The best camping near Presque Isle State Park

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

Hit the beach or get on the water at this Lake Erie island.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Presque Isle State Park

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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$40
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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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$40.05
 / 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
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$170
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100%
(10)

Big Oak Hill

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · NY
This is a newly created campsite that has picturesque view of surrounding farmland and of Peek-n-Peak. Located conveniently off of Rt426 with a slight drive along a field to reach the destination. Private and out of the way. Plenty of wildlife (family of fox and usually mamma deer and her babies, can normally be seen doing what animals do. Close to Peek-n-Peak and Findley Lake and its many amenities. Has fantastic cell reception so remote working is an absolute possibility if longer stays are wanted. This is a little campsite on top of a hillside besides, you guessed it, a big oak. This is on a working hay farm, so depending on when you arrive you might be able to see hay being harvested. Again, this a new campsite so improvements will be made based on demand. To enter the property, you will use a field entrance right off Harrington Hill Road (coming from the west it will be on your left-hand side). We have the way marked for you with posts/markers so hopefully it will take you right there. Please be aware this is located on top of a hill (with a big oak, hence its name :)) and you will be going through an active hay field to reach it.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Presque Isle State Park guide

Overview

About

Tree-lined bays and lakefront beaches await at Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania’s closest answer to a seashore. Drive out to the sandy peninsula to spend the day swimming, surfing, or even scuba diving at one of nine swimming beaches, pack a picnic to enjoy lakeside, or bring your own boat, kayak, or water skis and take to the water. For the best views, boat cruises set out from the Perry Monument across Lake Erie, or you can explore the coastal hiking and biking trails. Presque Isle State Park is a day-use only park, but camping options exist on the mainland. 

When to go

Peak season at Presque Isle State Park is May through October, and day-use areas are open from 5 am to sunset. Sunny summer weekends can get busy, so arrive early to snag a parking spot and picnic bench. The state park is open year-round for boating, fishing, and land activities, but swimming beaches and boat cruises are available from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day only.

Know before you go

  • Presque Isle State Park is on an island on Lake Erie, about a five-mile or 10-minute drive from Erie. The island can be reached by car along PA823 or by boat.
  • There are no day-use or entrance fees for Pennsylvania state parks, but reservation fees apply for the picnic pavilions.
  • Facilities at Presque Isle State Park include restrooms, picnic areas, boat launches, fishing piers, swimming beaches, and a public phone. 
  • There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, fishing piers, and swimming beaches at Presque Isle State Park.

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