YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard

YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard Overview

Rating

Phone (814) 774-9416

Address 8600 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA

Website http://www.ymcaerie.org/

Hours

YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard Location & Map

Pennsylvania Erie County Lake City West Lake Road

YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard About

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Outdoors at YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard

For generations of Pennsylvanians, the YMCA has been synonymous with community, wellness, and outdoor recreation. YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie in Lake City, Pennsylvania, continues this tradition, offering a diverse range of camping and outdoor experiences for individuals, families, and groups. Established in 1912, this historic campground provides a refreshing escape from the everyday, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature and enjoy a host of recreational activities.

YMCA Camp Sherwin is designed to cater to various camping preferences, from traditional tent sites and modern RV hookups to comfortable cabins, ensuring that every visitor can find their ideal accommodation. Beyond just a place to stay, the camp functions as a vibrant outdoor recreation center, featuring amenities that appeal to all ages. While it serves as a popular destination for YMCA day camps during weekdays, it also provides ample opportunities for paying campers and cabin renters to enjoy the facilities during designated hours and on weekends. This dual purpose allows the YMCA to extend its mission of youth development and healthy living to a broader community.

The essence of YMCA Camp Sherwin lies in its commitment to providing a wholesome and engaging outdoor experience. It’s a place where children can splash in the pool, families can gather around a campfire, and everyone can appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Lake Erie. Despite some operational nuances related to amenity access during day camp hours, the fundamental appeal of the camp—its beautiful location, diverse offerings, and friendly staff—remains a strong draw for Pennsylvanians seeking a memorable outdoor getaway. It’s a place where adventures are born and cherished memories are made, all within the familiar and trusted framework of the YMCA.

Location and Accessibility: Lakeside Living in Lake City, PA

YMCA Camp Sherwin is ideally situated at 8600 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA. This prime location in Erie County, Pennsylvania, offers direct access to the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of Lake Erie. Lake City is a charming community, providing a serene backdrop for the campground while being conveniently accessible from various parts of Pennsylvania.

For residents across the Keystone State, the camp's proximity to major routes makes travel straightforward. It's within a reasonable driving distance from larger cities like Erie, offering easy access to essential supplies, medical facilities, and additional attractions such as Presque Isle State Park and Waldameer Park & Water World, as highlighted in the camp's information. This means campers can enjoy a tranquil natural setting without sacrificing the convenience of nearby urban amenities.

The natural features of the location are a significant draw. The campground is perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie, providing breathtaking sunset views—a highlight often mentioned by visitors. While the natural beach access involves a "103 steep stairs down a hillside," it offers a unique and authentic lakeside experience for those willing to make the descent. Additionally, the presence of a stocked fishing pond provides an accessible alternative for angling enthusiasts. The combination of lakeside tranquility, convenient road access, and proximity to regional attractions makes YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard an accessible and appealing destination for Pennsylvanians looking to explore the beautiful Lake Erie region. Its setting ensures that visitors can easily transition from outdoor adventures to local exploration, maximizing their vacation experience.

Services Offered

A variety of camping accommodations including tent sites, RV sites (with water & electric and full hook-up options), and both modern and rustic cabins.
Access to a lifeguarded swimming pool and splash pad (with specific access hours for campers during weekdays due to day camp use).
An air jump pillow for recreational fun (staff supervision may affect availability).
Playgrounds for children.
A stocked catch-and-release fishing pond.
Natural beach access via a hillside stairway to Lake Erie.
Basketball and volleyball courts.
Gaga pit.
Hiking trails.
On-site camp store offering souvenirs, live bait, bagged ice, and bundled firewood.
Modern restrooms with hot showers.
State-inspected drinking water.
Limited WiFi/Internet access.
Pavilions and halls available for rent for group events, parties, and reunions.
Various themed activities and events, especially on weekends, catering to all ages during camping season.

