Sterling State Park
Sterling State Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
173 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
56
Average
25
Poor
7
Terrible
6
gingerwoods4
Indianapolis, IN63 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Our family’s 3 night get-away to Sterling State Park on beautiful Lake Erie was fun filled and relaxing! We enjoyed the paved bike paths around wetlands/marshes and time on the beach of Lake Erie:-). The camping sites were paved and well maintained with nice fire pits and picnic tables.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pattyk2009
Saint Charles, MO232 contributions
Aug 2022
Bring blankets/sharp kitchen knife/ice/bath soap/towels/ washcloths/ice tea pitcher as these items are not included. There is simply a mattress with a light weight sheet. NOTE: uncomfortable beds. We rented cabin #8, which is a nice cabin. For the amount of money they are charging the beds should be more comfortable. We folded out the living room couch futon and found that to be acceptable for sleeping. Kids of course don't mind. The over all experience was good and the location was beautiful and less than 30 minutes to the Ford Mus/Greenville Villages, which we visited. The cabins are new and i suspect they will improve as times goes on. There is a fire pit at the cabin, a picnic table and an outside grill if you are prepared to use those, bring coals, and buy wood there on the camp grounds. Nice outside area for each cabin. The screened in porch was really nice, with one rocking chair and a double seat Adirondack style chair. Very nice.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pattyk
78 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Bring towel/washcloth/bathsoap/handtowel/blanket/bagice/sharp knife/No oven/Not so comfortable beds.
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Buddy
Okemos, MI4 contributions
Jul 2022
Brought the family to the Monroe area State Park-never again! So much disgusting green slime in the water, we just left...Not sure why ANYONE would want to vacation in the Monroe are, if you are looking for clean water. I'm going UP NORTH next time.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J Bosch
Coopersville, MI8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We stayed in the newly constructed cabins along the shores of Lake Erie. Beautiful views!! The cabins were a step up from camping. Running water, private shower and toilet. 2-bed rooms and pullout couch! The six of us fit just fine !(mom, dad, kids-17,15,14,11) 2 of the kids had to share a bed, but they figured it all out!
We will definitely come again, but will include the following in our packing:
* bedding(comforter or blankets are NOT included!!) and mattresses are super crinkly/noisy so probably a mattress pad too!
*hand towels— they only provided 2 wash clothes
*camp chairs
*bikes - there is a lot of paved paths to explore— just be on the lookout for snakes!!
* the kids say we need our fishing boat and all those accessories, but our boys caught fish from shore along the beach in Front of our cabin
*hammock
*a coffee single serve pod machine was provided..
*they provided a broom and the chairs on the screen porch are great!
We will definitely come again, but will include the following in our packing:
* bedding(comforter or blankets are NOT included!!) and mattresses are super crinkly/noisy so probably a mattress pad too!
*hand towels— they only provided 2 wash clothes
*camp chairs
*bikes - there is a lot of paved paths to explore— just be on the lookout for snakes!!
* the kids say we need our fishing boat and all those accessories, but our boys caught fish from shore along the beach in Front of our cabin
*hammock
*a coffee single serve pod machine was provided..
*they provided a broom and the chairs on the screen porch are great!
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tammy h
4 contributions
Aug 2021
We've been riding our bikes out there for years and every year we are more upset, because of the bad condition of the bike paths.
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa K
Portage, IN23 contributions
Aug 2021
Spent a long weekend in August camping at Sterling State Park along the Lake Erie shore. We have stayed there before and had such a good experience that we went back again. The camp sites were as nice as we remembered and we were surprised to see that they have added small cottages for those without tents or campers. We use tents and the sites we like are near the beach and nicely level with large fire pits, picnic tables and electric hookup. The bathroom and shower facilities are top notch and clean.
We enjoyed the beach, fishing and walking trails (which are paved). The weather was great and not too hot. It's about 20 minutes from the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village so we were able to have some fun filled days there, too. Overall, a fun trip for my husband and I with our teenage daughter.
We enjoyed the beach, fishing and walking trails (which are paved). The weather was great and not too hot. It's about 20 minutes from the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village so we were able to have some fun filled days there, too. Overall, a fun trip for my husband and I with our teenage daughter.
