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This review is only for the beach. It had great reviews everywhere so decided to try it out for the 4th of July weekend. Recreation passport is required to enter and it expires with your number plate. It's valid for all Michigan state parks. This is the only Michigan park on Lake Erie. There were lot of shade trees near the lake on the beach, picnic tables, restrooms and plenty of parking space. Good lengthy beach but was poorly maintained. Garbage and junk all over the area. Beach needs major clean up. I've never encountered so many smokers at the beach. Not suitable for family with kids.
Great place with decent scenic view! Not too far from Detroit, about less than an hour drive. You can go for family picnic, photoshoot, fishing, walking, you name it.
I'm on a mission to bang out a bunch of reviews I never got around to which is likely gonna equate to a bunch of low star assessments as if someplace was really all that I probably would have reviewed it already. I've been to worse parks than SSP but it's definitely in the lower tier. I doubt I'll ever go back. The trail around the lagoon was pretty nice; I hiked maybe half of it but there's lots of nice trails in southeast Michigan. I can't speak on the campground. For me the draw was the beach back in the sweltering August of 21. My second floor loft with no windows and no air conditioning had gotten to be unbearable as the summer dragged on so by the end of that August it seemed all I did was go to work and go to the beach. Within the span of one week I swam in Lake Michigan, hurrah!, Lake Huron, hurray! and Lake Erie, yeesh! Don't get me wrong. It was refreshing but I could feel how dirty that water was. I didn't feel like I wanted to shower after Huron and Michigan like I did with Eerie. The beach at Belle Isle on the Detroit River seems cleaner than here. I did caption my one photo with an old Peanuts movie reference "at the beautiful, beautiful beach" but pretty to look at and pleasant to be in are two different things. Fermi 2, the nuclear plant that almost lost us Detroit lurks in the background belching out smoke. I have no doubt it's a hell of a lot cleaner than a coal plant but it's still difficult not to envision three eyed fish a la The Simpsons. I don't know what the best bet for swimming in a natural body around here is but I feel like the shallowest and most polluted of our Great Lakes ain't it. There's gotta be some smaller lakes inland.
Went for a day visit and had an okay experience. Walked the shoreline with my partner and enjoyed looking at the large trees and shells scattered along. For the most part the beach was clean, other than a used tampon applicator spotted in the middle of the shoreline. The sand had just been raked and had not settled yet which made walking difficult. Most camping guests were fairly respectful of the beach, although I was alarmed that there were many children swimming as a lightning storm started to roll in. The beach houses and RV spots are really close to the shore which is kind of a bummer if you're looking to enjoy the Great Lake. The nuclear steam towers in the distance did not bother me, I personally thought they were interesting to see.
One of our favorite places to camp cant ho wrong if u want paved bike walking trail, kayaking, beach time
This park is very large. There is a large lakefront with a good opportunity for swimming. Use caution as there are not lifeguards and currents run past this location rather swiftly. In the park are a number of small bodies of water. There was, apparently, a coal dump around there somewhere now within the confines of the park. There is a unique water discharge project going on involving releasing groundwater into the lake somewhere offshore. It is a popular place for picnics There is camping on site. Across the lake is a nuclear plant at Monroe, Michigan, and another large coal burning plant to the south. It is a strange site to see while enjoying the park. There are plenty of play areas for children. Parks within the park. The facilities are very good. The rest rooms are kept clean.
Nice place to camp. Park it's self was nice and clean. Bath houses and shower areas were nice and clean. Lots were nice and deep. It was nice to be able to sit at the camper and not feel like we were out by the road where everyone was walking by. The beach was beautiful! Lots of shade trees to take some shelter from the sun.
We visited for a camping trip labor day weekend, and the campground was 100% full. This is a park primarily full of campers with RVs. Our 2 person lightweight tent was the smallest I saw on the whole site! Overall the campground seemed family oriented and wasn't overly loud despite being full. We say DNR officers making rounds too. Appears that the camp host offers services and activities primarily on weekends, and theres even a "little library". It has full bathrooms and showers which were reasonably clean. This is a VERY urban campground, little to no tree cover on the camp sites. The beach is fairly nice but be aware that the sand closer to and into the water is like 90% broken up shells. I wouldn't go swim or go more than a foot into the waves without water shoes! Despite the smoke stacks and Fermi nuclear stacks, it can be quite scenic. Theres also a nice long nature trail and plenty of fishing areas (both with a fishing pier or to use a boat). As with all Michigan parks there is a fee for entrance or you need a rec pass, and there's a cost to camp. Weekends in summer you'll definitely want to reserve online. I recommend a site on the outside of the loop nearer the lake.
Had an amazing time with my family at this lake. So neat to swim in a fresh water lake and have an amazing time with my family. Lots of tables and not too crowded. Great play ground. But we mostly hung out and swam.
This is a great state park! First time visiting, it is small but it has great trails, beach area, picnic area and restrooms. They offer camping here as well. My trip was a mini day trip and we had a blast! Walked the beach and picked up some awesome shells! The bathrooms were also amazingly clean! Would very much recommend, it is small but that's what makes it great!
I've been here several times, all seasons... The trail is pretty to walk and they have a camp ground toward the back. Overall they've got pretty clean beaches with nice views, but the seagull population is crazy!
