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The best camping in Presque Isle

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It's easy to see why Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark. The 3,200-acre peninsula is a mesmerizing wild haven jutting from the shores of Erie, Pennsylvania. With year-round recreation options to spare, it's a must-visit on Lake Erie.

Ready to explore Presque Isle State Park? The 13 sandy swimming beaches and 21 miles of trails are a great start. You can also gawk at the pristine shoreline from Peninsula Drive—keep an eye out for the historic lighthouses. Canoeing, biking, inline skating, and hiking are a few other ways to see the park.

The park itself offers no camping since it's day use only. Luckily, the region boasts tons of private RV parks with full hook-ups and campgrounds with tent camping around Erie and Fairview. Fire rings, picnic tables, and even Wi-Fi are a few amenities to enjoy.

Once you've found your home base, discover the calm waters of Presque Isle Bay. The state park's 500-slip marina is ground zero for water skiing, wakeboarding or just cruising while ospreys fly overhead. Trout, muskie, and walleye fishing is also big here, so don't forget your tackle.

For viewing local wildlife, head to Gull Point Natural Area. Situated on the far end of Presque Isle, it's been named one of the best birding spots in the United States. You definitely want to bring your camera and binoculars.

Keep in mind Presque Isle isn't the only park in the area. Just 12 miles west of Erie, you come to Erie Bluffs State Park. Stop here to explore 5+ miles of trails and take in fantastic views from a 90-foot bluff.

While this Lake Erie paradise can get crowded, Memorial Day through Labor Day is still a great time to visit. The weather is warm, and recreation options such as state park rental bikes are still available.

Pennsylvania winters are cold and snowy, meaning many campgrounds are only open seasonally. On the other hand, a heated cabin gives you access to the region's best winter recreation. Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and wind skating (think kite surfing meets ice skating) are just a few options.

98% (1.8K) 1,474 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Presque Isle

Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

1. Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

97%
(404)
Walsingham, ON · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pitch your tent in our picturesque Carolinian forest in the heart of Norfolk county! Choose from 9 tent sites and 2 lodging sites spread across 10 acres of wooded area on our 49 Acre farm. Well-kept trails to explore throughout. We are proud to have made the runner-up list for best Hipcamp in Ontario 2023 The terrain is mostly flat but interesting. Campsites are private with good separation from each other. ALL sites have 2 car parking, a picnic table, fire pit and covered wood for purchase. Campfires are permitted according to our approved burn plan before midnight. 5G/LTE cellphone service is good for Bell, Rogers and Telus networks. We have 3 outhouses on the premises and an outdoor hot shower. FREE Firewood can be gathered on the forest floor or pay for on-site pre-cut wood. Outhouses are close to campsites....but not too close 💩 Port Rowan is only 12 minutes away by car, most amenities can be purchased only 1 minute away at the local Busy Bee gas station. We are situated in the middle of a Recreation Hotspot! Our site is within 3 minutes of paddling the Big Creek, 3 to 10 minutes to several A+ hiking trails, 15 minutes to amazing freshwater beaches of Long Point and Turkey Point, and the area is abound with cycling trails, motorcycle routes, geocaching, boat launches (we have room here for your boat!), cider/wine tours, and more! We are the perfect basecamp for everything the Long Point Bay area has to offer We have some great watering holes nearby like burning kiln winery, hounds of Erie and Charlotteville brewing company. Birders Paradise! The ‘Long Point Birding Area’ in Norfolk County is one of Canada’s premier birding locales. With over 400 species of birds observed, Long Point looms large as one of the most exciting places on the continent to observe our rich birdlife. For all tourism options check out https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/visiting/ We look forward to hosting you!
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Flannel Dog Farm

