There’s nothing quite like getting away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life and escaping to The Great Outdoors to breathe in the fresh air, sleep under the stars and roast marshmallows over an open fire.  What does camping mean to you? Is it pitching a tent and roughing it with only the bare essentials?  Or are you more of an RV type of person, with all the luxuries of home packed into a smaller yet comfortable space?  Or are you a glamper and prefer a more untraditional sort of camping or “glamping” where nature meets modern luxury?  Fortunately for you outdoor lovers, the Erie area has plenty of camping options to suit your needs.  Here are some of our favorite places to unpack and unwind. 

Pictured above: Virginia's Beach Lakefront Cottages & Campground.  Also pictured below in order: Camp Sherwin, Folly's End, Lampe Marina Campground, Sparrow Pond Campground, Edinboro Lake Resort and Lakeview on the Lake. 

Camp Sherwin/YMCA - Located on the banks of Lake Erie, YMCA Camp Sherwin encompasses 70 acres of pavilions/halls, campsites, cabins, a swimming pool, Spray & Play Park, a catch and release fishing pond, playing fields and towering trees - all of which are open to the public. You do not need a YMCA membership to enjoy these facilities. It is the perfect place to spend summer days –and come fall, Camp Sherwin's extended camping season is ideal for hunters, fishermen, families and groups. Daily admission fee applies. Count on YMCA Camp Sherwin to create a safe family atmosphere. YMCA Camp Sherwin has upgraded its safety features to include additional security cameras throughout the property along with upgraded Wi-Fi at Camp making streaming faster for its guests.

Erie KOA Kampgrounds – Just 10 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, this beautiful "kid friendly" campground offers fun for the whole family. They can host you in an RV or tent, a cabin or even a Tipi'! While there, enjoy fishing or paddle boating in their catch and release pond, swim in the heated pool, ride pedal carts and banana bikes or play a game of checkers. Throughout the summer Erie KOA Kampgrounds offer movies nightly, Saturday ice cream socials and Sunday pancake breakfast. Don’t forget to check out their recreation room with air hockey, pool, ping-pong and arcade games.

Folly's End Campground - Featuring “isolation in a scenic setting”, Folly’s End is a family campground situated alongside Elk Creek, Pennsylvania's largest Lake Erie tributary within close proximity to Elk Creek Gorge where you can find an abundance of natural beauty including two waterfalls and a challenging 1.5 mile loop hiking trail. Conveniently located just off of Interstate 90, this campground offers tent to full hookups, pavilion, rec room, ball field, playground and a ½ - mile frontage on Elk Creek. Looking to go fishing while at Folly’s End?  No worries! They have a full-line Fly and Tackle Shop with all the usual camping supplies including wood and ice.

Harecreek Campgrounds – Located in Corry PA this private campground features large RV sites, with water, electric, sewer and cable. RV and semi primitive cabin rentals. Campsites are pet friendly but not in rental units. Amenities include in-ground pool, camp store, laundry, game room, playground, propane, and ice/wood sales. Perfect for the family with planned activities on weekends and barrel train rides for the kids or you can try your hands at their catch and release fishing pond. While you’re in Corry, take time to explore the Climax Engine housed at the Corry Area Historical Society & Museum at Mead Park. 

Lampe Marina Campground – Camp right on the water! Lampe Marina Campground offers 42 waterfront campsites. Campground features include: water and electric (30 & 50 amp), restroom facilities and dump station, 24-hour security, FREE public boat launch, picnic tables, fire ring sites available, laundry, shower facilities, bike path to Erie's Bayfront District and Presque Isle State Park. Future plans include adding more site spaces (tentatively 2022 season).  Check out their new Facebook page!

Presque Isle Passage RV Park and Cabins – Ready to accommodate any size RV with towed vehicle included (65 feet or longer!). Most of their RV sites are “pull-throughs” with easy access, over 40 of which include 50-amp service. Every RV site also includes cable TV and Wi-Fi. For those campers without an RV, there are 30 diverse rental units available to accommodate any sized family (including pets!) or budget. Campsites and rentals are also pet-friendly. There is also an area reserved for those camping the old fashioned way, in tents. Coming Soon: The Park is rebuilding their Wi-Fi system from the ground up! With more people working or learning remotely, being online has become a utility/necessity, not just a bonus to visitors. Although the Park provides cable TV to every site, the new equipment will make it possible for streaming movies, playing games, etc. You can still get away from it all but keep in touch, if you desire!

Sparrow Pond Campground – Just a short ride from Presque Isle State Park, Sparrow Pond Family Campground & Recreation Center is one of the area’s newest family camping destinations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. With pride, comfort and convenience in mind, their campground has been carefully constructed to meet the needs of your family's enjoyment.  Sparrow Pond is family owned and operated and is set on over 180 acres. Every site is spacious and equipped with 20/30/50-amp electric service. All units are welcome, from pop-ups to the biggest rigs out there! Non-campers will feel equally welcome, with a wide range of rental accommodations, from rustic cabins to premium log cabins.

Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping - Discover the beauty and unique atmosphere of Lake Erie at Virginia’s Beach Campground. Lake front cabins & camping located on the shores of Lake Erie in North Springfield Pennsylvania. Featuring large pull throughs, 50-amp, full hookup, lakefront RV sites.
Lake front cottages, cabins in the woods, and a 2 bedroom cottage are available for families. Other attributes include: wooded water and electric sites, secluded tent sites, private boat launch for boats up to 18 feet and some of the best walleye, perch, bass, and trout fishing in the area. Plus kayak rentals, catch and release fishing pond, playground, and open common areas, 1,100 feet of easy access lake frontage plus 46 acres of woods with walking/biking trails.

LET’S GO GLAMPING!

Edinboro Lake Resort /Sunset Grill - The only place to enjoy casual lakefront dining and beautiful One and Two Bedroom Cabin accommodations right on picturesque Edinboro Lake. The resort offers the very finest in quality family vacations complete with lodging, dining, boat rentals, fishing and close proximity to numerous community amenities in Erie County.  New Updates! Cabins: Over the last few years they have added additional one and two bedroom cabins as well as many updated amenities and community/common area features including fire pits areas, natural gas grill areas, new docks and new playground, boardwalk and beach area. The Sunset Grill: full remodel including additional climate controlled inside seating with large glass garage doors and an observation tower both featuring beautiful lake views. Boat Rentals: Now offering free non-powered boats to all cabin guests plus discounts on pontoon boat rentals. 

Lakeview on the Lake - Perfect for someone looking for glamping at its finest! Relaxing and rejuvenating!  Imagine a romantic getaway with spectacular sunsets, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings. Lakeview on the Lake is nestled on the bluffs of Lake Erie in the heart of Wine Country and on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, an America’s Byway. When you rent a cabin style room, mini cottage, or suite rest easy knowing they are impeccably clean and well furnished. The serenity of their eight acre property keeps guests coming back year after year. New to Lakeview on the Lake: a new kid’s cabin-style playground plus a nearby gazebo so adults can supervise. All of these features are in the center of the property close to the outdoor heated pool. For the best in glamping, reserve the Beach Glass Bungalow (pictured here) where classic comfort meets modern style!

Other Unique Camping/Cottage/Cabin Options
A Cottage Getaway
Elkcreek Steelhead Cabin
Kelso Beach Rentals
My Cozy Cottage Rentals
Swanson’s Cottages

For a list of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Erie area, click here.

All of the mentioned partner businesses are following CDC and state regulated safety protocols to make sure you have a safe and fun experience!  Remember as always, to practice social distancing, wash your hands and Wear. A. Mask.