The best camping near Sterling State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sterling State Park adventure.

33% (3 reviews)

The only state park on the shores of Lake Erie.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Sterling State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sterling State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Sterling State Park

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Uncle Chuck's Cabin

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Grand Rapids, OH

This property is a great place to enjoy nature. The Metropark has an easement through the canal. Bendview park is nearby. Undeveloped park acreage is near the access road to the east. Fly kites or drones in the grassy field. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are fun winter sports to indulge in. Birds find sanctuary here. Baltimore orioles, Cedar Waxwings,eagles, bluebirds and pileated woodpeckers pass through. Arrowheads have been found everywhere. There's peace and quiet in the surrounding area. Learn more about this land: See nature up close at this secluded getaway a 10 minute walk from South River Road. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, water sports, hiking, campfires and star gazing. Situated on the grassy bank of the Maumee with a natural boat launch. Adjacent to Metropark towpath between Waterville and Grand Rapids. Your fee includes propane and propane lantern, firewood and gas for the generator, plus use of boat, life vests and oars. Property has a fire ring, picnic table, grill and charcoal, sanitary outhouse and ample parking. Cabin has a microwave, Keurig, wood stove, futon, loft with full size bed, 5-gallon thermos of water, and electricity from a generator. No running water or kitchen. We provide twin sheets and pillow for the futon. We also make the full size bed in the loft.

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Treasure Hunt Treehouse

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Brooklyn, MI

On the bank of the Raisin River, 3 acres on a dirt road in the country. Amenties: Starlink WiFi Smart TV with Netflix, Disney+, Prime, and Atari. Minifridge, coffee maker, toaster Propane heaters only and we supply the propane. Heated mattress pads on all the beds. Potable water available via hose right from our home Outdoor Activities: Stargazing Ice Fishing Miles of Hiking Trails on State Land within a 5-min walk Outdoor Shooting Range open all year long less than 5 min away! 7 min drive from public boat launch (No Boat Parking) Swimming with Private Access to All Sport Lake Fire Pit with Seating: Wood & Cash Jar by the Fence Kayaks: Available to rent (Weather Permitting) NOTE: For Winter, we highly recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles. We have a steep driveway on a dirt road!.

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Waymeet Homestead

2 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

A gorgeous shared homestead with native Michigan woods, pastures grazed by North American Heritage Yak, an ancient orchard, a natural swimming pond, and free ranging chickens. Lounge by the pond, wander the woods, and relax, or meet a chicken, pet a yak, and get the small farm experience by following us through morning chores.

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Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Swanton, OH

Welcome to our working bison ranch, where a unique experience awaits you. Explore our ranch through walking the paths that meander along the creek and around each bison pasture. As you stroll, discover the serenity of a large pond teeming with fish, dragonflies, butterflies, and amphibians. Visit our onsite store, where you can purchase our high-quality bison meat and unique bison artifacts. Additionally, from May to October, we offer tractor-drawn wagon tours into the pastures, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic animals. Nestled within a few miles of charming small towns boasting independent restaurants and stores, our location offers a perfect blend of rural tranquility and local amenities. For those seeking more extensive shopping options, we are conveniently situated within 15 miles of larger Toledo suburbs, featuring a variety of big-box stores. Our bison enjoy over 55 acres of pasture, benefitting from our commitment to rotational grazing for both pasture and bison health. At our ranch, we prioritize working harmoniously with the land, fostering the return of native flora and fauna to our property. Situated a few miles north of Swanton, our land, once used for standard crops, has undergone a transformation. After five years, we proudly boast an array of accomplishments, including the identification of over 25 different bird species in a single morning, an increase in local native pollinator populations (including the monarch butterfly), and a reduction in soil erosion. Join us on this journey as we invite you to experience the beauty of nature, the magnificence of bison, and the positive impact of sustainable practices on our land.