2. Flannel Dog Farm

99%
(161)
Ashtabula, OH · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Flannel Dog Farm is a seven acre homestead on the site of an 1860's farm. We have chickens, ducks, and dogs as well as a variety of wild animals. We have a large, open camping area and an emerging forest filled with native trees and birds. We are a peaceful, rustic, and safe site located just 15 mins. from I-90 and a mile south of Lake Erie. And, we make a mean breakfast– just read our reviews :) We offer several lodging options, detailed below. The Peace Portal and tent camping are on our farm proper, while the Blue Cabin is just down the road on a separate wooded parcel. The Peace Portal: --------------------- This comfy, rustic tiny house sits next to a beautiful pond. Watch the wild birds and animals through its large upcycled window, or sip your morning coffee on its sunny front porch. Enjoy a private picnic table and fire ring, as well as access to a shared standard half bath. Booking includes a farm fresh breakfast (kindly let us know of any dietary restrictions in advance) and one load of firewood. Tent Camping ------------------ Deep in our property is our camping area. You'll have a wide open view of the stars, plus a large picnic area + fire ring all to yourself. There is a composting toilet right at the campsite, or you may use a (shared) standard half bath a short walk away. Most days you can park right at the campsite (unless we've had a lot of rain and the ground is soft). This means you can bring your pop-up camper, teardrop, or sprinter van and have a private camping experience. Add breakfast and let us do the cooking for you! Blue Cabin: -------------- Located just down the road from our farm, the Blue Cabin is a private, off-grid cabin on a heavily wooded lot. Enjoy lots of shade, and a space that often stays cool, even in the heat of summer. Amenities include a picnic table and fire ring (comes with one load of firewood), water via a Berkey filter, and a composting toilet. About Us ------------ Chris Zielski and Alan Block are the wife and husband team that steward the farm. Chris is an artist and has a beautiful onsite studio, Copper Leaf Studios. Alan is a sourdough baker, gardener, and fermenter. We love hosting, and look forward to your visit! Message us if you have any questions!
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Steelhead Run Recreation Area

3. Steelhead Run Recreation Area

99%
(191)
Westfield, NY · 2 sites
When arriving at Steelhead Run you are greeted by the sounds of Lake Erie. It is a short walk to beautiful Lake Erie and Chautauqua Creek. There are two camp sites adjacent from one another. One is labeled the east side and the other is labeled the west side. They are about 100 feet apart from one another. It is ideal for friends and/or family who would like camp as a group. The sites cannot accommodate boat trailers. 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 in town just half a mile up the road. A quick drive inland, the historic town of Westfield provides weekend farmers markets in the summer months, wineries, eateries, and antique shopping.
Pets
Full hookups
Allegheny National Forest

4. Allegheny National Forest

97%
(39)
National forest in Pennsylvania · 742 sites
Find plenty to do in this half-million-acre national forest in northwestern Pennsylvania.
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Electrical hookup
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Pymatuning State Park

5. Pymatuning State Park

67%
(3)
State park in Pennsylvania · 443 sites
Discover Pymatuning State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
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Electrical hookup
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Angie's Country Cabins B&B

6. Angie's Country Cabins B&B

98%
(69)
Cassadaga, NY · 6 sites
Amazing little camping spot, we have 6 cabins on site nestled in the woods as well as a guest room we rent. Check in 5 to 9 pm Check out 11 am at latest Drive up cabins are now the love shack and the moonlit lodge. Nice back porch at the main house with shared hot tub- bar- table- grill.. Plenty of Parking. you can drive right up to the love shack cabin or our moonlit lodge cabin. The rest of the rentals you MUST WALK to. No big hills. Super quiet spot in nature. Unplug and reconnect with nature and each other. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. No cats allowed inside any rentals. Please do not bring animals who are known to be unfriendly towards humans and; other animals. From may 1 to Oct 30 , we have a seasonal flush toilet. Off season from Oct 31 to end of April , we have a primitive outhouse for guest use Hot tub use : only touch the 2 left buttons which are keys and lights. Do not touch other buttons cover must be put back on after use. No loose trash put in our trash cans Extra fees apply when our policies are not followed
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May Farms

7. May Farms

99%
(41)
Erie, PA · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Secluded area of field and trees on old family farm. Property is 105 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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Chappel Hill Tree Farm

