The Best Camping Sites in Erie, Pennsylvania
Friday Jun 10th, 2022
Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and camp under the stars in Erie PA. Spend quality time with your families and friends breathing in the fresh air and roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Whether you’re hooking up the RV or prefer tent camping, Erie campgrounds have the perfect space waiting for you to stretch out and become one with nature. Here are the top camping places to stay in the Erie area.
Camping at Erie KOA is filled with family fun! Their amenities include fishing boats, paddle boats, a catch and release pond, heated swimming pool, pedal carts, banana bikes and a recreation room with air hockey, billiards, ping-pong table and arcade games. Throughout the summer, Erie KOA offers daily movies, weekend ice cream socials and Sunday pancake breakfasts.
Located near Lake City, PA in western Erie County, YMCA Camp Sherwin features 70 sprawling acres of campsites and cabins, swimming pool, spray and play splash pad, a catch and release fishing pond and playing fields. A YMCA membership is not required to enjoy the camp facilities. Photo credit: @erica_m_dixon via Instagram
Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping
The picturesque views from Virginia’s Beach Campground on the shores of Lake Erie are nothing short of spectacular. Located in North Springfield in western Erie County, guests are welcome to bring their own boat (18’ or less) and use the private boat launch to gain access to the best walleye, perch, bass, and trout fishing in the area. Other campground benefits include kayak rentals, children’s playground and 46 acres of woods with designated hiking and biking trails. (Pictured)
Folly’s End is a scenic family campground set along the banks of Elk Creek. Elk Creek is Pennsylvania's largest Lake Erie tributary and is a hot spot for fly fishing. The campground has a fully stocked fly and tackle shop that also carries traditional camping supplies such as firewood, snacks and ice.
Enjoy waterfront camping at Lampe Campground. All 42 campsites have beautiful views of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. The campground features a free public boat launch, picnic tables, fire ring sites, laundry, shower facilities plus a convenient bike path that leads to Erie's Bayfront and Downtown districts and Presque Isle State Park.
(Pictured: View of North Pier Light from Lampe Campground)
Presque Isle Passage RV Park and Cabins
Presque Isle Passage offers campsites that can accommodate oversized RV’s, large family tents and your pets, too! Their spacious tent camping section features several wooded open field areas that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to traditional RV and camp sites, visitors can reserve a partially furnished four or six person sized yurt (a round canvas permanent tent with wooden framework).
Sparrow Pond Family Campground and Recreation Center
Set on 180 acres just south of the City of Erie, Sparrow Pond is a family-owned, recreational playground with an impressive list of things to do. Some of what campers can expect is the heated swimming pool, BINGO parties, canvas painting classes, sand volleyball court, basketball court, hiking trails, game room, golf cart rentals and popular events such as the Spooky Hayrides and Cardboard Boat Regatta.
