To live in the Midwest is to vacation at one of the Great Lakes

We have visited Lake Michigan several times. Once was in Wisconsin, a couple times at Indiana Dunes, and another down the coast of Michigan visiting lighthouses. For something different, we opted for Lake Erie.

This is our last hoorah before school resumes and we face reality again (school resumes and we’re both teachers).

Sterling State Park Campground

Sterling State Park is one of the most bare campgrounds we’ve visited, especially in the Midwest.  It’s not a bad thing but be prepared, there’s little shade. For the camper crowd (us), it’s not a big deal, and frankly, it was pretty cool during our visit. There is a steady cooling wind from Lake Erie that made it pleasant.

We picked a site right next to the beach. It’s the closest we’ve camped next to water anywhere. I know there’s beach camping on the Gulf, but we’re not brave enough to park on sand.

Lake Erie

After our misadventure an Holly Beach in Louisiana, I was slightly worried this would be a flop too. For early August, the water is cooler than I expected. Maybe I’m unfairly comparing it to Lake Michigan. Not sure.

The kids have not complained though. K and C quickly hit the water with boogie boards. When they tired there, the three went into sand castle mode. It’s never just a castle though. There’s a fort and a moat.

Other people were boating, kayaking, and riding jet skis near the beach. I didn’t even think of bringing our kayaks and usually we can’t. This time we brought our bikes since we were running a child deficit and drove the truck.

I know for the people that expect salty blue water, any of the Great Lakes won’t cut it. For us though, the lake was a relaxing getaway with beautiful scenery.

The Downsides

While I really like the proximity to the beach, there are abundant reminders that this is the rust belt.

Sterling State Park is located between Detroit, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio. The industrial past and present can be seen nearby. I also found plastic tubing, a rusty pipe, and sharp glass in the water. Use caution when swimming.

Park Info

Michigan State Parks are on the more expensive side. We paid $38 a night for an electric site plus $8 reservation fee. Our site was supposed to be located close to a water spigot. Just kidding. It’s not.

Michigan also requires a parking pass, either daily or annually. The daily fee is $11 while an annual non resident pass is $41. The website states the annual pass expires December 31st. So now we’re wondering where we can visit on fall break to justify the not completely annual pass.

I’m only ranting about the pass because other parks often require only the first day entry fee when camping or the camping prices are lower.