Where the Great Lakes Offer Great Fun: Erie, PA

Get Outdoors in Erie

Ready to Hike?

Just beyond the door of your RV in Erie are miles of trails winding you through forests, wetlands, and open green space and along the coast to explore! At Asbury Woods, a 230-acre nature preserve, you’ll find family-friendly trails winding through old-growth forest, wildflowers, and wetlands—perfect for a quick morning hike to jumpstart your day. Families should also check out the live animal exhibits and interactive displays after their hike as the perfect cool down. 

For something more expansive, Presque Isle State Park offers miles of hiking paths through unique coastal ecosystems and to dramatic lake overlooks, including quiet lagoon trails and birding hotspots along one of the country’s top migratory routes. While not exactly hiking, per se, Erie is home to a multitude of golf courses offering all skill levels picturesque driving views.

When you RV in Erie, you are rewarded with a variety of hiking terrain (and photoshoot possibilities) without long drive times.

Ready to Bike?

Pack your bike in the RV because Erie is perfect for two wheels and all skill levels with its flat terrain, scenic beauty, and nature’s AC right off the lake! At Presque Isle State Park, the paved 13-mile Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail loops the peninsula, offering views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay the entire way. 

Beyond the park, Erie connects to multiple state and national bike routes, giving RVers the flexibility to explore vineyard-lined roads, waterfront paths, and charming small towns—all within a short drive of your campsite.

Ready to Get on the Water?

RVing in Erie means you’re never far from the water. Launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at Presque Isle State Park and explore calm lagoons, or head out onto Lake Erie for a full day of boating. Public launches and nearby rentals make it easy to get on the water, whether you’re traveling with your own gear or picking some up along the way.

Fishing in Erie, PA, is just as accessible—and it’s some of the best freshwater fishing in the country. Cast from shore, a pier, in a creek, or your boat for walleye, perch, and bass, or book a local fishing charter for a guided experience. From sunrise paddles to sunset cruises, Erie delivers the kind of on-the-water adventure that pairs perfectly with the RV lifestyle–calm and collected!

Step Into History in Erie

From indigenous roots to lake-front battles and lighthouses, Erie’s start came at the water’s edge. What’s great for RVers visiting Erie who want to check out the historical landmarks is that all of it is minutes from any RV campground in the area and can be done in a day or less. 

Big Moments on the Bay

Get a quick hit of American history at Erie Maritime Museum, home to the U.S. Brig Niagara—the reconstructed flagship from the Battle of Lake Erie. It’s an easy, high-impact stop that brings the War of 1812 to life right on the waterfront.

Important note: After months of restoration, the U.S. Brig Niagara returns to Erie’s waterfront on July 2, 2026.

Lighthouse Loop (Perfect RV Day Trip)

Hit the road and check off Erie’s three iconic lighthouses—all within a short, scenic drive or bike ride:

1) Erie Land Lighthouse
2) Presque Isle Lighthouse
3) North Pier Light

Each one offers a different perspective of Erie’s maritime past—and makes for great photo stops along the way.

Bonus Stops Worth the Detour

Cruise down Millionaires’ Row (aka West Sixth Street) for a glimpse of Erie’s Gilded Age, or pop into the Hagen History Center to connect the dots between the region’s people, industry, and culture and check out Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office or the new exhibit (opening June 2026) that tells the story about Wright himself.

Fun for the Whole Family (at and away from camp)

RVing naturally brings the family together through meaningful moments at camp, around the table in the RV, and beside the campfire. Erie offers an extension of that connection-building time throughout its region with a variety of ways to play together! 

Don’t forget that all the nature-based activities noted above are kid-friendly and kid-approved!

Ready to Play All Day?

Take a break from camp and get your adrenaline pumping at Waldameer Park & Water World, where classic rides, a massive wave pool, and free admission and parking make it an easy win for families. Have a rainy day and need to expend energy outside the RV? Spend the day at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort—a year-round, tropical-style indoor water park packed with slides and pools.

Ready to Keep the Learning Going (Through Play)?

At expERIEnce Children's Museum, kids can climb, build, splash, and explore their way through three floors of interactive exhibits designed around Erie’s landmarks and everyday life. For something a little different, ASCEND Erie turns climbing into a fun, confidence-building activity for all ages.

Hidden Gems & Quirky Stops

Part of the fun of RV travel is discovering the places you didn’t plan for—and Erie delivers with fun and photoshoot-worthy stops that will make your trip one for the books and something to write home about (in your RV-2-50 Travel Passport, of course!).

A Meal That’s Worth The Wait

Take a break from camp cooking and check out the Lawrence Park Dinor– the kind of place you find once and then plan your next camping menu around. This historic diner serves up hearty breakfasts, homemade pies, and small-town charm, making it a perfect, low-key stop before or after a day of exploring.

A Popular Photo Spot

Need a quick break from the road? The ERIE Sign at Bayview Park (directions here) is an easy-to-access, scenic pull-off with expansive views of Presque Isle Bay. It’s a chance to stretch, take a photo, and enjoy lakefront views.

Souvenirs and Trinkets Sourced Locally

Inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts offers a curated mix of locally made goods, from beach glass jewelry to Erie-inspired art. Check it out after your visit to Presque Isle State Park when you want to pick up something to remind you of Erie (and support local makers).