Presque Isle State Park Camping
notifications Text me when there's a cancellation at Presque Isle State Park
Overview
A brief introduction to Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park ( PRESK) is a 3,112-acre (1,259 ha) Pennsylvania State Park on an arching, sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, 4 miles (6 km) west of the city of Erie, in Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The peninsula sweeps northeastward, surrounding Presque Isle Bay along the park's southern coast. It has 13 miles (21 km) of roads, 21 miles (34 km) of recreational trails, 13 beaches for swimming, and a marina. Popular activities at the park include swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
The recorded history of Presque Isle begins with the Erielhonan, a Native American tribe who gave their name to Lake Erie, and includes French, British, and American forts, as well as serving as a base for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's fleet in the War of 1812. With the growing importance of shipping on Lake Erie in the 19th century, Presque Isle became home to several lighthouses and what later became a United States Coast Guard station. In 1921, it became a state park, and as of 2007 it hosts over 4 million visitors per year, the most of any Pennsylvania state park.
The Presque Isle peninsula formed on a moraine from the end of the Wisconsin glaciation and is constantly being reshaped by waves and wind. This leads to seven ecological zones within the park, which provides a classic example of ecological succession. A National Natural Landmark since 1967, the park has been named one of the best places in the United States for watching birds, particularly in the Gull Point Natural Area. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance to the park allows visitors to learn more about the park and its ecology. Presque Isle State Park has been chosen by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks for its list of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks".
The park was one of five Pennsylvania State Parks that were in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, with 3 minutes and 45 seconds of totality.
ARE Presque Isle State Park campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Presque Isle State Park, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Presque Isle State Park
- Reserve America
- Booking site: https://www.reserveamerica.com
Spotted an error?
Whoops! Sometimes we make mistakes. Want to help improve the Presque Isle State Park listing? Please suggest a correction.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Presque Isle State Park
Be the first to post a review of Presque Isle State Park!
How was your visit to Presque Isle State Park? Share your review of Presque Isle State Park and help fellow nature-lovers make an informed decision.
Post a reviewPlease be nice. Around here, we try to be helpful, inclusive, and constructive.
Map
View a map of Presque Isle State Park
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
Get notified when a sold-out campground has availability
Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation!