8. Chappel Hill Tree Farm

99%
(181)
Grand Valley, PA · 1 site · Tent, RV
This 140-acre property is an old farmstead last farmed in the 1950's. It lies in the Allegheny Plateau region of NW Pennsylvania and is mostly hardwood forest today. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of private forestland and is very secluded. Our goal is to provide a private and secluded yet accessible camping experience where you will see more deer than people. AANR/TNS friendly. There is excellent Verizon and T-Mobile service. The skies are dark at night and the sounds of nature will surround you. Campsite 1 is near where the farmhouse and barn once stood. The site is shaded by large, old maples that once shaded the farmhouse. Old fields surround the farmstead, but the woods are a short walk away.  It is the most popular campsite with an outhouse, fire ring and picnic table available. Campsite 2 is on the other side of the property. There is a fire ring but no picnic table.  Both sites easily accommodate anything from tents to RV's. Each site has a separate, gated, gravel road access. These are the only 2 campsites on the property and they are far enough apart (1/4 mile) to avoid any contact should both sites be occupied. There is a 2-mile loop hiking trail on the property that traverses a variety of habitats which are home to many animals and birds. The trail is well maintained and mowed. The terrain is flat to gentle slopes. The 1/2-mile Narnia Loop trail weaves through a young spruce forest like a maze. It is so cool, literally, even on the hottest days. The Allegheny River is about 10 miles away, near Tidioute, PA, and has excellent paddling and fishing. Titusville, PA is about 15 miles away and is home to Oil Creek State Park which has great trout fishing, an excellent paved bike/hike trail, and Drake Well Museum site of the first oil well ever drilled. Finally, you will be on the doorstep to the Allegheny National Forest with all the outdoor recreation it has to offer. We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet of nature on our property as much as we have. If you are curious about more details of the history and management of the property, please ask your host, Dave Trimpey, and he will be glad to share his knowledge of the land.
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Patchwork Place

9. Patchwork Place

100%
(31)
Jefferson, OH · 7 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.
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Pymatuning State Park OH

10. Pymatuning State Park OH

100%
(2)
State park in Ohio · 25 sites
Relax at Pymatuning State Park, where an enigmatic swamp forest and lakes full of walleyes will have you kicking back and enjoying your surroundings in no time. Hunters of all kinds will enjoy catching deer and turkey in season. Will you brandish your bow, gun, or traps to get that game? We'll let you decide. Fish with permit in hand in an area reputed for the best trappings in the state, or take your low horsepower boat for a spin around the resplendent 14,000-acre lake. Winter activities galore guarantee some frosty fun, and with ponds and marshes that attract the majestic bald eagle, we sense a kickass photo-op in your near future.
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Geneva State Park

11. Geneva State Park

92%
(6)
State park in Ohio · 23 sites
Camp feet away from the crashing waves of Lake Erie.
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Lake Erie State Park

12. Lake Erie State Park

88%
(12)
State park in New York · 109 sites
How’s that for a pedigree? The swimming might not be great but there's plenty to do at the shallowest of the Great Lakes. It’s a great place to picnic, watch the migratory birds, fish, and lounge on the beach. Take a canoe or a kayak out on the lake. Take advantage of the winter snow to go cross-country skiing. There’s even a disc golf course called Shipwreck Bluff Disc Golf Course. Forgot your putter at home? You can pick up a spare from the visitor center. In addition to the 97 campsites (tent & RV), there are 10 cabins in this 355-acre campground, with plenty of views of bluffs and protected water to go around. People rave about the sunsets here. Since the sites are lakeside, you can watch from the comfort of your camp chair. Once you’ve had your fill of lake life, head over to Niagara Falls. It’s just a short drive down the road.
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Woodcock Creek Lake

