created and stocked in 2022. Bring your fishing poles and rafts!! Kayaks are available for campers also. There are many, many trails available for hiking including an enchanted fairy trail. Train lovers will especially welcome the distant sounds of the iron horse passing by. Numerous activities on-site and nearby including mountain biking, fishing, boating on Lake Erie, horseback riding, many, many wineries, antiquing, pottery shops, Panama Rock (28 min), Chautauqua Institute (25 min), Lillydale (35 min), Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World (40 min), Presque Isle (40 min), Casino (30 min) and much more. The nearby towns have unique down home diners and shops. Only 4 sites per night will be rented out. Monthly discount rates are available. Please contact me for the discount code.

93%

(7)

Conneauttee Valley Getaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Edinboro, PA

Enjoy a private country setting near Edinboro and Cambridge Springs. Just down the road from Mount Pleasant of Edinboro. Situated on approximately 3 acres with a pond for relaxing or fishing. Plenty of hiking available nearby. Plenty of food options nearby with Riverside Brewing within a few miles.

95%

(44)

Elk Creek world class fly fishing

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Girard, PA

Learn more about this land: Primitive camping surrounded on three sides by glacier cut cliffs containing the majestic Elk Creek. This stream provides world class fly fishing. Also great heavily wooded area for peace and tranquility, grounding, hiking, mediation (area provided) or simply relaxing or swimming in one of the creeks naturally occurring swimming holes. 5 marked sites. Please reach out for suggestions on what sites best accommodate your needs. We look forward to your stay!

Maloniridge

8 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Edinboro, PA

We offer 3 acres of serene countryside just a stone's throw away from Penn West University (Edinboro University). Our location is nestled amidst farmland, with friendly farm animals bordering our spot. Within walking distance, you'll find scenic hiking trails, making this an ideal spot for biking and leisurely walks. Enjoy peace and quiet while being conveniently close to everything!

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(7)

French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

1 site · Tent36 acres · Union City, PA

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.

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Bally Loch

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Findley Lake, NY

Get back with nature and complete seclusion or stay near the compound for a more secure feeling and amenities.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent anywhere on the 70 acres by access of the many trail, rven along the creek or the 4 acre pond. Get back with nature and complete seclusion or stay near the compound for a more secure feeling and amenities.

The best camping near Presque Isle State Park guide

Overview

About

Tree-lined bays and lakefront beaches await at Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania’s closest answer to a seashore. Drive out to the sandy peninsula to spend the day swimming, surfing, or even scuba diving at one of nine swimming beaches, pack a picnic to enjoy lakeside, or bring your own boat, kayak, or water skis and take to the water. For the best views, boat cruises set out from the Perry Monument across Lake Erie, or you can explore the coastal hiking and biking trails. Presque Isle State Park is a day-use only park, but camping options exist on the mainland.

When to go

Peak season at Presque Isle State Park is May through October, and day-use areas are open from 5 am to sunset. Sunny summer weekends can get busy, so arrive early to snag a parking spot and picnic bench. The state park is open year-round for boating, fishing, and land activities, but swimming beaches and boat cruises are available from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day only.

Know before you go

Presque Isle State Park is on an island on Lake Erie, about a five-mile or 10-minute drive from Erie. The island can be reached by car along PA823 or by boat.
There are no day-use or entrance fees for Pennsylvania state parks, but reservation fees apply for the picnic pavilions.
Facilities at Presque Isle State Park include restrooms, picnic areas, boat launches, fishing piers, swimming beaches, and a public phone.
There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, fishing piers, and swimming beaches at Presque Isle State Park.