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34Long Haul Flower Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Chelsea, MI

Long Haul Farm is an organic flower farm in Chelsea, MI dedicated to sustainably growing plants, family, community, and soil biology for generations, the long haul! --- 2024 update ---- R We are doing less flower growing that we did before, as life has taken us to work outside of our own space. However, we've shifted to more stewardship on our property and the adjacent preserve. We'd love to guide you on a hike and teach about the local ecology, flora, and fauna too! The goats and chickens continue to provide joyful entertainment as well. --- AN OFFERING --- Acknowledging that this land was unceded by the people who previously occupied it, we're offering that anyone with indigenous ancestry can stay for reduced rates, just message us and ask! -------- History -------- Growing up, I used to come here to visit my great-aunt & uncle's horse ranch. My great uncle grew up visiting his great uncle who was one of the first in our family on this land. They were animal and nature lovers, and in their retirement, sold 130 acres to The Nature Conservancy, all of which is now protected as a county nature preserve. Unfortunately, 11 years ago, my great-uncle and aunt had passed, and we had to sell the family land. Serendipitously, as we were looking for a farm homestead to move to, we reconnected with the owners of the land, and they were just deciding to sell it. My family was able to buy back the family land and continue the legacy. -------- Onwards ---- Kathryn and I are restarted our cut-flower farm and hoping to develop a permaculture inspired orchard and keep chickens and pigs. We love living here surrounded by extensive state and county parks and recreation land, while still being close enough to Chelsea and Ann Arbor for all that they provide. Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere for our visitors. We hope to provide a refuge in nature and perhaps even some education of flowers or wildlife. Join us in carrying on the legacy of family land stewardship and love for natural spaces! - Doug (he/him/his) & Kat (she/her/hers) & Phoebe (3yr old - She/they TBD)

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Breathe in Silence & Serenity

10 sites · Tents23 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

Experience the tranquility of nature just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. This prime location offers easy access to hiking trails and the Huron River, making it a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The campsite is both herb and pet friendly, providing essential amenities like potable water and toilets. Enjoy year-round campfires in the provided pit or create your own, with cut wood available from the neighbor next door. Relax and unwind as you watch breathtaking sunsets or feel the gentle breeze while taking in the expansive natural views. The property features a walking trail that circles the entire area, ideal for walking meditations. At night, be serenaded by the sounds of wood owls, foxes, coyotes, and pond frogs. During the day, spot hawks, eagles, sandhill cranes, blue herons, wild turkeys, ravens, pheasants, deer, and salamanders. You might also hear the soothing sounds of neighboring cattle farms. Additionally, you’re just minutes away from Raspberry U-Pick and other local organic farms, offering fresh, local produce to enhance your camping experience. Our property houses 6 Nigerian Dwarf goats in a pasture. They are very friendly and love hanging out and being pet. We also have 2 free range dogs on the property, Zeus and Rosie, both very friendly. Amananda Retreat Center also features a large community space for gathering,, breathwork, yoga, dance, meditation, sound healing, ceremony, etc.

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Carlandia CannaCamp

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Manchester, MI

At Carlandia CannaCamp our mission is to spread a message of sustainability, renewal, and stewardship for the Earth, and for all life here. We aim to share this land with campers that also appreciate, respect and care for nature. We believe in promoting natural areas and encouraging formation of habitat and ask visitors to please leave the space as good or better than you found it. We love this beautiful planet and are happy to share this beautiful place with you. 🌎☮️❤️ Learn more about this land: Nearly 42 acres of rolling hills, alfalfa fields, organic herb garden, and trails! See hawks, sandhill cranes, 20+ songbirds, deer and maybe fox, bald eagle, osprey, or coyote! Minutes to waterfowl preserve, lake life, antiquing, mountain/road bicycling, kayak lakes and streams, disc golf onsite... Lots to do!

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Rusty's Retreat

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fostoria, OH

We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Buckeye and Lexi can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There's also Turk the turkey and his flock of chickens. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.