13. Woodcock Creek Lake

Park in Pennsylvania · 111 sites
Daily grind got you down? Consider lifting your spirit up in the gently rolling hills and placid views of Woodcock Creek Lake. This lake is the perfect complement to the tranquil rural countryside of central Crawford County, and the park ain’t too shabby either. Recreation opportunities feature picnicking, fishing, playground fun and relaxation. A spacious campground, developed swim beach, picnic areas and a six-lane boat launch are located in the Colonel Crawford Park Area on the south shore. What’s more is this is where the locals come to fish. Trout, muskie, bass, walleye and panfish await anglers in the calm waters of the lake.
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Electrical hookup
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Roller-Coaster Road Ranch

14. Roller-Coaster Road Ranch

99%
(63)
Cooperstown, PA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
The Roller-Coaster Road Ranch offers many maintained trails, perfect for hiking. The property is mainly forested, but does contain numerous open spaces perfect for a rustic camping experience. The farm has a few large open fields that are plowed and planted seasonally. Various wildlife populates the area; whitetail deer, turkey, black bear, and bald eagles. A stocked trout stream passes through portions of the property and connects to a larger stream with many options for swimming, wading, and crayfish hunting. The Trout Camp site is located at the confluence of two trout streams at the valley bottom, it is an open wooded area in view of a dirt road. The Main Bridge site is located along a trout stream in the valley, offers the most privacy, and is gated. The Valley View site is located at the top of a hill along side a cornfield, with spacious views, beautiful sunsets, and cell service, but does not offer direct access to the trout streams.
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Elk Valley Creekside

15. Elk Valley Creekside

100%
(39)
Girard, PA · 1 site
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
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Walsh Family Farm

16. Walsh Family Farm

100%
(18)
Mayville, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on the Walsh Family Farm property, this camping area is set up for tent or RV camping. The location is a secluded, sectioned area of a field, with woods on two sides, close to the Chautauqua Rails for Trails entrance. There is fire wood for sale, a communal picnic table and fire pit on site. Located within walking, biking, or a short driving distance are the Chautauqua Rails for Trails, the Chautauqua Gorge, and the Westside Overland Trail. Additional courtesy camping items available at little cost upon request. Farm fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, and farm raised meat available at farm stand. The entrance to the property is on Summerdale Road. From Lyons Road, turn right on to Summerdale Road. Drive past the first house on the right hand side. Just a little further down the road you will see a Harvest Host sign and a blue double field gate. Please park in the location indicated via text messaging confirmation. Please be aware that the farm is a working farm with very cute Dexter cows pastured on the other side of the fence. The back side of the fenced area is electrified so remember not to touch the wire. Also please be aware that there are many black bear sightings in the area. Always place food and snacks in bear containment canisters and lock vehicle doors. Recommended Best Practices: -pack all food, wrappers, trash, toothpaste, lip balms, sunscreen, soaps, and scented toiletries inside the bear canisters. Non-clear canisters are recommended as bears have learned to access clear container models. -keep bear containment canister on level ground at least 100 feet from your sleeping and cooking area. -do not hang or attach ropes to the container- bears have learned to use the rope to take the canister with them, and do not leave scented items in tents or vehicle trunks. Remember to lock your vehicle. Please refer to the NYS DEC website for further updates and information on safety and camping near NY state forests.
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Picnic table
Crestview Campground

17. Crestview Campground

96%
(12)
Springboro, PA · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
We are a community in Northwestern Pennsylvania located outside the town of Springboro. Many people come through the area to visit Lake Erie. Others come in to hunt in the nearby state game lands. Fishermen especially seek places to stay, but they can be hard to find. We look forward to welcoming them to our community. One of our residents has a greenhouse with beautiful plants and another sells honey. In town, our neighbor has a hunting store that includes an indoor simulated archery experience. Up the road is Chupp's Country Cupboard, an Amish store that offers fresh and unique items.
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CHERRY VALLEY CHILL

18. CHERRY VALLEY CHILL

100%
(27)
Andover, OH · 1 site
In the heart of farm country, just down the road from the Amish country store and minutes from pymatuning park and reservoir with great fishing, pontoon rental and a nice beach, Local wineries and several public golf courses , 30 minutes south of historic Ashtabula harbor and walnut beach on beautiful lake erie and quiet country roads to bike ride, just minutes from the new green way trail.
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Big Oak Hill

