The best great views campgrounds near Erie, Pennsylvania

Walk along the Lake Erie shoreline in Erie, Pennsylvania, and you may be able to spot Canada off in the distance. Erie, PA sits right on the edge of the country, but there’s no need to leave the city anytime soon. With a lighthouse, zoo, and plenty of museums, Erie has more than enough to keep campers busy. Camp for a few days, and you’ll quickly get the lay of the land and the lake. Campsites—from family-friendly resorts to romantic cabin campgrounds—surround the city, so you can wander Erie’s parks and beaches to your heart’s content.

98% (258)

Top-rated campgrounds near Erie

1. Hardscrabble Nature Preserve

97%

(18)

27mi from Erie · 1 site · RV

CONSTRUCTION ALERT BEGINNING AUG 11th. Barn raising behind the campsite. Will not obstruct the view. A Nature Lovers Paradise. 40 acres of private land on a rural road with a developed driveway 30 amp service and Amish rain shelter. Breathtaking views of lake Erie sunsets and Canadian windmills. A gentle breeze and stargazing welcomes you. Nearby activities include horseback, riding, wine tasting, breweries, Chautauqua Institution, Amish markets, rural bike riding, hiking along the Chautauqua gorge. Limited man-made light perfect for stargazing. Serenade by farm animals nearby with plenty of deer, crickets and silence except for the Fourth of July. Bear, Deer, coyote, song birds, bunnies abundant. NO AGGRESSIVE DOG BREADS that will chase or hunt the wildlife. Rustic picnic table on site. NO FIREWORKS. Firewood can be picked up in town or forged on the property. No cutting down or damaging trees. This is a quiet area not for any loud noises or partying. One night fee charge if garbage is left behind (that includes cigarette butts). Port-a-potty on site. Sorry about all the rules but, you never know. Back acres provide plenty of hiking and a secret beaver dam. The driveway newly installed 2022 and directly off the road. Will need levelers because there is a mild incline. LEAVE NO TRACE. GARBAGE IN/GARBAGE OUT. Send me a picture of your set up!!! Enjoy

2. Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

97%

(43)

15mi from Erie · 1 site · Tent

This stand-alone secluded campsite sits in the woods above an extremely unique stretch of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) Facing northwest over the valley, it offers stunning sunset views. The Union City Dam floods the valley during wet periods making a beautiful (though temporary) lakefront campsite before slowly draining away. 100s of acres of protected land create a wildlife haven. Centrally located between 2 small towns with many local attractions. Union City Dam: Situated on the high-side of the Union City Dam, a dry-bed flood control dam. During snowmelt or rainy spells, the dam fills and floods the entire valley. During dry spells, French Creek appears as any other creek. At full flood, it becomes a breathtaking lake front campsite. Unfortunately, these natural events only occur a few weeks out of the year and are fairly unpredictable, but provide a truly spectacular setting (compare the high-water vs low-water views in the photos). Wildlife: At the end of a dead-end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of a number of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagle’s 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, and frequently crossing the valley. All types of waterfowl flock the reservoir lake when flooded. I've personally witnessed up to 1000 geese and 100’s of wild swans at once. Local Attractions: The small towns of Union City and Waterford have gas stations, grocery stores, great local dining options, and more. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. 40-min drive to Presque Isle State Park, one of the only free state parks left in the US. 15-min drive to Port Farms a farm-themed amusement park for the kids and Poverty Knob Brewery for the adults. 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. Security cameras may be in use at the driveway entrance.

Walk along the Lake Erie shoreline in Erie, Pennsylvania, and you may be able to spot Canada off in the distance. Erie, PA sits right on the edge of the country, but there’s no need to leave the city anytime soon. With a lighthouse, zoo, and plenty of museums, Erie has more than enough to keep campers busy. Camp for a few days, and you’ll quickly get the lay of the land and the lake. Campsites—from family-friendly resorts to romantic cabin campgrounds—surround the city, so you can wander Erie’s parks and beaches to your heart’s content.