Features / Highlights

Diverse Camping Options: Offers a wide range of choices from basic tent sites to full hook-up RV sites and various cabin styles, accommodating different preferences and group sizes.
Scenic Lake Erie Views: Situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie, providing stunning sunset views and a picturesque backdrop for your stay.
Variety of Recreational Amenities: Includes a pool, splash pad, air jump pillow, playgrounds, and sports courts, ensuring activities for all ages.
Stocked Fishing Pond: A great feature for anglers, providing opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.
Natural Beach Access: A unique natural beach on Lake Erie is accessible via a staircase, offering a true lakeside experience.
Family-Friendly Environment: Despite amenity access limitations during weekday day camp hours, the camp's overall focus is on providing a fun and engaging experience for families.
Proximity to Local Attractions: Conveniently located near popular Erie County attractions like Presque Isle State Park and Waldameer Park & Water World, allowing for off-site excursions.
YMCA Values: Operates under the umbrella of the YMCA, often signifying a commitment to positive youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a professional content writer, I am unable to invent specific promotions or special offers without factual information. To inquire about any current promotions, seasonal discounts, group rates, or special packages available at YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard, prospective campers from Pennsylvania should directly contact the camp management.

Campgrounds frequently adjust their pricing and offers based on the season, availability, and specific events. It is common for them to have incentives such as:

Off-season rates for cabins, RVs, and tents, as mentioned in their general information.
Special themed weekend packages that might include activity discounts.
Discounts for YMCA members (though the camp is open to the public, membership benefits might apply).
Group booking discounts for larger family reunions or organizational retreats.
Early bird booking incentives or last-minute deals.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to make your stay more affordable or to discover unique packages, please reach out directly to YMCA Camp Sherwin using the contact details provided below. Their staff will be able to guide you through available options and help you plan your ideal camping trip on Lake Erie. Direct communication ensures you receive tailored information and any potential savings applicable to your visit.

Contact Information

For all inquiries regarding reservations, facility details, amenity access, or any other questions about YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard, please use the following contact details:

Address: 8600 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA

Phone: (814) 774-9416

Mobile Phone: +1 814-774-9416

We encourage prospective campers from Pennsylvania to contact the YMCA Camp Sherwin team directly via phone during their operating hours. This will ensure you receive the most current information regarding campsite availability, cabin rentals, specific amenity schedules (especially during weekday day camp operations), and any rules or guidelines that might impact your stay. Given the nuances regarding amenity access mentioned in reviews, a direct conversation will allow you to clarify expectations and plan your visit accordingly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for your family or group. The staff will be able to provide comprehensive details and assist you in booking your next Pennsylvania outdoor adventure.

Conclusion: Why YMCA Camp Sherwin is Suitable for Locals in Pennsylvania

For Pennsylvanians seeking a versatile and engaging outdoor experience, YMCA Camp Sherwin - Girard in Lake City offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. While some past reviews highlight specific operational considerations regarding amenity access during weekday day camp hours, the fundamental value and appeal of this historic campground for local users remain strong.

Its prime location on Lake Erie provides an unparalleled setting for a camping getaway, offering stunning sunsets and the unique experience of a natural lakeside beach. For those who enjoy varied camping styles, the availability of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins means that whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a more comfortable glamping experience, YMCA Camp Sherwin can accommodate. This adaptability makes it suitable for diverse groups, from solo adventurers to large family gatherings.

The abundance of on-site activities, including a pool, splash pad, playgrounds, fishing pond, and sports courts, ensures that there's always something to do. While access times for certain amenities may require planning during peak season weekdays, the array of options available during other hours and on weekends still provides ample opportunities for recreation and fun. The camp's connection to the YMCA also implies a commitment to safety, community, and providing a wholesome environment for youth and families.

Furthermore, its convenient proximity to major Erie County attractions means that the camping experience can be easily complemented by visits to Presque Isle State Park, Waldameer, or other local points of interest. This allows Pennsylvanians to craft a vacation that balances tranquil outdoor living with exciting day trips. Ultimately, YMCA Camp Sherwin offers a rich and accessible camping experience, inviting locals to create lasting memories amidst the beautiful landscape and welcoming atmosphere of Lake Erie. Despite specific challenges, the overall offering of a historic, amenity-rich campground in a desirable location makes it a worthwhile destination for Pennsylvania residents seeking their next adventure.