19. Big Oak Hill

100%
(32)
Clymer, NY · 1 site · Tent, RV
This is a 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. Has fantastic cell reception so remote working is an absolute possibility if longer stays are wanted. 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 newer campsite so improvements will be made based on demand. New and hopefully "easier to get to campsite" entrance: 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). Entrance is directly across from the wooded area where the campsite is at and you will be going through an active hay field to reach it, but the path should be defined enough in the field that you can follow the tracks from previous cars.
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Picnic table
The Heron Farm & Event Center

20. The Heron Farm & Event Center

97%
(666)
Panama, NY · 45 sites · Tents, RVs
The Heron is an Organic Farm, Event & Wedding Venue, and Campground. A place to connect deeply with nature & art, eat real food and create lasting memories! We are the home of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival and the Green Heron Growers. For more information on our farm, our Farm Store and our Events, visit our website, theheron.org You'll notice a handful of weekends that the campground is closed or would appear fully booked; those may be times that we have ticketed music festivals happening, in which case you can find that information on our main website. Our many camping and lodging options allow families to relax, enjoy nature, and create memories. We have around 100 sites throughout our 300 acres, some woodsy, some with views of the rolling hills and some with electric service. The Heron grounds boast a swimming and fishing pond, and over 4 miles of on-site hiking trails. Located on over 400 acres in beautiful Chautauqua County, NY, we are a working organic farm with a shiitake mushroom yard and on-site farm store. We host weddings, educational workshops, retreats, private events, captivating music festivals, and much more! We offer many different options for camping, from tent sites nestled in the woods to RV sites with electric hook-ups (electric site reservations are to be made on that specific listing and are limited). We allow pets, all dogs must on a leash 6ft or shorter in length and held by an adult, there is a $20/stay pet fee for pets that can be paid prior to arrival. Beach/Swimming Rules: Two adults 18 or over are required to supervise when there are children swimming. (Even if only one child is present.) No swimming outside of the designated/roped swim area. No watercraft allowed anywhere in the pond. Do not use soap in the water, we have showers! No alcohol, no glass or open containers. On-site Phone is for Emergencies only (located in the beach hut to the left of the beach area). Creating a reservation is your agreement with this rule. Local Attractions: Panama Rocks, Chautauqua Institute, Chautauqua Lake Overland Trail (The Westside of Trail) over 35 miles of hiking, Chautauqua Gorge, Audubon Nature Center, Rails to Trails, Ellicottville Brewery, Southern Tier Brewery & Distillery, Lake Erie Wine Trail, and much more! Please contact us with questions and inquiries. Come and share the Magic of The Heron! Welcome Home!
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Electrical hookup
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Frequently Asked Questions

At Presque Isle State Park, you can enjoy activities such as canoeing, biking, inline skating, and hiking. You can also explore the calm waters of Presque Isle Bay for water skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. For viewing local wildlife, head to Gull Point Natural Area for birding. Just 12 miles west of Erie, you can also explore Erie Bluffs State Park for hiking and fantastic views.

Yes, the region boasts tons of private RV parks with full hook-ups and campgrounds with tent camping around Erie and Fairview. Fire rings, picnic tables, and even Wi-Fi are a few amenities to enjoy. You can also explore different options for camping near Presque Isle on Hipcamp.

Pennsylvania winters are cold and snowy, meaning many campgrounds are only open seasonally. However, a heated cabin gives you access to the region's best winter recreation, including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and wind skating (kite surfing meets ice skating).

Memorial Day through Labor Day is a great time to visit Presque Isle. The weather is warm, and recreation options such as state park rental bikes are still available. However, keep in mind that this Lake Erie paradise can get crowded during this time.

At Presque Isle State Park, you can expect to see 13 sandy swimming beaches, 21 miles of trails, historic lighthouses, a 500-slip marina for water activities, and Gull Point Natural Area for birding. Just 12 miles west of Erie, you can also explore Erie Bluffs State Park for hiking and fantastic views.

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

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