Sterling State Park

Upgrades are underway on the Marsh & River Raisin Heritage Connector trails, including erosion remediation, root removal, pavement resurfacing, bridge repairs, and new amenities. July 2025 completion expected, but timeline may be adjusted based on construction. A proposed $4 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made renovations possible.

Address

2800 State Park Road
Monroe MI, 48162

Phone

734-289-2715
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

1300 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

Sterling State Park is the only Michigan state park on Lake Erie, located just a few miles from the Ohio border and approximately an hour from Detroit.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

The 2025 local fireworks display, originally scheduled for July 3, will not take place this year. We understand the disappointment this may cause; however, fundraising efforts for the community-supported fireworks were not successful as in the past.

William C. Sterling State Park is the only Michigan state park on Lake Erie, located just a few miles from the Ohio border and approximately an hour from Detroit. The park is situated along 1 mile of sandy shoreline and is home to a modern campground, full-amenity cottages, a boating access site, trails and more. There are plenty of opportunities for shoreline and off-shore fishing.

The park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored lakeplain prairie habitat and is well known for its access to walleye and perch fisheries.

The River Raisin Heritage Trail connects the park (via the 1-mile River Raisin Heritage (connector) Trail) to downtown Monroe, local parks and trails, and the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.

Campgrounds

Sterling-Full-Amenity Cottages: 800-447-2757
(10)
Sterling-Modern Campground: 800-447-2757
(256)

Trails

Sterling - River Raisin Heritage (connector) Trail: Trail Length: 1.05 (Miles)
Sterling-Marsh Trail: Trail Length: 2.70 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

About the area

Monroe County Visitor Information

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

River Raisin Heritage Trail

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the day-use areas April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).

Biking

Biking

Boat Rental

Boat Rental: Kayak rentals are available at the campground office Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Fishing

Fishing: There are plenty of opportunities for shoreline and off-shore fishing on Lake Erie and the park's Great Lake marsh and lagoons. The park is well known for its access to walleye and perch fisheries.

Hiking

Hiking

Hunting

Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

Nature Programs

Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

Paddlesports

Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity on Lake Erie.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Swimming

Swimming:

A designated swim area is in the park’s day-use area.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water. DO NOT swim near the break wall and pay attention to changing conditions.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House

Beach House: The beach house is in the day-use area and includes restrooms and changing stalls.

Boat Launch

Boat Launch: A barrier-free boat launch, located at the north end of the park, accesses Lake Erie. There are 300 vehicle/trailer parking spaces and five skid piers. Modern restrooms and a fish-cleaning station are available.

Cabins & Lodges

Cabins & Lodges

Concession/ Store

Concession/ Store: JR’s Food Concessions’ food truck is located in the day-use area near the beach house. You’ll find corn dogs, French fries, shaved ice and more.

Fish Cleaning Station

Fish Cleaning Station: A fish-cleaning station is located at the boating access site at the north end of the park.

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms

Observation Platform

Observation Platform: There is an observation platform and viewing tower along the Marsh Trail.

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Shelter: There are two picnic shelters located in the day-use area that include picnic tables, charcoal grills and modern restrooms. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.