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

33%

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Sterling Campground

256 sites · RVs, Tents In Sterling State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Sterling State Park

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Riverside Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents94 acres · Port Clinton, OH

We have a kayak and canoe livery called Portage River Paddling Company. We are nestled on 94 acres on the Portage River. You will be camping in the back of our property along the Portage River. You will be just a 5 minute walk from renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, gem mining, axe throwing, cornhole, giant Jenga, goats, Gizmo the 160 pound Sulcata Tortoise, Jasper the iguana and more!

99%

(45)

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 nght, 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 accomodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them. 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. 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 compsites 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 worldclass 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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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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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.

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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 life here. We hope to do this by setting an example through low impact and sustainable lifestyle, products, and processes. We believe in promoting natural areas and encouraging formation of habitat. We are here. 🌎☮️❤️ Learn more about this land: Nearly 42.0 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 or road bicycling, kayak lakes and streams, disc golf onsite... Lots to do!

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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.

98%

(55)

Tails and Trails Horse Farm

3 sites · Tents80 acres · Adrian, MI

Tails and Trails Farm is a gorgeous property that sits on 80 acres at the edge of the Irish Hills. We offer a place of healing and support for humans and animals through nature, music, and interaction. Many of our animals are rescues and we use them in a variety of therapies in an effort of healing for human an animal alike. We offer guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and pony rides. You can also tour the farm, meet the animals, and hear their stories. We look forward to meeting you!Learn more about this land:Come and enjoy our farm! Tails and Trails is a small family-owned horse farm in the Irish Hills of southeastern Michigan.Our campsite sits in the middle of 30 acres of private woods. There is a fire ring with room for seating and a separate area to place your tent directly adjacent. There is also another sitting area and plenty of options to hang hammocks. The site is about a 10 minute or .5 mile walk through a beautiful wooded trail from the parking area. We do offer our services to bring larger items to the site by utility vehicle upon request. We also offer scheduled horseback trail rides across our 82 acres, for people of all ages. (If you have small children please specify so we can discuss options.) Please send us a message if you are interested to inquire about availability or if there are any questions we can answer. In addition to the many full-size horses, we also have several miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, 5 dogs, barn cats, and a pot-belly pig. All of which love attention from humans of all ages. We are a 420 friendly property as cannabis is legal in Michigan. There are 5 dispensaries in Adrian offering both Recreational and Medical cannabis products for sale. If you would like help or advice about the local market please just ask. This is a pack it in, pack it out campsite. The closest source of potable water is in the barn or about a ten-minute walk from the site. This is a perfect social distancing campsite however you are still only a 10-minute drive to the nearest grocery store and 20 minutes from some great swimming lakes, kayaking, and small-town allure in the Irish Hills area. Ann Arbor is also only a 45-minute drive and has a bounty to offer anyone. We are very familiar with the city and can offer advice or suggestions if you'd like. There is a kayak rental in Tecumseh which is about 15 minutes away where you can do an entire river loop and return to the same place thus requiring only one vehicle. There are also several close lakes where you can drop your own kayak in and explore. If you’d like some more amenities then Walter Hayes State Park or Lake Hudson State Park are both about a 20-minute drive. We have trails throughout the woods and along with our fields for exploring. We welcome guests to wander and enjoy the property while respecting nature and all the things that live here. The area is alive with animals and creatures of all types. Families of deer and turkey call the farm home and don’t be surprised to hear a coyote howl at night. With natural water sources and different types of topography, we are blessed to have a variety of wildlife at our farm.We keep to ourselves however are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests and appreciate others getting to enjoy the beauty and serenity the country can offer.We welcome all humans of good character that show love to each other and the Earth.

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EarthColors Farm

2 sites · Tents18 acres · Manchester, MI

The name of our farm- EarthColors came about because I have not only fruits and vegetables but also grow a variety of plants and flowers that can be used as natural dyes. Our property was part of another farm that was split off because 18 acres is a conservation area which is non farmable land. We are lucky because it lay neglected for decades and never had gmo crops planted on it. I grow everything organically and our free ranging hens get only non-gmo grains.

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Andy Kromer Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Sandusky, OH

2014 it was bare land. Built a house and a farm with nice quiet relaxed atmosphere. Putting a pond and shower building in 2022, to offer fishing, swimming and paddle boating. I have a very nice bbq, patio, and fire pit for people to share. A near by local abandoned quarry for people to hike as well beautiful downtown Sandusky is only a few minutes away.Learn more about this land:10 minute drive to cedar point, on a beautiful farm. Quiet peaceful country nights. We have near by abandoned quarry, beautiful downtown Sandusky and cedar point only few minutes away. We are adding a pond for swimming and fishing 2022. A nice bbq, patio and fire pit on site. This is a working farm, with steers mooing and tractors moving at times.

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Boone Farm & Forest

1 site · Tent600 acres · Ann Arbor, MI

Come set up camp at this beautiful wooded site in the middle of our 600+ acre farm. Your site rests along a secluded stream surrounded by woods away from any noise of the city or road. It's back to the basics camping at Boone farm, no bathroom or water is available however we will have firewood for purchase as you are not allowed to bring in your own. We will also have farm fresh eggs when available, please ask if you are interested. While the farm is sprawling, there are multiple houses across the property so stay on marked trails only and keep your noise levels down. And please be respectful of nature and our home by following the Pack It In Pack It Out protocol- what ever you bring to the site, please take it with you when you leave.

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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 AFTER 9:30am on the following Sundays due to retreats: * 2023 Dates * Nov 19 * Dec 10 * 2024 Dates: * Jan 28 * Feb 4 * Feb 25 * April 28 * May 5 * May 19 * Aug 4 * Aug 18

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The Jolly Treehouse

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Grass Lake, MI

Wake up to tranquility. On our 5 acres sits a pond with a bridge that leads to a beautiful rock stairway then transforms into the fireplace where you can cook your meals over an open flame and enjoy a bug free meal or sip your morning coffee in the treehouse which is made out of materials from local farm houses and has a panoramic view of the property. Extras to purchase include: yoga. S'mores basket. Bedding basket. Firewood bundles This property is great for getting lost in nature. Completely rustic setting. Tons of lakes for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just for a nice swim. Museums in surrounding areas Close to Ann Arbor and Jackson

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.