Erie KOA

The Great Outdoors

Book a rental motorhome near Erie KOA and make the short drive to the Erie Bluffs State Park, which is the largest stretch of undeveloped land on the shores of Lake Erie. It’s named for the 90-foot-high bluffs that hug the coast, with patches of old-growth forest, wetlands, and numerous archaeological sites also within the park’s bounds. It’s a popular destination for bird watching, with around 80 species having been recorded here, including a colony of more than 3,000 bank swallows, Acadian flycatchers, and bald eagles. While exploring the nature trails, keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer and red foxes, as well as four different species of bats.Camping at Erie KOA is ideal for exploring the Presque Isle State Park, which occupies an arching peninsula that juts into Lake Erie around Presque Isle Bay. Stop in at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to browse the interactive exhibits that detail the region’s natural history, then head out to explore its hiking and mountain biking trails. There are various beaches where you can take a dip, or you can get active while water skiing and scuba diving. Fishing is also permitted in two different fishing zones, with perch, trout, walleye, bass, and northern pike all for the taking.McKean campers are also within easy access of the Allegheny National Forest, which encompasses more than 500,000 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s long been the center of Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry while being a recreational hub for fishing, hiking, and cycling. You can get out boating on the Allegheny Reservoir or explore the Allegheny Islands Wilderness along the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River. Coincide your visit to the Allegheny National Forest with a visit to the Kinzua Bridge State Park, which features an impressive, glass-bottomed skywalk across the Kinzua Gorge.

Exploring the Area

Erie KOA is located in McKean, which is just 20 minutes’ drive from the center of Erie, where you’ll find plenty of supermarkets for stocking up on grocery supplies. There’s also a great selection of eateries and fast-food restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat, along with gas stations for filling up your RV rental. If you’re in need of some retail therapy, you can stop in at the Millcreek Mall Complex, which is one of the largest shopping malls in Pennsylvania.Spend a day exploring the Erie Maritime Museum to discover the history of Lake Erie and learn about the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. Admire the reconstructed mid-ship of the “Lawrence” and see the wooden-hulled US Brig Niagara that’s permanently moored here. If you’re an art enthusiast, make a point of visiting the Erie Art Museum where more than 8,000 objects are on display, including Tibetan paintings, Indian bronze works, and 20th-century American paintings.If you’re traveling with kids, head to the nearby water and amusement park to let loose on their roller coasters and water slides. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, with both thrill rides and kiddie rides that will appeal to all ages. Closer to Erie KOA is an indoor water park with themed pools, a ropes course, and a lazy river that’s ideal for wet weather days.Whether you want to discover the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park or hit the amusement parks of Erie, create a memorable vacation when you book an RV in Erie County.