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GerryUSA
Ohio113 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
The location & State Park is beautiful, great beach. It’s very shallow for at least 15-20 meters. At the end of June the water temperature was warm enough for swimming. Sometimes quite choppy. Lots of wind. That’s probably why we didn’t notice any mosquitoes. Huge plus in my book. 4-5 stars.
The power plant chimneys next door and on the horizon spoil the picture a little. Very little shade in the campground, we stayed in a cottage. They just opened up Memorial Day weekend this year.
The cottage is … hmmm: very utilitarian. Not a lot of things are in it. I am glad they gave me a heads up on some of these. Like the thin blankets which barely deserve to be called blankets. We only found 5 plates. Most other things there seem to be six of but I haven’t counted. Technically the cottage could sleep 7. It would be tight.
The kitchen has no oven. That would have been good to know. Just the two hot plates (modern: induction) and a microwave. There is a full size fridge with freezer.
The bathroom has only one bar with space to hang two towels. A second one would be nice. So would be hooks in the bunk bed room. They are only four in the queen bed room. No closets or wardrobe or dresser in either bedroom. A few more little tables for night stands would be good too. Only one in each bedroom. I could go on for more things. Like we bought kitchen knifes, a tray to make ice cubes. Scissors were missing too.
It wasn’t super clean when we got here. There was sand on the futon and crumbs in the cabinet.
There are also improvements that could be made to the screen door on the porch. It cannot be closed from the outside. So when we leave we have to leave it open with lots of our things on the porch.
And there is only one hook on the door. The door is slightly bend so it doesn’t close on top. There is quite a gap. A second hook would be an easy fix.
The mattresses were very uncomfortable. They are also encased in a plastic cover so anytime I turned I woke up my husband. He moved out to the living room futon which was also cooler (the one A/C for the whole unit is there) and the futon mattress seemed also more comfortable. The A/C unit is very efficient but has trouble reaching the master bedroom in the back. There is a ceiling fan in it and one in the living room. None in the bunk bedroom.
It helps if think of the cottage as fancy clamping. It is not a vacation home.
Despite all this we were enjoying our stay. The location right at the beach is gorgeous. There is just some room for improvements. Little things could make a difference. Like an outside water source to rinse of sandy feet from the beach would be great too.
$170/ night during high season seems reasonable.
The power plant chimneys next door and on the horizon spoil the picture a little. Very little shade in the campground, we stayed in a cottage. They just opened up Memorial Day weekend this year.
The cottage is … hmmm: very utilitarian. Not a lot of things are in it. I am glad they gave me a heads up on some of these. Like the thin blankets which barely deserve to be called blankets. We only found 5 plates. Most other things there seem to be six of but I haven’t counted. Technically the cottage could sleep 7. It would be tight.
The kitchen has no oven. That would have been good to know. Just the two hot plates (modern: induction) and a microwave. There is a full size fridge with freezer.
The bathroom has only one bar with space to hang two towels. A second one would be nice. So would be hooks in the bunk bed room. They are only four in the queen bed room. No closets or wardrobe or dresser in either bedroom. A few more little tables for night stands would be good too. Only one in each bedroom. I could go on for more things. Like we bought kitchen knifes, a tray to make ice cubes. Scissors were missing too.
It wasn’t super clean when we got here. There was sand on the futon and crumbs in the cabinet.
There are also improvements that could be made to the screen door on the porch. It cannot be closed from the outside. So when we leave we have to leave it open with lots of our things on the porch.
And there is only one hook on the door. The door is slightly bend so it doesn’t close on top. There is quite a gap. A second hook would be an easy fix.
The mattresses were very uncomfortable. They are also encased in a plastic cover so anytime I turned I woke up my husband. He moved out to the living room futon which was also cooler (the one A/C for the whole unit is there) and the futon mattress seemed also more comfortable. The A/C unit is very efficient but has trouble reaching the master bedroom in the back. There is a ceiling fan in it and one in the living room. None in the bunk bedroom.
It helps if think of the cottage as fancy clamping. It is not a vacation home.
Despite all this we were enjoying our stay. The location right at the beach is gorgeous. There is just some room for improvements. Little things could make a difference. Like an outside water source to rinse of sandy feet from the beach would be great too.
