The Best Camping in Erie, Pennsylvania
Wednesday Aug 6th, 2025
Sometimes, the best escape is a quiet spot under the trees or by the water. If you’ve never been to Erie, consider this your invitation to discover the Erie region: lakeshore breezes, wooded trails, and starlit skies. Here are eight places to camp, whether you’re planning a family trip with splash pads or a low-key weekend in a lakeside cabin.
Camping Near Erie’s Lakeshore
Lakeview on the Lake:
Location: Erie, PA, in Lake Erie Wine Country
Lodging options: Mini cottages, motel rooms, cabins, and a vintage Airstream RV
Amenities: Heated swimming pool, board games, playground, and barbecue grills.
Special note: Lakeview on the Lake offers a peaceful retreat with private beach access via a bluff-side staircase.
Lampe Campground:
Location: Foot of Port Access Road in the City of Erie
Lodging options: Tent and RV sites with full hookups (all sites are back-in)
Amenities: Free public boat launch, picnic tables, fire ring sites, laundry, shower facilities, 24-hour security, plus a convenient bike path that leads to Erie's Bayfront and Downtown districts and Presque Isle State Park.
Special note: All 42 campsites have waterfront views of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.
Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping:
Location: North Springfield, PA, west of Erie
Lodging options: Cottages and cabins, camping sites with full hook-ups or primitive sites (no utilities)
Amenities: Kayak rentals, playground, catch and release fishing pond, and hiking and biking trails.
Special note: Guests with boats up to 18 feet are welcome to use Virginia’s Beach private launch for direct access to Lake Erie.
YMCA Camp Sherwin:
Location: Lake City, PA., west of Erie
Lodging options: A mix of campsites and cabins
Amenities: Swimming pool, spray and play splash pad, a catch and release fishing pond, and playing fields.
Special note: YMCA Camp Sherwin is a public outdoor recreation and camping center. A YMCA membership is not required to enjoy the camp facilities.
Camping in Erie’s Countryside
Erie KOA Holiday: (Pictured)
Location: McKean, PA
Lodging options: RV parking, tent campsites, cabins with and without bathrooms
Amenities: Catch-and-release fishing pond, heated swimming pool, various games, playground, pool tables, daily movie nights, weekend DJ dance parties, and Sunday pancake breakfasts.
Special note: Erie KOA Holiday is one of the few campgrounds in the area with a fully equipped arcade.
Edinboro Lake Resort and Sunset Grill:
Location: Edinboro, PA
Lodging options: One and two-bedroom log cabins on Edinboro Lake
Amenities: On-site restaurant (Sunset Grill), kayak, canoe, and pontoon rentals, live music on weekends at the Sunset Grill, and fishing on Edinboro Lake.
Special note: Edinboro Lake is a seasonal nesting site for Purple Martins, with custom housing and ongoing research provided by the Purple Martin Conservation Association.
Folly’s End Campgrounds:
Location: Girard, PA
Lodging options: A range of tent sites to full hook-ups
Amenities: 1.5-mile loop hiking trail, rec room, playground, ball field, and ½ mile frontage on Elk Creek, fully stocked fly-and-tackle shop, and camping supplies.
Special note: Elk Creek is Pennsylvania's largest Lake Erie tributary and is a hot spot for fly fishing.
Presque Isle Passage RV Park and Cabins:
Location: Directly off I-90, exit 18, Route 832, south of Erie
Lodging options: Oversized sites for RVs, campers, regular and family-sized tents, standard and deluxe cabins, yurts, accessible cabins, and RV rentals. Most sites are pull-throughs
Amenities: Wi-Fi, cable TV, heated swimming pool, playground, game room, corn hole, and outdoor games.
Special note: The on-site convenience store is stocked with groceries, firewood, and essential camping supplies.
