Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Just a little way west of the town of Erie, sitting right on the shores of—you guessed it—Lake Erie, is a long, narrow strip of land that curls around the Presque Bay. It’s called Presque Isle, and it’s one of the most popular places in Pennsylvania. Its use dates back to at least 1812, but today, it’s a great spot for vacationers looking for some outdoor recreation.
The island has 13 beaches, about 13 miles of scenic road, and over 20 miles of hiking trails. Between everything you can do on land and with Lake Erie on both sides, it’s an obvious spot for an RV vacation. It’s now a state park, and sees about 4 million visitors a year—and that’s more than any other Pennsylvania state park.
With 13 different beaches on the isle, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect place for you and the family to enjoy. All of the beaches sit on the lake-side of the park, so you can experience the full extent of Lake Erie. Some of these are better suited for casual beach walks, while others are big draws for swimmers and other recreational lovers.
These are all sandy beaches. Sunbathing is welcome. Beach 11 tends to be popular among families, and you can even surf from Beaches 1 and 10. There are also beach volleyball courts at beaches 6 and 11. Whether you’re lounging around in the sun or splashing in the water, you’ll love Presque Isle’s beaches.
Boats of all kinds are allowed—and encouraged—on Lake Erie. You’ll find motor boats, speedboats, sailboats, and even smaller craft like paddle boats and kayaks a little closer to shore. There are plenty of ways to experience boating yourself, even if you’re not pulling one along with you.
Several vendors along with the isle rent boats, from motorboats to pontoons for bigger excursions, and kayaks and canoes for calmer days out on the water. If you’d like to see more of the isle and learn something while you’re at it, there are boat tours available. Many even choose to SCUBA dive while on the water.
If you start to feel either waterlogged or sunburned, you can step away from the water and onto a hiking trail. There are just over 20 miles worth of hiking trails on Presque Isle. The majority of these trails are considered easy since most of the isle is flat, but it still offers plenty of ecological diversity to enjoy while you’re out there.
To make things even more exciting, the height of the lake also affects some of the trails. They could be marshy, or in some instances, completely underwater. You can always head out and enjoy them as they come, but it’s not a bad idea to check the conditions of the trails online before you go.
Since the 1870s, there’s been a shining light on Presque Isle. That is, of course, the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Still in operation and managed by the Coast Guard, you can also take daily tours of the lighthouse and a small brick structure that acts as the keeper’s quarters.
There’s one more lighthouse on the isle as well, which is the Erie Harbor North Pier Light. While you can’t climb this one, you can climb to the top of Presque Isle Light, which offers an unparalleled view of the lake.
Back in 1812, during the war, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry used Presque Isle as a home base for his fleet. As such, he and his fleet played a significant role in the isle’s development in its early growth. And during 1812, there was a major battle on Lake Erie which his fleet played a major role.
To commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie (which actually happened at Put-In Bay, Ohio), you’ll find a Monument to Commodore Perry on the banks of Presque Isle. You can learn more about the Commodore and his fleet thanks to signage around the monument. Then, afterward, head to the Erie Maritime Museum.
West Haven RV Park is a place made just for family camping, and it’s been a prime spot for over 30 years. They sit on 50 acres, and each spot is nicely wooded and offers tree cover. There are full hookups and space for big rigs. To keep yourselves entertained when you’re not at Presque Isle, there’s a playground, swimming pool, hiking trails nearby, a stocked fishing pond, and more. There’s also a shower and bathhouse to stay fresh, plus ice and firewood on-premises.
At only seven miles from the beach, Presque Isle Passage RV Park is a popular camping spot. There are full hookups, plus wifi and cable also available. They’re pet friendly, which can be rare at RV parks, and there are spaces for large rigs. A heated pool and playground are fun for slow days, and there’s also a catch and release fishing pond.
If you’re looking for a site that’s simply loaded with amenities, Sparrow Pond Family Campground is the place you want. Full hookups or water and electric sites are available. There’s a heated pool, a playground, catch and release fishing pond, and a game room. You can rent a golf cart to cruise around, enjoy sand volleyball or basketball, go hiking, or enjoy a hayride. There’s also laundry and showers on-site, plus a gift shop and a wide array of planned activities. And that’s not even all of it. They’ve got just about anything you could possibly be looking for in an RV campground.
Sitting right at the mouth of Presque Isle—seriously, right next to the entrance—is Sara’s Campground. It’s a gorgeous little campground that sits right on the water, making it a prime location for travelers. There are 100 spots here, but they can fill up fast. If being near Presque Isle wasn’t enough, it’s also very near Waldemeer Amusement Park and Water World. There are loads of beachfront spots for RVs, and many campers take advantage of the location to camp right in front of the water. There are full hookups, plus cable, wifi, a game room, a pizza restaurant, and a whole lot more.
Want to camp on the banks of Lake Erie? Lampe Campground can set you up nicely. With 42 spots on the water, it’s also quite near Presque Isle for quick and easy access. There’s also hiking and biking nearby as well. Every site includes water and electricity, and there’s a dump station on-site. If you’re bringing a boat, there’s a free launch and marine to moor it. Shower facilities, laundry, and 24-hour security are even more amenities that are included for your stay.
There are no real food options on Presque Isle, but there are plenty of picnic tables and areas. Plan on bringing a nice blanket or beach towel, and load up a basket or cooler with sandwiches, cold pasta salads, and drinks. You can whip them all up from the comfort of your RV’s kitchen.
Literally, just outside the isle, you’ll start to find restaurants galore. Many embrace the “beach” lifestyle and offer tropical-style drinks and various fish meals. Even though you won’t find shrimp or other seafood in Lake Erie (because it’s a freshwater lake), it’s still nice to pretend. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of basic crowd-pleasers, from burger places to pizza joints. Even if you choose to eat out every meal, you’ll find plenty of places in Erie.
Even if you’re just after a cocktail or beer, there are a wide variety of restaurants, bars, taverns, and other areas that can help quench both your thirst and sate your hunger. Take it upscale, or keep it affordable. No matter which way you go, you can’t go wrong.