Camping is a great alternative to visit Lake Erie. They are cheap and offer the entire outdoor experience on the lake. I am here to give you the best advise I can to help you choose the right camping experience.
Why Choose Camping on Lake Erie?
Camping is fun and exciting. Especially close to water. I personally choose to camp when visiting Lake Erie to go fishing. It’s cheaper and more of a DIY experience. Here are some of the advantages to camping at Lake Erie vs. staying at a hotel or AirBnB.
- Fishing (walleye, perch, and bass are local favorites): You can fish right at most of the campgrounds. Some even have ponds to fish. If you are not on the water, there are access points along the lake.
- Swimming and beachcombing: You can swim in Lake Erie, or some campgrounds have ponds or pools to swim in. Combing the beach is also fun. You can search for Yooperlite, shells, and treasure with a metal detector.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: You can sometimes use these right off the beach. Some campgrounds have ramps you can use also. East Harbor has a kayak launch.
- Hiking and birdwatching: Most campgrounds have a lot of real estate to go exploring on.
- Visiting historical sites and lighthouses: Campgrounds on Lake Erie are typically close to tourist sites.
Top Lake Erie Camping Spots
Here is my top list of camping sites for you to visit.
Ohio’s Best Lake Erie Camping
- Kelleys Island State Park: Getting to this camp ground is half the fun. You can either fly, take your own boat, or ride the ferry. You’ll find 129 campsites, including full-service sites with electricity. The park’s glacial grooves, hiking trails, and excellent fishing spots make it a favorite among nature enthusiasts. You can catch walleye and smallmouth right from shore on the island.
- East Harbor State Park: With over 350 campsites, East Harbor is one of Ohio’s largest state parks. This is my favorite park to stay at because of the location. You are right in the heart of vacationland. It features a sandy beach, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing.
- Geneva State Park: This is a remote park in NE Ohio and one that I visit twice a year for fishing. Geneva offers 89 campsites, a swimming beach, and six miles of multi-use trails. It’s also close to several wineries. There are tourist activities close by and one of the best boat ramps in the state.
Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie Camping
Pennsylvania may have a smaller share of Lake Erie’s shoreline, but it makes up for it with quality camping options. They offer more rural areas to camp surrounded by cliffs, hiking trails, and grape farms. The Lake Erie tributaries in PA are the most scenic on the lake.
- Presque Isle State Park: I visit this park once every spring for the smallmouth fishing. While there’s no overnight camping in the park itself, nearby private campgrounds provide easy access.
- Sara’s Campground: Located at the entrance to Presque Isle, Sara’s offers both tent and RV camping with stunning lake views. It’s a great base for exploring the area’s attractions. This is a great choice if you are fishing for the weekend.
Camping on Lake Erie in New York State
New York’s Lake Erie shore is dotted with excellent camping spots. They offer the best views of the lake and country scene. Be sure to visit these campgrounds in the summer because the local produce is the best on the lake. Here are two favorites:
- Evangola State Park: Known for its arc-shaped shoreline and beautiful sunsets, Evangola offers 80 campsites and a variety of recreational activities.
- Lake Erie State Park: Perched on a bluff overlooking the lake, this park offers 97 campsites and breathtaking views. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
Ontario Canada Camping
Don’t forget about the Canadian side of Lake Erie! Ontario offers some fantastic camping options:
- Long Point Provincial Park: This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve has beautiful beaches and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The park offers over 250 campsites.
- Rondeau Provincial Park: Situated on a sand spit extending into Lake Erie, Rondeau offers different habitats and over 260 campsites.
What to Pack for Your Lake Erie Camping Adventure
Packing for a Lake Erie camping trip requires some thought. It really depends on what area and your planned activities. Here’s a handy checklist to ensure you don’t forget any essentials, taylor this list to your specific location:
- Tent or RV equipment
- Sleeping bags and pillows
- Camping chairs and table
- Cooking equipment (stove, fuel, pots, utensils)
- Cooler for food storage
- Water containers and water purification method
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Weather-appropriate clothing (including rain gear)
- Swimwear and beach towels
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Fishing gear (if planning to fish)
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Camera to capture memories
Remember, Lake Erie’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and be prepared for both warm days and cool nights. I learned that lesson the first time I went camping at the lake.
Best Times to Camp at Lake Erie
Lake Erie offers unique experiences in every season, but most campers prefer the period from late spring to early fall. This is when I camp the most. Mostly to take advantage of the summer bass fishing season. Since it doesn’t open until June every year.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (May-June) | Mild temperatures, fewer crowds | Can be rainy, water may be too cold for swimming |
| Summer (July-August) | Warm weather, perfect for water activities | Peak season means more crowds and higher prices |
| Fall (September-October) | Beautiful fall colors, comfortable temperatures | Cool nights, some facilities may start to close |
| Winter (November-April) | Quiet, great for winter sports in some areas | On cooler nights, some facilities may start to close |
Lake Erie Camping Activities
Water-based Fun
Lake Erie is all about water activities. I personally enjoy the fishing, that is why I travel to the lake. Here are some must-try experiences including fishing:
- Swimming and Beach Fun: With numerous beaches along its shore, Lake Erie offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Most campgrounds on the lake are in close proximity to a beach. Check maps before booking a site.
- Fishing: Lake Erie is famous for its walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. Some of the best fishing spots include:
- Western Basin for walleye
- Central Basin for yellow perch
- Eastern Basin for smallmouth bass
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Many campgrounds and state parks offer rentals. If you bring your own gear you can use a boat ramp that is close to the campground. Again, East Harbor State Park has one in the park. The calm waters of protected bays are perfect for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture further out.
Hopefully, my list of campsites and suggestions can get you going on your Lake Erie camping research.
