Erie, Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and diverse array of state parks.
Whether you’re looking for stunning waterfalls and rugged hiking trails or luxurious camping grounds and scenic picnic areas, visiting Erie has something to offer for nature lovers of all types.
This post gives an overview of 8 of the best state parks near Erie that you won’t want to miss.
Map of State Parks Near Erie, PA
Here is a map of the state parks in Pennsylvania covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Erie
These 8 state parks near Erie are located at various distances from the city. Some of them are close enough to the city to be be visited on a day trip, and four of them offer various camping and overnight accommodation options.
1. Pennsylvania State Park at Erie
Distance from Erie: under a mile west of Erie (straight-line).
Location: 159 West 4th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507
Pennsylvania State Park at Erie is a state park in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Established 1921.
Highlights associated with Pennsylvania State Park at Erie include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Pennsylvania State Park at Erie guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Presque Isle State Park
Distance from Erie: about 2 miles northwest of Erie (straight-line).
Location: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
Located just a short drive from the heart of Erie, 13 min (4.6 mi) to be exact, Presque Isle State Park is a sprawling natural peninsula with 13 sandy beaches, lagoons, a lighthouse, abundant hiking trails, activities, concert spaces, and breathtaking views. The park also has an environmental center, known as the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (a natural history museum).
With more than 3,200 acres of land to explore and enjoy, this park is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
The park’s gorgeous coastline seems to shimmer with life, from the vibrant green forest floor to the miles of smooth white sand beaches. There are also numerous small coves and inlets where you can enjoy peace and tranquility as you watch the sunrise or set over the water.
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for mountain biking or kayaking.
Whether you plan on visiting for an hour or a week, the park is guaranteed to delight your senses and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Presque Isle has an assortment of amenities including a boat launch, Food/Refreshment Concession (seasonal), picnic tables, swimming areas, beach showers, and more.
For experienced campers or those just getting started, the park offers a campsite perfect for your style — from tents with all the amenities to full RV hook-ups and pet-friendly camping spots.
Full hook-up campsites have everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor experience including electricity (30 or 50 amp), water connections, sewer, access to WiFi, and cable TV hookups. Each campsite site comes equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table.
As you can see, Presque Isle is one of the most popular state parks! Reservations are required in advance.
Presque Isle State Park: Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie Paradise.
Highlights associated with Presque Isle State Park include beach access, coastal dunes, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include picnic areas and a visitor center.
See our full Presque Isle State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Erie Bluffs State Park
Distance from Erie: about 17 miles southwest of Erie (straight-line).
Location: 11100 W Lake Rd
Lake City, PA 16423
Erie Bluffs State Park is a 587-acre (238 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Girard and Springfield Townships, Erie County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Erie Bluffs State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Erie Bluffs State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Amsterdam Beach State Park
Distance from Erie: about 34 miles northeast of Erie (straight-line).
Location: Finley Road, Town of Portland, New York 14787
Amsterdam Beach State Park is a 199-acre (0.81 km2) undeveloped state park on the Atlantic Ocean in the Town of East Hampton just east of Montauk, New York.
Highlights associated with Amsterdam Beach State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Amsterdam Beach State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Midway State Park
Distance from Erie: about 34 miles east of Erie (straight-line).
Midway State Park covers 44 acres in Chautauqua County, New York. Established 1898.
Highlights associated with Midway State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include rental cabins.
See our full Midway State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Chautauqua State Park
Distance from Erie: about 35 miles east of Erie (straight-line).
Chautauqua State Park is a state park in Chautauqua County, New York.
Highlights associated with Chautauqua State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include rental cabins.
See our full Chautauqua State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Lake Erie State Park
Distance from Erie: about 40 miles northeast of Erie (straight-line).
Lake Erie State Park is a 355-acre (1.44 km2) state park located in the Town of Portland in Chautauqua County, New York, United States, northeast of the village of Brocton.
Highlights associated with Lake Erie State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Lake Erie State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Drake Well State Park
Distance from Erie: about 41 miles southeast of Erie (straight-line).
Location: Caldwell Street, Titusville, Pennsylvania 16354
Drake Well State Park is a state park in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Established 1943.
Highlights associated with Drake Well State Park include river access, wooded landscapes, and wetland habitat.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a nature center.
See our full Drake Well State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
