Sterling State Park, located in Michigan, is the only state park on the shores of Lake Erie. This 1,300-acre park offers many recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Keep reading to learn how to have an amazing Sterling State Park camping trip!
Location and Accessibility
Sterling State Park is located near the Ohio border and approximately an hour from Detroit. It spans 1,300 acres, with a mixture of sandy shoreline, man-made lagoons, and diverse recreational facilities. The park is accessible to visitors for various outdoor activities.
The park boasts a mile-long sandy waterfront access to Lake Erie, a modern campground with 256 reservable campsites, full-amenity cottages, a boating access site, and over seven miles of hiking and biking trails. In addition to the wealth of outdoor activities, Sterling State Park provides plenty of opportunities for shoreline and off-shore fishing, particularly near the mouth of Sandy Creek and the park’s lagoons.
Directions
Visitors can access Sterling State Park by taking exit 15 off of Interstate 75 and proceeding east on Dixie Highway. After traveling a little over a mile, turn right onto Laplaisance Road, and the entrance to the park will be on the left side.
Park Hours and Visitor Policies
Sterling State Park is open year-round for public use. However, be aware that the campground, boating access site, and other park amenities have specific operating hours, which might change seasonally.
Visitors intending to camp must adhere to the park’s rules, such as the maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights and the need for campsites to be occupied every evening.
Registered campers and their guests are allowed within the campground area, with visitors required to leave by 10 pm. Additional park rules, such as the prohibition of fireworks and a maximum of six people per campsite, must also be observed for a pleasant and safe visit.
Camping at Sterling State Park
Reservation Process
When planning a Sterling State Park camping trip, be sure to reserve a campsite in advance. The reservation process can be done online or by phone.
To reserve a site online, visit the official park website or use the designated reservation platform. For reservations over the phone, call the campground office at (734) 289-2715.
You’ll want to book early, as campsites can fill up quickly during peak seasons!
Types of Campgrounds
Sterling State Park offers various campgrounds to cater to different preferences and needs. The park provides both reservable campsites and modern full-amenity cottages.
Visitors can choose between shoreline campsites with stunning views of Lake Erie or more secluded off-shore campsites for additional privacy. In addition to the traditional campsites, ADA-accessible sites are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy camping at Sterling State Park.
Campsite Features
Sterling State Park camping sites have essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Some of the common features include:
- Electric and water hookups
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- Modern restrooms with showers
- Drinking water fountains
- Dump stations for RVs
- Visitor parking
Additionally, the park offers recreational facilities such as a boating access site, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Amenities and Facilities
Sterling State Park offers a wide range of amenities and facilities for campers to enjoy while staying at the park.
Restrooms and Showers
One of the essential amenities in any campground is the availability of restrooms and showers. Sterling State Park provides clean and convenient restrooms for campers, including separate facilities for male and female visitors.
Showers are also available, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
Picnic Areas
Sterling State Park offers several picnic areas for visitors to use during their stay.
Picnic tables and grills can be found throughout the park, making it a perfect place for family gatherings or a relaxing meal outdoors. Some areas also have roofed pavilions to provide shade and shelter from the elements.
Accessibility Features
The park and its facilities are designed with accessibility in mind, catering to visitors with varying needs. Some of the accessibility features include:
- Accessible restrooms and showers to accommodate guests with disabilities
- Wheelchair-friendly picnic areas and pavilions
- Some trails are designed for ease of use by wheelchair users and people with mobility limitations
These features ensure that all visitors can enjoy the amenities and natural beauty of Sterling State Park while camping.
Outdoor Activities
While camping at Sterling State Park, visitors will find various engaging outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers.
Hiking
The park offers visitors several walking and hiking trails to explore its diverse landscapes. These pathways can also be used for biking, providing ample opportunities for exercise and enjoyment of the surrounding scenery.
Boating and Fishing
Boating enthusiasts can launch their vessels from the park’s boating access site, while anglers can access shoreline and offshore fishing opportunities.
Lake Erie is known for its populations of largemouth bass, walleye, freshwater drum, yellow perch, bluegill, and smallmouth bass (just to name a few!). This makes Sterling State Park an excellent choice for fishing outings.
Park Regulations
Campsite Occupancy
There’s a strictly enforced campsite occupancy policy for camping at Sterling State Park. Campsites can accommodate up to six people and two vehicles, including a camping unit and a tow vehicle. Each site should have at least one responsible adult aged 18 years or older.
Group sites may have more guests, but it is essential to check for specific restrictions by contacting the park office.
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome when you camp in Sterling State Park, but some rules must be followed.
Pets must be kept on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times (even “good dogs,” as the signs state!). They also may not be left unattended in the campground. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and not allowing pets to disturb other guests.
It is important to be aware that not all cabin areas in the park permit pets, so check with the park office before planning your visit.
Fire Restrictions
Fire safety is a top priority at Sterling State Park!
Campfires must be contained within designated fire rings and supervised at all times. The gathering of firewood from the park is not allowed. You may purchase firewood from the park office or bring your own approved firewood.
Please remember that it is illegal to transport firewood across state lines to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Nearby Attractions
Local Restaurants
Sterling State Park campers can indulge in various local restaurants in the Monroe area. Some popular dining choices include:
- Great Lakes Eatery & Pub: A casual spot offering American classics and seafood dishes.
- Michigan Bar & Grill: A local favorite for burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.
- Amaya’s Fresh Mexican Grill: Serving Mexican favorites like tacos, fajitas, and burritos.
Exploring Monroe
The city of Monroe offers a range of attractions for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Learn about the area’s history by visiting the Monroe County Historical Museum. You’ll find exhibits on General George Armstrong Custer and the War of 1812.
River Raisin National Battlefield Park is a historical site that tells the story of the War of 1812 and its impact on the region.
For a picturesque recreational trail that winds through the heart of downtown Monroe, be sure to check out the River Rasin Heritage Trail for walking, jogging, or biking.
Wildlife Viewing
Visitors to Sterling State Park can observe local wildlife in their natural habitats. The park’s diverse marsh and lakeplain prairie ecosystems support various native animal species, making it an excellent location for wildlife watching and photography.
You’ll see various songbirds, herons, swans, cormorants, ospreys, eagles, muskrats, deer, and turtles. You might even spot an eastern fox snake, a threatened species protected within Sterling State Park.
Plan a Sterling State Park Camping Trip!
From camping to hiking, boating to fishing, Sterling State Park is a magnificent destination for anyone seeking a taste of the great outdoors in Michigan. The picturesque views and abundant activities make it an ideal setting for a memorable camping experience on the shores of Lake Erie.
For more state parking camping ideas, read our State Park Camping Guides to learn about other great camping destinations.
- About the Author
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Hey there, I’m Ryan, the face behind Beyond The Tent.
With decades of camping experiences, my journey into the wilderness began on the rustic trails of a farm in southern Minnesota, where my childhood was filled with explorations and camping by a picturesque river.
My family’s adventures across the United States, from the majestic Colorado mountains to the serene national parks and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota have given me a broad perspective. With each journey, whether in state parks or private encampments, and through the homely comfort of our camping trailers, we’ve amassed a trove of stories, experiences, and invaluable camping wisdom.