The best camping near Lake Erie State Park

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

90% (6 reviews)

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Community favorites near Lake Erie State Park

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

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Erie State Park

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The Highlander

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Pittsfield, PA

Rustic cabin with some creature comforts. Electric cooking range, microwave, coffee pot, small refrigerator TV and blu-ray player. Outdoor propane grill, charcoal grill and fire ring. There is no running water in the camp. There is an outhouse for toilet facilities. We provide filtered water for drinking and cooking. We also provide fire wood.

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(143)

The Quarry

52 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · West Falls, NY

Property with a limited number of sites with power however plenty of tent camping and self contained camping. The property was a recreational area with 88 camping sites. It is now a personal entertainment venue. On the property is a bath house with 4 warm showers and two toilets, men’s and woman’s.

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(26)

French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

1 site · Tent36 acres · Union City, PA

This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods! DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.

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(56)

Hideaway Valley

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Springville, NY

Learn more about this land:Over 1000 feet of frontage on Cattaragus creek. Great for fishing. Large gravel pad for cars or RV. Great spot to start or end Kayaking trip. Zoar valley tavern with food and live music is less than 1/4 mile away.

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(12)

Ellicottville Woods

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Great Valley, NY

13 beautiful wooded acres, 7 minutes from Holiday Valley and Ellicottville village. Flat area for pitching a tent or a camper plus parking, electricity and an outhouse. Running stream further along the property for water (filter before drinking). Holiday Valley offers skiing (voted #6 in the East), mountain biking (dedicated bike lifts to the top of the hills), zip lining and the village has great restaurants and breweries.

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(49)

Curry Farm

96 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · East Aurora, NY

It’s an 1830’s Early Settlers Farmstead situated within 30 acres of an old Christmas Tree Farm. Learn more about this land: We are located on 30 acres of tree lined fields and open skies, with mowed paths to walk. Great sunsets and star gazing. We are located 2 miles from the village of East Aurora. The village has many restaurants, shops and breweries. Knox state park is 2.5 miles from us where Borderland Music festival takes place. An amazing event.

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(57)

Big Tree Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Orchard Park, NY

Learn more about this land: This property is in Orchard Park. It is two acres, surrounded by trees and a fence on three sides, which provides good privacy. There is a large parking area with 15a electrical available for small campers or small trailers. Also a hose is available to fill water. Alternatively, I have two great tent spaces at the back of the property with a private areas to set up tents. There is a (shared) campfire stonepit at the back of the property. Split firewood is available for $5.00 per armload. Campers can take this from the firewood pile. Chestnut Ridge park is a 7 minute drive. It has great trails, including the Eternal Flame Hike, and a large fishing pond. Green lake is also nearby with fishing and a good place for paddle boarding or kayaking. The property is .5 mi from Bills Stadium. Lake Erie and its beaches are a 15 minute drive. Niagara Falls is 30 min. Downtown Buffalo is 20 min. There are walkable restaurants nearby (about .5 to 1 mi). An indoor restroom is available at specific hours (typically 4pm-8:30 am) or if arranged in advance outside those hours. No shower is available.

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(1)

Charming Farmhouse On Working Farm

1 site · Lodging284 acres · Pittsfield, PA

A 4bd 1bath farmhouse on a working farm backing onto hundreds of acres of Pa State Game Lands property. Conveniently located near the best hunting, fishing, hiking and biking trails Pennsylvania has to offer. This 100 yr old farmhouse is on a 284 acre working farm. Approximately 15 mins from Tidioute and the Allegheny River and about 7 mins from the Brokenstraw creek.

