If you’re dreaming about camping near the water, roasting marshmallows with a Lake Erie breeze, and waking up to lovely views, this is your kind of trip.
Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie shoreline is packed with awesome places to camp, whether you’re rolling up in an RV, pitching a tent, or looking for a cozy cabin.
Some spots are perfect for beach lovers, others offer quiet woods and fishing creeks, and a few sit so close to the lake that you can hear the waves as you sleep.
From laid-back charm to nonstop family fun, there’s a campsite on this list with your name on it so keep reading to find your next favorite spot!
1. Camp Eriez
Camp Eriez is a laid-back campground in Lake City with unbeatable sunset views and easy access to the lake.
It’s a great pick for RV campers with full hookups, well-kept restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Plus, decent cell reception means you can still upload those campfire s’mores pics without a hitch!
You can spend the day swimming in the pool, fishing off the nearby creeks, or hiking Erie Bluffs State Park, just 10 minutes away, for sweeping lake views.
The campground is super chill and just a short drive from Presque Isle State Park and Waldameer Amusement Park, so you’re never far from a good time.
2. Sara’s Campground
If you want to camp right on the beach, Sara’s Campground in Erie is the move as you can pitch your tent in the sand with Lake Erie just steps away.
This place offers a mix of beach camping and full-hookup RV sites, with clean restrooms, hot showers, and a camp store for snacks and firewood.
It’s also the closest campground to Presque Isle State Park, which means biking trails, kayaking spots, and the best swimming beaches are just across the street.
The ambiance here is lively in the best way—think families grilling dinner, kids riding bikes down the sandy paths, and sunsets that’ll make you want to stay forever.
3. Lampe Campground
For a more peaceful atmosphere, Lampe Campground is a hidden gem located at Erie’s Bayfront.
This cozy campground provides clean restrooms, RV hookups, and quick access to the marina for Lake Erie fishing or boating activities.
You can stroll along the bayfront trail, grab some food at nearby local restaurants, or visit the Erie Maritime Museum for a bit of history between campfires.
It’s calm, tidy, and perfect if you’re looking for a quieter spot close to downtown Erie but still near the water.
4. Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping
Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping sits right on the southern shore of Lake Erie in North Springfield, with front-row views of the water and sunsets that’ll knock your socks off.
This spot is all about lakeside fun, think fishing off the pier, kayaking straight from the beach, beachcombing for lake glass, or just roasting marshmallows.
You can choose from RV sites with full hookups, cozy lakefront cottages, or classic tent camping.
Plus, the place has clean bathrooms, hot showers, a boat launch, and even a camp store stocked with snacks and fishing gear.
It’s just a quick drive to Erie Bluffs State Park and Presque Isle, so you’ve got hiking trails, birdwatching, and beach-hopping all within easy reach.
5. Folly’s End Campground
If you love trout fishing and peaceful creekside camping, Folly’s End Campground in Girard is a total catch.
It’s located right along Elk Creek which is one of the top steelhead fishing spots in the state so you can literally cast a line just steps from your campsite.
The campground has shaded tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, clean bathrooms, and a peaceful, woodsy vibe that’s ideal for folks who want to unplug.
Plus, it’s only a short drive to Lake Erie and the town of Girard, so you get that quiet nature feel without being too far from food runs or a coffee fix.
6. Sparrow Pond Family Campground
Sparrow Pond Family Campground is the kind of place where there’s always something going on so it’s perfect if you like a little excitement with your camping trip.
Located in Waterford, about 20 minutes from Lake Erie, it has big RV sites, cozy cabins, tent spots, and extras like a heated pool, arcade, and playground.
They run fun weekend events all season, like live music, parades, themed bingo, and dance parties so there’s always something to look forward to.
It’s a great pick if you’ve got kids who love to stay busy or if you’re camping with friends who want to mix campfires with a little extra fun.
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