Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA
A curved sandy peninsula reaching into Lake Erie, with swimming beaches, a lighthouse and a loop road with marsh trails. Bring a bike for the paved paths and expect a busy beach on summer weekends.
Presque Isle is a sandy peninsula on Lake Erie, about 6 km (4 miles) west of Erie, covering 3,112 acres (roughly 1,260 ha). The park offers swimming beaches, about 11 miles (18 km) of hiking trails and a loop road about 13 miles (21 km) long. It is regarded as Pennsylvania's only "seashore" and is a National Natural Landmark with a striking number of rare and endangered species. The Perry Monument of 1926 commemorates Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, and the Presque Isle Light went into service in 1873.
Gull Point at the east end is an important resting place for migratory birds; the easternmost part is closed to visitors from April 1 to November 30 (as of October 2026), and you can reach an observation platform via the Gull Point Trail. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center provides information about the region. With more than 4 million visitors (as of 2007) it is Pennsylvania's most-visited state park, so summer weekends are crowded. Plan a full day for the beach and a bike ride.
- Nearest town
- Erie, PA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.1604, -80.1052
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lampe CampgroundMotorhome stopover2 mi from Presque Isle State ParkMotorhomesElectricityToilets
- Sara's CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Presque Isle State ParkTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Presque Isle Passage RV Park & CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Presque Isle State ParkTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Erie KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover12 mi from Presque Isle State ParkTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Folly's End CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Presque Isle State ParkTentsCaravansToilets
- Lakeside CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Presque Isle State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Presque Isle State Park?
Presque Isle State Park is in Erie, PA, at GPS 42.1604, -80.1052. It is about 33 mi from Long Point.
Can you camp near Presque Isle State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lampe Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Presque Isle State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Niagara Falls (83 mi), Kinzua Bridge State Park (83 mi), Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (93 mi) and Brandywine Falls (96 mi).
When is the best time to visit Presque Isle State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)