Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve sites at Sterling State Park via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website.
- Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
- Campsites and cabins can fill up quickly for summer and holiday weekends, so book at least three months in advance.
When to Go
Sterling State Park draws the crowds in the summer months, when the lakeshore and lagoons provide welcome relief from the urban heat. Bring bug spray if visiting at this time, though—the lakeside is notorious for its mozzies. Spring through fall is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter visitors will find some trails closed off. Sterling State Park Campground is open from April through the first weekend of November.
Know Before You Go
- Sterling State Park is set on the far eastern shore of Lake Erie, 40 miles southwest of Detroit or about a 40-minute drive away.
- A Recreation Passport is required to visit all Michigan state parks. Camping reservation fees also apply.
- Facilities include a picnic area, restrooms, a boat launch, fishing piers, and vending machines.
- There are accessible campsites, restrooms, fishing piers, and trails at Sterling State Park.
Sterling State Park
The only state park on the shores of Lake Erie.
Less than an hour from Detroit, Lake Erie’s only state park packs a lot into a small space. The mile-long sandy beach fronts the lake, while three lagoons lie at the mouth of Sandy Creek, providing plenty of options for boating, walleye fishing, and swimming. If you can tear yourself away from the water, seven miles of trails lead the way around the lagoons and marshes. Campers can head to the modern campground, where 244 tent/RV sites all have electric hookups (some have full hookups), and six camper cottages are available.
Less than an hour from Detroit, Lake Erie’s only state park packs a lot into a small space. The mile-long sandy beach fronts the lake, while three lagoons lie at the mouth of Sandy Creek, providing plenty of options for boating, walleye fishing, and swimming. If you can tear yourself away from the water, seven miles of trails lead the way around the lagoons and marshes. Campers can head to the modern campground, where 244 tent/RV sites all have electric hookups (some have full hookups), and six camper cottages are available.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Sterling State Park
Sharing the title of the only state park along Lake Erie, Sterling Campground has found a unique home among the shores of these fabled waters. Whether you want to spend some serious time at the fishing lagoons or set up camp in front of lakeshore views—or heck, maybe you even want to do some wildlife viewing or hike the six miles of trails availab Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve sites at Sterling State Park via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website.
- Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
- Campsites and cabins can fill up quickly for summer and holiday weekends, so book at least three months in advance.
Read more...Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Sterling State Park draws the crowds in the summer months, when the lakeshore and lagoons provide welcome relief from the urban heat. Bring bug spray if visiting at this time, though—the lakeside is notorious for its mozzies. Spring through fall is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter visitors will find some trails closed off. Sterling State Park Campground is open from April through the first weekend of November.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —