Sterling State Park might not be the most talked-about campground in Michigan, but after spending a week here, we get why it’s a local favorite. With a mile of sandy shoreline on Lake Erie, spacious sites just steps from the water, and easy access to Detroit, it’s a solid pick, especially if you want that mix of lake life and city convenience. We camped here while Josh was attending a conference in Detroit and made the most of the lake, trails, and busy campground vibes. Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay.
About Sterling State Park
Address: 2800 State Park Rd, Monroe, MI 48162
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/sterling
Recreation Passport: Entry to Sterling State Park requires a Recreation Passport (even for campers). Residents can add theirs to their license plate registration, fees for nonresidents are:
- $41 annual
- $11 one day (can leave and re-enter on same day)
- $9 for towed motor vehicle
Sterling State Park is Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie, just outside Monroe and not far from the Ohio border. It’s got a mile of sandy beach, a modern campground, full-amenity cottages, boat launch, trails, and great fishing both on and off shore.
Camping at Sterling State Park
The campground at Sterling State Park is a great spot if you’re looking to camp close to the water, most of the 256 sites are either lakeview or just steps from the sandy beach. Sites are paved and spacious, with picnic tables and fire pits at each one. Electric hookups are available at all sites (20- or 30-amp), and 76 of them offer 50-amp service. There’s also a dump station at the park entrance, a modern showerhouse, recycling, and even a little free library if you forget your beach read.
Rates start at $35/night for electric-only, or $50/night for full hookups, plus an $8 reservation fee. If you’re camping over a weekend or holiday, tack on an extra $3 per night.
Sterling State Park Cottages
If you’re not into camping but still want to stay close to the lake, the park’s cottages are a great option. There are 10 of them, each sleeping up to seven guests, and they all come with a beautiful lake view and a screened-in porch. Inside, you’ll find a queen bedroom, bunk beds, a futon in the common area, a full bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with cookware, dishes, a cooktop, microwave, and fridge. Just remember to bring your own bedding and towels- those aren’t provided. Cottages are $185 per night with a two-night minimum.
Rules and Policies at Sterling State Park
Here’s what you need to know before booking or staying:
- Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Alcohol is only allowed within your campsite.
- Limit of 2 vehicles per campsite; extras must park in the overflow lot.
- Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is by 1 PM.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM.
- Campground office is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.
- Campsites must be occupied each night after arrival.
- Visitors must leave by 10 PM.
You can cancel or modify your reservation online or by phone, but be aware:
- Reservation and cancellation/modification fees are non-refundable.
- Additional fees are based on how long you’ve held the reservation—up to 40% of the nightly rate for longer bookings.
- Canceling on the day of arrival (or later) means you lose the reservation fee, cancellation fee, first night’s rate, and a percentage of any forfeited nights.
- Leaving early? You’ll also be charged for unused nights based on that same percentage system.
- Good news: if you want to extend your stay, there are no extra fees for adding nights.
Our Review of Sterling State Park
We spent a week at Sterling State Park while Josh was at a conference in Detroit, and it turned out to be a pretty convenient home base. Close enough to the city for his commute, but still far enough away that it didn’t feel like we were staying near a major metro area.
The lake access here was definitely the highlight. Most sites are just steps from the shoreline, and you’re never far from the water. That said, the campground was busy. There were people constantly coming and going, and it’s clearly a popular spot for locals. We saw daily park programs happening at the picnic shelter and lots of folks taking advantage of the beach and trails.
Our site was nice and roomy, and the campground overall was clean and well maintained. We were pleasantly surprised by the showerhouse- it was modern, each stall had its own outside door, and the water pressure was actually decent.
A couple downsides worth mentioning: The dump station is way up at the park entrance, which made things tricky for us since we usually use a portable tank midweek. Also, the cost added up fast. As non-residents, we had to pay extra for a Michigan Recreation Passport on top of our nightly rate, which made it feel a bit overpriced for what we got, especially without full hookups.
Overall, we had a good stay, especially for the lake views and easy Detroit access.
Activities at Sterling State Park
Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or stay active outdoors, there’s no shortage of things to do at Sterling State Park:
- Beach Day – The park has a sandy beach with a designated swim area (no lifeguards), plus a beach house with restrooms and changing stalls.
- Hiking & Biking – Hit the trails to explore the park’s natural beauty on foot or by bike.
- Boating & Paddling – There’s a boat launch with barrier-free access on the north end, offering easy entry into Lake Erie. Kayak rentals are available at the campground office from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Fishing – Cast a line along the shoreline, out on the lake, or in the park’s marshes and lagoons. Walleye and perch are local favorites. A fish cleaning station is available at the north end.
- Winter Fun – In colder months, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the park.
- Metal Detecting – Allowed in designated areas (check with park staff for specifics).
- Hunting – Permitted in certain parts of the park during the appropriate seasons—make sure to review current regulations.
Things to Do Near Sterling State Park
Sterling State Park is only 40 minutes from downtown Detroit, but if you’re looking for closer activities, some of the ones on our list include:
