The best star host camping near Erie

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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.

99% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Erie

1. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$41
 / night

5. Patchwork Place

100%
(24)
46mi from Erie · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
We have just under 20 acres. You can drive right to the camp sites located about 700 foot behind the house. It is a peaceful setting over looking a pond, fishing is welcome. There is a pavilion and a playground. Kids and dogs are welcome. We are close to several local wineries and about 20 minutes from Lake Erie. Pymatuning Lake is 30 minutes away. Geneva on the Lake is about 30 minutes from us. We have a catch and release fishing pond. There are 8 sites, all pretty spaced out to give privacy and a relaxing experience. 2 of which are pretty secluded site 6 and site 8. Campsites 1, 2,4,5 and 7have a view of the pond. Site 3 is near a meadow and sits behind all the other sites. Sites 1,2,3,7 can be RV or tent sites. The pavilion adds a sense of comfort especially during rain days. We have corn hole , bocce ball and a few other relaxing games as well as a few card and board games for playing while enjoying the pavilion.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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.

99% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Erie

1. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$41
 / night

5. Patchwork Place

100%
(24)
46mi from Erie · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
We have just under 20 acres. You can drive right to the camp sites located about 700 foot behind the house. It is a peaceful setting over looking a pond, fishing is welcome. There is a pavilion and a playground. Kids and dogs are welcome. We are close to several local wineries and about 20 minutes from Lake Erie. Pymatuning Lake is 30 minutes away. Geneva on the Lake is about 30 minutes from us. We have a catch and release fishing pond. There are 8 sites, all pretty spaced out to give privacy and a relaxing experience. 2 of which are pretty secluded site 6 and site 8. Campsites 1, 2,4,5 and 7have a view of the pond. Site 3 is near a meadow and sits behind all the other sites. Sites 1,2,3,7 can be RV or tent sites. The pavilion adds a sense of comfort especially during rain days. We have corn hole , bocce ball and a few other relaxing games as well as a few card and board games for playing while enjoying the pavilion.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host 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.