98% (258)

Top-rated campgrounds near Erie

1. Hardscrabble Nature Preserve

97%

(18)

27mi from Erie · 1 site · RV

CONSTRUCTION ALERT BEGINNING AUG 11th. Barn raising behind the campsite. Will not obstruct the view. A Nature Lovers Paradise. 40 acres of private land on a rural road with a developed driveway 30 amp service and Amish rain shelter. Breathtaking views of lake Erie sunsets and Canadian windmills. A gentle breeze and stargazing welcomes you. Nearby activities include horseback, riding, wine tasting, breweries, Chautauqua Institution, Amish markets, rural bike riding, hiking along the Chautauqua gorge. Limited man-made light perfect for stargazing. Serenade by farm animals nearby with plenty of deer, crickets and silence except for the Fourth of July. Bear, Deer, coyote, song birds, bunnies abundant. NO AGGRESSIVE DOG BREADS that will chase or hunt the wildlife. Rustic picnic table on site. NO FIREWORKS. Firewood can be picked up in town or forged on the property. No cutting down or damaging trees. This is a quiet area not for any loud noises or partying. One night fee charge if garbage is left behind (that includes cigarette butts). Port-a-potty on site. Sorry about all the rules but, you never know. Back acres provide plenty of hiking and a secret beaver dam. The driveway newly installed 2022 and directly off the road. Will need levelers because there is a mild incline. LEAVE NO TRACE. GARBAGE IN/GARBAGE OUT. Send me a picture of your set up!!! Enjoy

2. Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

97%

(43)

15mi from Erie · 1 site · Tent

This stand-alone secluded campsite sits in the woods above an extremely unique stretch of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) Facing northwest over the valley, it offers stunning sunset views. The Union City Dam floods the valley during wet periods making a beautiful (though temporary) lakefront campsite before slowly draining away. 100s of acres of protected land create a wildlife haven. Centrally located between 2 small towns with many local attractions. Union City Dam: Situated on the high-side of the Union City Dam, a dry-bed flood control dam. During snowmelt or rainy spells, the dam fills and floods the entire valley. During dry spells, French Creek appears as any other creek. At full flood, it becomes a breathtaking lake front campsite. Unfortunately, these natural events only occur a few weeks out of the year and are fairly unpredictable, but provide a truly spectacular setting (compare the high-water vs low-water views in the photos). Wildlife: At the end of a dead-end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of a number of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagle’s 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, and frequently crossing the valley. All types of waterfowl flock the reservoir lake when flooded. I've personally witnessed up to 1000 geese and 100’s of wild swans at once. Local Attractions: The small towns of Union City and Waterford have gas stations, grocery stores, great local dining options, and more. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. 40-min drive to Presque Isle State Park, one of the only free state parks left in the US. 15-min drive to Port Farms a farm-themed amusement park for the kids and Poverty Knob Brewery for the adults. 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. Security cameras may be in use at the driveway entrance.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Dennis

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

Wonderful place, very kind host, simple place to stay.

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

We loved our night on David’s land. The view was true to expectations and we experienced a lovely sunset while building a fire and making dinner. The site is very private and tranquil in the evening, and while the gravel pit excavators begin to work early during the week, their activity was a good distance away from our site and didn’t bother us at all.

Terrence

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

It was so nice we visited twice. This was our second time at this site. David is a great host and the site is secluded and scenic.

C

Claire

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

This campsite was fantastic! Incredible view, very quiet and peaceful, and the firewood and trash removal amenities are really convenient. We went on a weekend, so the gravel pit work site wasn't even active. Will definitely return!

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

This site was everything it promised to be. Very secluded, very relaxing, and with a beautiful view.

D

Damian

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

I liked this overall, the gravel pit is very active, but the views in the morning and evening more than made up for it in my opinion. The gravel pit road road can be a little ruff getting up, but for me it just added to the adventure. Make sure you bring a tarp or blind for your toilet area.

D

Dwight

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

It’s a very beautiful spot, even saw a deer walk up in the overlook 😃

N

Nicole

August 2025

22 ft Class B

With pets

3 nights at Hardscrabble Nature Preserve

AMAZING STAY AND VIEWS! Host, Diane, was great! She shared local happenings and restaurants. The property was secluded, yet minutes away from downtown Westfield and local wineries/attractions. There’ a Love’s gas station nearby and off I-90 with a dump station, so very convenient. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!

