The best RV rentals in Erie, PA

Before making your way into Erie to see the sights, it's worth considering if the city is RV-friendly. Erie can be congested during rush hour, but traffic isn’t as bad as other major cities in PA like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Allentown, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around. There are also several places you can park your Erie trailer rental in the city, like the Lampe Marina and Walmart.

Erie has some unique excursions all ages will love, including Bicentennial Tower. Sat at the end of Dobbins Landing overlooking Lake Erie, Bicentennial Tower stands at 187 feet tall and is one of the best places to enjoy panoramas of Presque Isle and Lake Erie. On a clear day, you can 27 miles across the lake to Long Point, Ontario.

Erie has a long naval history, and anybody looking to learn more will want to swing by the USS Niagara. This museum ship was built in 1813 and saw action during the Battle of Lake Erie. After visiting the USS Niagara, head to the Erie Maritime Museum and discover artifacts relating to the ship and the War of 1812.

You won't want to miss out on Presque Isle State Park during your stay in Erie. A 3,200-acre sandy peninsula just down the shoreline from Erie, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for various watersports, including swimming, fishing, and boating. When you're not topping off your tan on the peninsula's beautiful beaches, go for a stroll and spot some of the over 300 bird species that visit the park each year.

As Erie is a popular spot for RVers looking to lounge lakeside, you'll find several highly rated campgrounds in and around The Gem City. The Lampe Marina Campground is one of the closest and best RV campgrounds near Erie, located just over 2 miles from downtown. You'll find over 40 waterfront sites with partial hookups and 30/50 amp electricity. There are no sewer hookups, but the camp has two dump stations. This campground is perfect for exploring Lake Erie, with a free boat ramp for campers and Presque Isle State Park just across the bay. Amenities include showers, a laundry room, and bathrooms.

Alternatively, head south into Pennsylvania's beautiful countryside and spend the night at the Sparrow Pond Family Campground. Situated 20 minutes from Erie, the Sparrow Family Campground features pull-through full hookup sites with max amp electricity. This campground offers lots of campground activities, from hiking trails to bingo to a fishing pond. You can also bring your pup along on your RV adventure. Amenities include laundry facilities, showers, and a gift shop.

If you'd prefer to camp further from the city, consider the Chautauqua Lake KOA. Located 45 miles from Erie on the edge of the serene Chautauqua Lake, this is an excellent place to spend a family vacation. This massive campground covers 180 acres with over 200 sites with full hookups and max amp electricity. When you're not exploring Erie and the Great Lakes, relax by the pool, play a game of mini-golf, or plan a dinner cruise across Chautauqua Lake aboard the Summer Wind yacht. Pets are welcome, and there's a dog run where your pup can roam free. You'll also find tons of useful amenities around camp, including laundry facilities, WiFi access, and showers.