$170/ night during high season seems reasonable.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GeorgSa
Detroit, MI816 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Stayed for 2 nights at campground. Really nice place located between Lake Erie and the Marshland. The paved spots are relatively large but not a lot of shade. There are some nice walking ore bicycle trails through the marshland. You need the Michigan State recreation sticker!
Unfortunately a power plant is located near to campground and you can sometimes smell a little like gasoline.
Unfortunately a power plant is located near to campground and you can sometimes smell a little like gasoline.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel548
Farmington Hills, MI488 contributions
Sep 2020
This isn't a huge park, and we didn't camp here, but spent a day here. We didn't swim here, but spent the day hiking around. Enjoyed the views and beach area. Everything was clean, including bathrooms. There was a food truck to grab some lunch, so that was nice. We drove through the campground just to check it out and we found the sites to be very close together with no shade trees at all. I think we'd return for day use, but likely wouldn't camp here.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
What is the daily cost for a non-season pass holder and are dogs allowed on the beach?
lmattheiss
Southgate, MI11 contributions
How close is the swimming beach to the campsites # 194 or 231?
kedalion1
Sheboygan, WI211 contributions
I stayed in 143 and it was about a 100ft walk to the beach, then 50-60ft more to the water, if that gives you a scale. Using the "short cut" trail, you're probably about 300ft from the water at 194 and about the same for 231. Disclaimer: educated guess only.
Sharyl B
Waterford5 contributions
What year did the park open for camping
Trisha M
Edwardsburg, MI316 contributions
They received a grant in 2001 for renovations including a new campground and there was construction in 2002 so no older than that.
Campground generally open sometime in April through sometime soon n early November.
How much does it cost to stay for 2 nights
Traveler2847
Rothbury, MI16 contributions
$28 a night for tent camping
Chucko328
Monroe, MI1 contribution
Can you have tents
Traveler2847
Rothbury, MI16 contributions
Yes, that's what we had.
Can u bring rafts to use while swimming?
Arlene E
Tecumseh, MI36 contributions
Yes! Rafts, floats, chairs, coolers.. umbrellas all ok to have on-the beach.
How much is a month-to-month stay for small campers??
Camperfan734
Monroe, MI
All Michigan State Parks have the same policy on camping. Unless you are the camp host, the longest you can stay in a single trip is 15 nights, then you must leave for at least 5 nights unless the supervisor of the park says otherwise. Full hook up sites at Sterling are $35 per night and electric only are $26
When does the campground open for the season and can I put a tent up on the same site as my camper? Thanks!
Thomas B
Northville, MI63 contributions
They open mid-April I think and I also believe 1 tent can be put on your site with your camper!
Is there still a charge to get in and walk around park
momcop
Grosse Ile, Michigan138 contributions
I'm sorry. don't know about winter hours, etc. I believe you can get in and walk around, but I'm unsure about a charge.
want2travel3787
Michigan36 contributions
Are dogs allowed at the park and in the water they will be on a leash.
Trek255594
Wyandotte, MI
Sterling State Park states that you cannot have dogs at the beach, HOWEVER, up until this year they have NEVER enforced it. I have gone to that beach regularly for years and EVERY SINGLE TIME I've been there there are dogs, at the beach, in the water, no enforcement, nothing being done about it. Until this summer, the one time I take my dogs for a walk on the beach some park ranger comes out of nowhere to Karen me off the beach. Now if you're going to have rules you need to enforce them all the time. ALL THE TIME. Not just sometimes, every single time.
STERLING STATE PARK (Monroe) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Sterling State Park
- Hotels near Sterling State Park:
- (0.28 km) Tru by Hilton Monroe MI
- (0.38 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Monroe, an IHG Hotel
- (0.71 km) Hampton Inn Monroe
- (1.11 km) TownePlace Suites by Marriott Monroe
- (0.93 km) Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Monroe
- Restaurants near Sterling State Park:
- (0.36 km) IHOP
- (0.79 km) Red Lobster
- (0.18 km) Subway
- (0.99 km) Angelo's Chop House
- (1.76 km) Cracker Barrel