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(353)

Zoar Valley Forest Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Cattaraugus, NY

🌿 Private forested land against the ledge of Zoar Valley. Large, spacious campsite areas, good for groups. A rare location that is secluded and quiet, away from people and traffic. For those that want to feel isolated and immersed in nature and the forest. Includes seven acres to primitive camp on, or bring an RV/camper in (10ft clearance at gate). Each site has a picnic table, and brick fire pit. Pergola party shelter and brick oven located at Site 2. 🔒Locked gate at each site entrance from road for privacy and security. Site 1 is closer to the road, Site 2 is deeper in the woods, with adequate privacy and space between the two sites. ♻️ Take out what you take in, leave no trace. 🌙 Porta potty toilet on site maintained regularly, shared between sites April-November 🌳The campsite borders state forest to hike freely, and is about 1000ft until the top edge of the valley with beautiful vantage points of the valley. Drive down the road a few miles to the Forty Road trail head that leads to the creek down in Zoar Valley.

96%

(14)

Goodschoolfarm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Forestville, NY

*On July 10th Goodschoolfarm was hit by a tornado. The campers are intact but we have a ton of tree clean up to do. We will take this message down when we reopen for booking. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to hosting you soon! Feel free to message me if you have any questions. -Chris* We are a former homestead with a swimming pond, two beautiful art campers and camp spots. We are on the wild Chautauqua Ridge with trails in the woods, abundant wildlife, and are located near many places to explore: Lake Erie, Amish trail, excellent fishing, local farms, and beautiful hiking. We are on a dirt road very secluded and quiet but not far away from main traveling routes. The two campers are custom built and decorated by artists, very comfortable unheated glamping accommodations. There is one gravel pull off site for a small RV or camper van, and the rest of the sites are dispersed camp sites. We have delicious spring water for you fill up and enjoy at the farmhouse, with no running water at the sites. Toilets are primitive, and we can provide firewood on request. Ask us about things to do and places to explore in WNY, we are happy to point you towards a fun and unique adventure. Summers in WNY are wonderful! We plan to be open in May through roughly October. We are happy to advise you on weather conditions during the late spring and early fall.

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Steelhead Run Recreation Area

2 sites · RVs7 acres · Westfield, NY

When arriving at Steelhead Run you are greeted by the sounds of Lake Erie in a tranquil wooded setting. Only steps away from beautiful Lake Erie and Chautauqua Creek. Our location offers an array of experiences from walks along the beach, wildlife viewing, relaxing to the view of incredible sunsets and so much more. Cocktails, food, and public boat launching can be found just half a mile up the road. A quick drive inland, the historic town of Westfield provides weekend farmers markets, wineries, eateries, and antique shopping.

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(5)

Shine On Valley

7 sites · Lodging, Tents75 acres · Conewango Valley, NY

ShineOn Valley is a 75-acre valley located on the Amish Trail on the Chautaugua/ Cattaraugus County line. This valley is quiet & secluded. The only sounds heard are nature which includes the pitter-patter of horse & buggy passings. Local Amish shops provide a wide range of products & services. New York's largest population of endangered species live at ShineOn Valley & in the surrounding area. Rare plants & animals can be seen on nature walks using our numerous trails. Guided tours are available for booking. Hunting opportunities are booked according to seasons & licensing. Both Tenting or full RV experience -we have multiple listings available. Learn more about this land: Tent and Boondocking camper options. See rare and endangered species galore of both plants and animals. Secluded Valley provides peace and protection from the unnatural around us. Engage in educational nature walks, hunting, fishing, medicinal herbs observations and more. Enjoy natural living at Shine On Valley.

The best camping near Lake Erie State Park guide

Overview

About

How’s that for a pedigree? The swimming might not be great but there's plenty to do at the shallowest of the Great Lakes. It’s a great place to picnic, watch the migratory birds, fish, and lounge on the beach. Take a canoe or a kayak out on the lake. Take advantage of the winter snow to go cross-country skiing. There’s even a disc golf course called Shipwreck Bluff Disc Golf Course. Forgot your putter at home? You can pick up a spare from the visitor center.

In addition to the 97 campsites (tent & RV), there are 10 cabins in this 355-acre campground, with plenty of views of bluffs and protected water to go around. People rave about the sunsets here. Since the sites are lakeside, you can watch from the comfort of your camp chair.

Once you’ve had your fill of lake life, head over to Niagara Falls. It’s just a short drive down the road.