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EarthWell Retreat Center

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Chelsea, MI

EarthWell Retreat Center boasts a spring-fed swimming pond situated on forty acres of rolling prairie, forest and wetland, surrounded by one hundred acres of Washtenaw County Nature Preserve. Six off-grid sleeping cabins dot the landscape, all within a short walk to our Common House, that includes a large gathering space, community kitchen/dining and bathrooms/shower. EarthWell offers Yoga and Meditation classes and weekend retreats year-round. Located in Southeastern Michigan, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, and near the towns of Grasslake, Chelsea, Manchester. (All downtowns are 7-10 miles away). EarthWell allows hiking, wildlife watching (amazing sandhill cranes), swimming and canoeing/kayaking/paddleboating in our pond. East of Chelsea is the expansive Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation areas, with over 20 lakes and trails for hikers, bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. There are two households (the families of Ari Wakeman and Emily Adama) that live permanently on the property. (one in the lower level of the common house, and one in a cabin 200 yards from the common house.) During your rental they will maintain quiet and privacy for your group, but will remain on the property for the duration of your stay and will be available should any issues arise. SWIMMING AT YOUR OWN RISK + Paddle board, Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboat and life jackets/floaties available in the green shed by the pond. *Please note the common house is unavailable between 9:30-5:30pm on the following 2024 dates due to day long retreats. * July 28 * Aug 6 * Aug 10 * Aug 18 * Sept. 14 * Oct 19 * Nov 9 * Nov 16 * Dec 7

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Nature and Nurture Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Dexter, MI

Our 130 acre property is currently an organic heirloom vegetable seed farm that is only 12 minutes from Ann Arbor. We've converted this former conventional agricultural land to a beautiful oasis of Certified Organic seed production and homesteading (see www.natureandnurtureseeds.com). The rolling land is 1/2 forest/wetlands and 1/2 fields, making it a biodiverse hot spot for plants, animals, and fungi. Nature abounds at Nature and Nurture Farm so come enjoy our private camping spots.

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White Pine Farm HipCamping

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

EVENTS; LARGE GROUPS - We are hosting events! Graduation parties, small weddings, family reunions, you name it. You can rent the whole campground for a day a night, a weekend, or a whole week if that suits your need. Just send us a message and we can talk about it. We can also accommodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them. Our primary guideline is that if your event will be held while other campers are here, it cannot disturb them. So, consider renting the whole campground: we can work with you on a reasonable price. IMPORTANT NOTICE 1 - If you book a site for the Labor Day Weekend, please be advised that a neighbor holds a camping event at the same time and there will be some noise from 4 wheelers on their property. If this kind of activity wouldn't bother you then feel free to come stay with us! We'd love to have you. IMPORTANT NOTICE 2: Please plan to arrive and set up camp between 3 and 9 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM, please send us a message letting us know. We decide on a case by case basis since we prefer not to have late arrivals. In any event we do not accept arrivals after 11 PM except in an emergency since many campers and your host may have already gone to bed. Overview: Our beautiful 10 acre farm and homestead is situated between Ann Arbor and Dexter not far from the Huron River. The 5 acre area where our campsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 10 minute drive to restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. The Ann Arbor area is home to a huge array of world class events from the Ark music venue to National Champions Michigan home football games and a whole lot more. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms, which has a wonderful farm market on Saturdays from 9 - 2 and Wednesdays from 9 - 1, is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road. If you forget to bring something that you need, don't hesitate to ask! We've got a growing number of camping essentials for rent or sale for very reasonable prices that can make your stay even more enjoyable: from bug repellants to camp chairs, potable water in 2.5 - 5 gallon containers, and more.

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SōLSTAY Lodging

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Sandusky, OH

SōLSTAY is an ideal spot to discover the wonders of Sandusky, Lake Erie and Cedar Point. Nestled in a cozy, waterside setting with sweeping views of the lake! This property offers endless outdoor experiences—from boating, fishing and watersports right from our own marina setting and the thrill-seeking fun of Cedar Point to unwinding at sunset on our boardwalk or taking in the views from our elevated hot tub. Only a .5 mile drive to Cedar Point and just 5 minutes to downtown Sandusky, SōLSTAY is the perfect destination for an adventure of a lifetime. We DO NOT allow tent camping or car camping.

The best camping near Sterling State Park guide

Overview

About

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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

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.