It might not have the most charming or enticing of names, but don’t let that prevent you from visiting Mosquito Lake State Park.
Boasting a man-made lake that is the third largest in Ohio, as well as a stunning landscape of marshes and woods, the park provides a wonderful escape into nature.
Just a 25 minute drive from Youngstown, many city dwellers come to it for the chance to enjoy boating, fishing and swimming.
Other activities like hiking, disc golfing, mountain biking and horseback riding provide excellent ways of de-stressing too. While in the winter the likes of cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating and ice fishing are big draws as well.
With two modern campgrounds available onsite, visitors have the choice of lakeside or woodland camping. They can choose to do this at a range of sites that incorporate everything from full hookups to primitive sites best set up for self-sufficient campers.
Activities
The great thing about this Ohio state park is that it provides guests with a fantastic playground to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits.
Outlined below is a selection of some of the many activities you can engage in during your time there.
Water Recreation at Mosquito Lake State Park
As the park’s main focal point, the lake provides plenty of opportunity for paddlers, swimmers and anglers to have some fun.
The likes of kayaking, canoeing and SUP are very popular activities on the lake and there are five different boat ramps dotted around it which will easily get you into the water.
You will also find a designated swimming area that will give you the perfect base in which to sunbathe and go for a cooling dip when the heat of the day gets too much.
As the area is not lifeguarded you will have to swim with caution. If you are sunbathing, be sure to wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen as well.
For those into fishing, you will be pleased to learn that crappie, bass, northern pike and walleye are always biting. You can cast your line from the shore or in a boat in the middle of the water.
Wherever you decide to do this you will need to procure yourself a valid Ohio state fishing license.
Hiking at Mosquito Lake State Park
With almost 20 miles of designated trails to explore, those who enjoy hiking will be in their element.
Overall there are four trails that take you to all corners of the park and showcase its stunning hardwood trees and lush wetlands. Each of them varies in length and degrees of difficulty, but they are all worth the effort.
Make sure you have your camera with you as you will want to take plenty of snaps. You should also put on proper hiking boots as well as a hat, mosquito spray and sunscreen. Take plenty of water with you as well.
Horseback Riding at Mosquito Lake State Park
For those who want to bring their horse with them the park has more than eight miles of bridle trails to tackle.
Unfortunately there is no equestrian camping available, so you will have to bear that in mind. But for the sheer perspective it gives you the chance to go horse riding at Mosquito Lake State Park should not be missed.
Disc Golfing at Mosquito Lake State Park
If you are into golf there is an excellent 18 hole course called the Squirrel Run Disc Golf Course which you will surely enjoy.
Open all year round this course is fun, yet challenging to all skill levels. The course is free to play and if you don’t have any equipment you can rent it out from the park’s main office.
Winter Activities at Mosquito Lake State Park
When the winter comes the snow and ice it brings provide an extra dimension of fun for park visitors.
As well as being able to build snowmen, you can also engage in cross-country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling. The latter of which takes place on the bridle trail when conditions are right.
You can also choose to go ice skating or ice fishing on the lake when it freezes over to a safe level.
Pets at Mosquito Lake State Park
Pets are allowed to come with you to the park although certain conditions are imposed on their presence.
For a start dogs must be well behaved at all times. They also need to be restrained on a leash and not left unattended for more than 30 minutes.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the park’s pet policy it is worth contacting the main office for clarification.
Camping at Mosquito Lake State Park
There is no shortage of camping accommodation options available at Mosquito Lake State Park.
All up the park offers 20 sites that come with full hookups for water, electricity and sewage. It also has 195 sites that provide electric connections.
Should you require a more rustic, primitive style of camping experience there are 16 non-electric sites available. Of these 15 are designated as walk-ins for tent campers.
Most of the sites are situated within a spectacular forested section of the park and are in close proximity to the lake. They all come with their own picnic tables, as well as fire rings.
Amenities include restroom facilities with flushing toilets and hot showers that are located centrally to all sites.
Guests can enjoy free WI-Fi and also play horseshoes or use the basketball or volleyball court that are located within it.
Park Location
Mosquito Lake State Park
1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd
Cortland, OH 44410
Phone: 330.637.2856
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Mosquito Lake State Park:
Leave A Comment