Customer Reviews

4.0

327 reviews

Beth Simoni

Jun 02, 2025

Extremely unhappy with my over priced in season (w/o amenities stay) in a FILTHY cabin. Have been camping at Camp Sherwin for over 13 years. It has really gone downhill. I had assumed that they hadn’t gotten around to cleaning for the season but their employee this morning promised she had cleaned it herself & also trained another employee who had also cleaned it. Do better YMCA, the dust & meds we had to take when our eyes swelled ruined our vacation. You sure charged me for it (including up charges that were not explained when my credit card was run but at check out) 😵

Michele Greene

Jul 04, 2024

We booked a seven day family vacation with some friends at YMCA Camp Sherwin. There were 14 adults and 4 children, ages 2-7. 3 RV’s and a rented pond cabin. (FYI the cabins have no cooking utensils, no trash bags, no pots or pans, no stove, no oven, just one electric hot plate,a microwave and fridge/freezer. Also most RV hook ups do not have septic.) We were very disappointed to learn that all the amenities such as the pool, splash pad, bounce pad, basketball court and playgrounds are not accessible to the paying campers or cabin renters during the weekdays because bus loads of local children come for YMCA day camp and are the only ones allowed access to them. Now, the children aren’t the issue. They are in controlled groups and seem to be having loads of fun. We paid good money for our children to stand around in the hot sun all day watching those children enjoy the amenities. The amenities were accessible to us at 3 PM. Except for the bounce pad because there never seemed to be staff available to supervise it. The natural beach is nice but it’s 103 steep stairs down a hillside. There is a nicely stocked pond that we were allowed to fish at all day. The cabin was pretty clean and the AC was cold. The staff is friendly and the sunset lake view is beautiful. Camp Sherwin is pretty close to lots of other fun things to do so our vacation was not a bust, but we are definitely going to look around for a more kid-friendly campground for next year. When you pay as much as we did to stay somewhere, you expect to get what you pay for.

Deanna Ulbrich

Jul 27, 2024

I was a bit nervous after reading reviews from the past few weeks, but decided to go in and form my own opinion. The pool IS accessible beginning at 1 PM during the week. I do not know about weekends. We stayed from Monday through Thursday. There is a jump pad that is open from 5-7 PM if staff is available, and they were available for us. The beach is definitely far down. 100 steps and they are very steep. We drove to the peninsula when we wanted to beach it, just because it was easiest with our pup. Our golden doodle was not very stable on the steep steps. But it is GORGEOUS. A note for anyone staying in the tiny cabins. (I don't know about other cabins) the mattresses are like those plastic mats you had for nap time in preschool. They are ROUGH. The first night I tossed and turned and was excited when it was 5 am and I could get out of that bed. Night two we purchased a $30 mattress topper from Walmart. It wasn't like a normal mattress after that but it was actually sleepable. So I would highly recommend purchasing one if you want to sleep. The little store was great. Ice was $2.50 and wood bundles were $5. We brought an ax and split the wood into smaller pieces, so it lasted a while. I will definitely return. It was a great location.

Allison L

Jul 10, 2024

Not recommended for families with children. Camp Sherwin hosts daily childcare groups, prohibiting access to playground, jump pad, bathrooms and public spaces during the daytime. We stayed here with our toddler and unfortunately had to LEAVE the camp to go find facilities elsewhere where she could play. Camp staff are consistently unpleasant and unhelpful. Pool was closed for the entire week of our stay. The bathroom in our cabin was dirty and had visible mold. The shower water temperature would alternate between freezing cold and scalding hot, without warning, making it difficult to shower. I could not allow my toddler to use the shower due to the unpredictability of the water temperature, and instead washed her with a cloth. The bed was uncomfortable and incredibly noisy, making it difficult to get a good night's rest. ONLY positive was the lake access, after taking the 100+ steps down, you did have pretty much exclusive access to the large lakeside shore area. All in all, we were happy to leave at the end of our stay.

Heather Moise

Aug 10, 2024

Our scout troop camped here for two nights while passing through the Erie area. This was the perfect location for us. Nice mature trees, well-maintained campsites, a pool and access to the lake. Staff were friendly and accommodating. There was a day of torrential (I really mean torrential) rain while we were there and the sites were well drained so that no water pooled in our tents. Highly recommend this campground!