Alex

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

The secluded spot charmed the hell out of my dog and I. Very few people/vehicles passed by until the weekday. Trees in the area offered great shade from the sun and the view was perfect. The wood lockers were a great touch and very convenient if more was needed. Would definitely recommend and come again eventually!

Eric

July 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hardscrabble Nature Preserve

Lovely, quiet, and private are all apt descriptions for this property. I appreciated the solitude. Hardly a car came down the road and no planes passed overhead. It was quiet except for the sounds of nature. Really nice little spot.

R

Robert

June 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Hardscrabble Nature Preserve

Nice site, awesome views! Easy access and right off I-90 (NYS Thruway)

Alicia

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

David's campsite exceeded our expectations in tranquil views and a peaceful oasis that's not too far from home. Came during June when the dam was filled up so we had an incredible view of the water. All the lightening bug activity was a mesmerizing show every night. Walked to the Union City dam up the street one day, another day we went to Presque Isle. Lots of trees perfect for setting up a hammock. Saw a turkey, lots of deer, frogs, heard coyote at night. Lots of stargazing. Great campsite! Thanks for hosting us, David!

K

Kelsey

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

I loved camping here! The directions were clear for arrival, the view was amazing, and overall it was an amazing trip. I would highly recommend this camp to anyone.

C

Callum

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

Very pretty views in a really nice spot close to lots of fun hiking

L

Lucas

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

The view was very great and it was secluded yet a couple minutes from civilization so I would definitely come here again!

C

Colin

April 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

This is one of the most private campsites I’ve ever stayed at on HipCamp. Other than the occasional dump truck driving by from the gravel pit during the day (which is well advertised on the listing) nobody else is out there and it is a beautiful place to spend a couple nights. The locker for getting campfire was simple and convenient, and we brought everything else we needed (including toilet, which is also included in the description on the listing).

D

Dennis

February 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

Great spot, owner is very friendly and accommodating. As advertised, secluded, quiet, nice views.

Terrence

December 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

We had a a quiet and peaceful stay at David's site. We were literally the only ones around and the site was well maintained and scenic. We are definitely looking forward to revisiting again and again. David maintained great communication before and after our stay. Thanks again David, see you soon!

s

shane

November 2024

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

Amazing camp ground, and the directions and coordinates really helped to find it super easy. Great for a family to have a peacefull get away, or some friends to have a fire and camp out! Beauitfull morning scenary waking up to the quarry/lake

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views camping near Erie guide

Where to go

Presque Isle State Park

If there’s one must-see in Erie, PA, it’s Presque Isle State Park. Campsites around the park run the gamut, so you can park your RV at a site with full hookups or simply park yourself at a cabin of your choosing. From your tent with a lakefront view, it’s easy to forget that Lake Erie is a lake—and not its own, vast ocean.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Head west of Erie, and you’ll stumble into Erie Bluffs State Park just miles before the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. After you check into your cabin with a picnic table, enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst the park’s bluffs. You didn’t think it’s called Erie Bluffs State Park for no reason, did you? If you’d rather an action-packed getaway, the park offers hiking, fishing, and, in the colder months, cross-country skiing.

East of Erie

If you’d rather venture toward New York, follow the shoreline east of Erie. Along the water, you’ll find Shades Beach Park, where playgrounds, beaches, and trailheads all come together. Further inland, family-friendly campsites near Six Mile Creek Park offer even more hiking trails, each with unique scenery. Rent a campsite with running water, wifi, and onsite bathrooms, and you’ll embrace all things nature with all things convenient.

When to go

Erie, PA camping was made for warm weather, when beach camping is at its best. If you enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, or just generally exploring the great outdoors, come to Erie in the summer, when you can make the most of the area’s nature. Many campsites, however, remain open year-round. Book a yurt with bunk beds or a cabin with electricity, and we promise: beach weather will be nothing more than an afterthought.