Camping in Presque Isle

Secluded Presque Isle is a camping oasis, full of stunning coastal views and outdoor adventures.

95% (1387 reviews)
95% (1387 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Presque Isle

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Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Presque Isle

100%
(24)

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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from 
$40.05
 / night
99%
(157)

Chappel Hill Tree Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Grand Valley, PA
This 140-acre property is an old farmstead last farmed in the 1950's. It lies in the Allegheny Plateau region of NW Pennsylvania and is mostly hardwood forest today. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of private forestland and is very secluded. Our goal is to provide a private and secluded yet accessible camping experience where you will see more deer than people. AANR friendly. There is excellent Verizon and T-Mobile service. The skies are dark at night and the sounds of nature will surround you. Campsite 1 is near where the farmhouse and barn once stood. The site is shaded by large, old maples that once shaded the farmhouse. Old fields surround the farmstead, but the woods are a short walk away.  It is the most popular campsite with an outhouse, fire ring and picnic table available. Campsite 2 is on the other side of the property. There is a fire ring but no picnic table.  Both sites easily accommodate anything from tents to RV's. Each site has a separate, gated, gravel road access. These are the only 2 campsites on the property and they are far enough apart (1/4 mile) to avoid any contact should both sites be occupied. There is a 2-mile loop hiking trail on the property that traverses a variety of habitats which are home to many animals and birds. The trail is well maintained and mowed. The terrain is flat to gentle slopes. The 1/2-mile Narnia Loop trail weaves through a young spruce forest like a maze. It is so cool, literally, even on the hottest days. The Allegheny River is about 10 miles away, near Tidioute, PA, and has excellent paddling and fishing. Titusville, PA is about 15 miles away and is home to Oil Creek State Park which has great trout fishing, an excellent paved bike/hike trail, and Drake Well Museum site of the first oil well ever drilled. Finally, you will be on the doorstep to the Allegheny National Forest with all the outdoor recreation it has to offer. We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet of nature on our property as much as we have. If you are curious about more details of the history and management of the property, please ask your host, Dave Trimpey, and he will be glad to share his knowledge of the land. Learn more about this land: The property was a family farm from the late 1800's to the mid-1950's. Aerial photos of the 1940s and 1950s show much of the surrounding area was being farmed for crops and dairy cattle. Agricultural farming ended around 1956 and the farmer, Mr. Matkovich, planted acorns in many of the fields. An observant hiker may notice rows of red oak trees today in former fields which are now forests. In the 1970s the property was acquired by Lester Noll. He planted some of the remaining fields with spruce and fir for Christmas trees. The old farmhouse was still standing until it burned down in 1975. Mr. Noll sold the property to Dave and Rhonda Trimpey, your hosts, in 1992. We continued and expanded the Christmas tree business for 20 years and one point having nearly 6,000 Christmas trees growing in the fields around campsite 1. The Christmas tree part of the business ended in 2014 and management of the land now focuses on timber and wildlife. We have always used the property for personal recreation - primarily hunting, hiking and camping - and decided to open it up for others to enjoy by camping through Hipcamp in 2020.
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from 
$15
 / night
93%
(23)

Steadfast Roots Homestead

7 sites · Tents20 acres · Ashtabula, OH
We are a working homestead trying our best to do right by mother earth. We have 20 acres that offer nice trails to enjoy the peace of nature, duck/goose pond, kayaks, paddleboat, big pond with islands, moss beach, fire pits, picnic tables, meeting room/A frame available if needed. Camping in the forest surrounded by ancient woodlands. So close to I90 our property touches it, don't worry there is a fence at that outer tree line you can see the highway in some areas or edges and car show days are great times to look. You will hear all the noises Ashtabula county has to offer. Including but not limited to the highway, Benetka Rd Covered Bridge is part of the driving trail, there is a cool off road park down that way has events as well vroomvroom, AND we have roosters, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, rabbits, who knows what that noise was? If you are looking to only hear nature this is not the homestead to choose. Not far from all of the amazing Ashtabula attractions. Super close to harbor and cute small towns, wineries, fun local shops, and Lake Erie beaches. Short drive to Erie PA not far from NY boarder. Lots of online delivery to us options. Outhouse available but no electricity and no bath house yet. Ask about sapling adoption!!! Please ask us anything and everything tell us if you know something we love to learn and we are still learning about this wonderful piece of earth we are trying to survive on.
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from 
$40
 / night
100%
(13)

Elk Valley Creekside

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Girard, PA
This campsite is a wildlife paradise and a fisherman's dream come true on the banks of Elk Creek. We open April 1 each season so campers can take advantage of three months of incredible steelhead, smallmouth bass, lake suckers and stocked browns. There are seasonal fishing ponds on the property as well. Campers will marvel at the incredible nature surrounding this secluded campsite. Watch bald eagles from your tent deck, and keep your eyes open for deer, turkey, seasonal steelhead and beautiful monarch butterflies. Elk Valley Creekside is a perfect getaway for campers interested in wildlife photography - the photo opportunities are endless. This campsite is only 20 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, and 30 minutes from Erie, PA. There are solar lights around the campsite to help you see at night, and plenty of firewood is provided. The Space: Creekside Campsite with Incredible Fishing and Wildlife Guest Access: This was a former Tentrr Signature 5 star campsite. An outdoor toilet (job johnny) and fire wood are provided
Pets
Toilets
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Trash
from 
$170
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Presque Isle

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Presque Isle guide

Overview

It's easy to see why Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark. The 3,200-acre peninsula is a mesmerizing wild haven jutting from the shores of Erie, Pennsylvania. With year-round recreation options to spare, it's a must-visit on Lake Erie.

Ready to explore Presque Isle State Park? The 13 sandy swimming beaches and 21 miles of trails are a great start. You can also gawk at the pristine shoreline from Peninsula Drive—keep an eye out for the historic lighthouses. Canoeing, biking, inline skating, and hiking are a few other ways to see the park.

The park itself offers no camping since it's day use only. Luckily, the region boasts tons of private RV parks with full hook-ups and campgrounds with tent camping around Erie and Fairview. Fire rings, picnic tables, and even Wi-Fi are a few amenities to enjoy.

Once you've found your home base, discover the calm waters of Presque Isle Bay. The state park's 500-slip marina is ground zero for water skiing, wakeboarding or just cruising while ospreys fly overhead. Trout, muskie, and walleye fishing is also big here, so don't forget your tackle.

For viewing local wildlife, head to Gull Point Natural Area. Situated on the far end of Presque Isle, it's been named one of the best birding spots in the United States. You definitely want to bring your camera and binoculars.

Keep in mind Presque Isle isn't the only park in the area. Just 12 miles west of Erie, you come to Erie Bluffs State Park. Stop here to explore 5+ miles of trails and take in fantastic views from a 90-foot bluff.

While this Lake Erie paradise can get crowded, Memorial Day through Labor Day is still a great time to visit. The weather is warm, and recreation options such as state park rental bikes are still available.

Pennsylvania winters are cold and snowy, meaning many campgrounds are only open seasonally. On the other hand, a heated cabin gives you access to the region's best winter recreation. Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and wind skating (think kite surfing meets ice skating) are just a few options.

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