To be honest I think I'm a fan - It's not summer yet but I can see this place being very buggy. I enjoy that it has options for boating, kayaking, fishing, and etc. - probably wouldn't suggest rollerblading or skating here since the pavement is broken up due to roots. I would definitely bring my dog back here for a nice hike and to see some of the birds - If you're into bird watching this is the place to go. Very peaceful! Happy hiking! read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
This review is only for the beach. It had great reviews everywhere so decided to try it out for the 4th of July weekend. Recreation passport is required to enter and it expires with your number plate. It's valid for all Michigan state parks. This is the only Michigan park on Lake Erie. There were lot of shade trees near the lake on the beach, picnic tables, restrooms and plenty of parking space. Good lengthy beach but was poorly maintained. Garbage and junk all over the area. Beach needs major clean up. I've never encountered so many smokers at the beach. Not suitable for family with kids. read more
2 years ago
Great place with decent scenic view! Not too far from Detroit, about less than an hour drive. You can go for family picnic, photoshoot, fishing, walking, you name it. read more
I'm on a mission to bang out a bunch of reviews I never got around to which is likely gonna equate to a bunch of low star assessments as if someplace was really all that I probably would have reviewed it already. I've been to worse parks than SSP but it's definitely in the lower tier. I doubt I'll ever go back. The trail around the lagoon was pretty nice; I hiked maybe half of it but there's lots of nice trails in southeast Michigan. I can't speak on the campground. For me the draw was the beach back in the sweltering August of 21. My second floor loft with no windows and no air conditioning had gotten to be unbearable as the summer dragged on so by the end of that August it seemed all I did was go to work and go to the beach. Within the span of one week I swam in Lake Michigan, hurrah!, Lake Huron, hurray! and Lake Erie, yeesh! Don't get me wrong. It was refreshing but I could feel how dirty that water was. I didn't feel like I wanted to shower after Huron and Michigan like I did with Eerie. The beach at Belle Isle on the Detroit River seems cleaner than here. I did caption my one photo with an old Peanuts movie reference "at the beautiful, beautiful beach" but pretty to look at and pleasant to be in are two different things. Fermi 2, the nuclear plant that almost lost us Detroit lurks in the background belching out smoke. I have no doubt it's a hell of a lot cleaner than a coal plant but it's still difficult not to envision three eyed fish a la The Simpsons. I don't know what the best bet for swimming in a natural body around here is but I feel like the shallowest and most polluted of our Great Lakes ain't it. There's gotta be some smaller lakes inland. read more
3 years ago
Went for a day visit and had an okay experience. Walked the shoreline with my partner and enjoyed looking at the large trees and shells scattered along. For the most part the beach was clean, other than a used tampon applicator spotted in the middle of the shoreline. The sand had just been raked and had not settled yet which made walking difficult. Most camping guests were fairly respectful of the beach, although I was alarmed that there were many children swimming as a lightning storm started to roll in. The beach houses and RV spots are really close to the shore which is kind of a bummer if you're looking to enjoy the Great Lake. The nuclear steam towers in the distance did not bother me, I personally thought they were interesting to see. read more
3 years ago
One of our favorite places to camp cant ho wrong if u want paved bike walking trail, kayaking, beach time read more
This park is very large. There is a large lakefront with a good opportunity for swimming. Use caution as there are not lifeguards and currents run past this location rather swiftly. In the park are a number of small bodies of water. There was, apparently, a coal dump around there somewhere now within the confines of the park. There is a unique water discharge project going on involving releasing groundwater into the lake somewhere offshore. It is a popular place for picnics There is camping on site. Across the lake is a nuclear plant at Monroe, Michigan, and another large coal burning plant to the south. It is a strange site to see while enjoying the park. There are plenty of play areas for children. Parks within the park. The facilities are very good. The rest rooms are kept clean. read more
Nice place to camp. Park it's self was nice and clean. Bath houses and shower areas were nice and clean. Lots were nice and deep. It was nice to be able to sit at the camper and not feel like we were out by the road where everyone was walking by. The beach was beautiful! Lots of shade trees to take some shelter from the sun. read more
We visited for a camping trip labor day weekend, and the campground was 100% full. This is a park primarily full of campers with RVs. Our 2 person lightweight tent was the smallest I saw on the whole site! Overall the campground seemed family oriented and wasn't overly loud despite being full. We say DNR officers making rounds too. Appears that the camp host offers services and activities primarily on weekends, and theres even a "little library". It has full bathrooms and showers which were reasonably clean. This is a VERY urban campground, little to no tree cover on the camp sites. The beach is fairly nice but be aware that the sand closer to and into the water is like 90% broken up shells. I wouldn't go swim or go more than a foot into the waves without water shoes! Despite the smoke stacks and Fermi nuclear stacks, it can be quite scenic. Theres also a nice long nature trail and plenty of fishing areas (both with a fishing pier or to use a boat). As with all Michigan parks there is a fee for entrance or you need a rec pass, and there's a cost to camp. Weekends in summer you'll definitely want to reserve online. I recommend a site on the outside of the loop nearer the lake. read more
This is a great state park! First time visiting, it is small but it has great trails, beach area, picnic area and restrooms. They offer camping here as well. My trip was a mini day trip and we had a blast! Walked the beach and picked up some awesome shells! The bathrooms were also amazingly clean! Would very much recommend, it is small but that's what makes it great! read more
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Nice location. Lots are not large and located close together. Located on the shore of Lake Erie. Paved trails great for bike riding . Places to launch boats and docks to fish from. Close to reaturaunts and attractions. Approx 30 miles from Detroit and surrounding towns. Close to Ann Arbor and Flint. Park sits at the edge of a power plant if you don't let that bother you it is a very nice place read more
7 years ago
10 years ago
This is a really nice state park camp ground. It still looks almost brand new. There are s row of sites that are across from the beach. For some reason it doesn't rain much here, so if you camp here, water a tree! read more
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More info about Sterling State Park
2800 State Park Rd
Monroe, MI 48162
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(734) 289-2715
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