Berlin Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in the Mahoning River Valley in Eastern Ohio, Berlin Lake is a popular destination for water sports and fishing. The scenery is peaceful and relaxing, making it one of the best vacation spots in the area.
The lake, the result of a dam constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, provides flood protection for the Upper Ohio and Beaver Rivers as well as the Mahoning River Valley. Berlin Lake's prime location, around 30 miles from Akron and about 85 miles to Pittsburgh, makes it busy in the summer months. In the summer, visitors come for the swimming, boating, and water skiing and visitors year-round can enjoy bird watching, picnicking, and fishing.
The Berlin Lake Wildlife Area is located just to the west of the lake and provides over 8,000 acres of land for birds and other wildlife. The forests are dense; almost 60 percent of the area is covered in second-growth hardwoods. Its a great place for viewing wildlife and hunting is permitted here in season.
Camping at Berlin Lake is easy at the one COE campground. Larger rigs are accommodated and activities are plentiful. If you are planning to explore more of the Ohio countryside, head to nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park or West Branch State Park which is even closer to Berlin Lake.
RV Rentals in Berlin Lake
Transportation
Driving
All roads leading to the COE lake and campgrounds are paved, making the journey relatively simple even in a bigger rig. This area of Ohio near Akron and Cleveland can experience large amounts of snow and cold temperatures in the winter. If you are traveling off-season, bring appropriate gear and carry snow tires and/or chains to help you navigate the potential snow and ice.
Parking
Both the campground and recreation area have sufficient parking for RVs and trailers. It's best to stick to parking in designated areas only since the roadsides may be too narrow.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Berlin Lake
Campsites in Berlin Lake
Reservations camping
Mill Creek Campground
There is only one COE campground at Berlin Lake, but luckily it's a big one. The 314 sites can be on grassy areas in the sun or in more wooded areas by the lake. Rigs up to 61 feet in length are easily accommodated. All the sites are pet-friendly and almost 100 of them have electric hookups. The campground is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and sites must be reserved in advance.
Recreation is one of the main highlights at Mill Creek Campground. The recreation area has a boat ramp to get you on the water quickly and a playground for the kids. The whole family can even have a game of volleyball on the campground's court.
Other amenities here include a dump station, flush toilets, and showers. Each campsite has its own picnic table and fire pit to make it as comfortable as possible.
Seasonal activities in Berlin Lake
In-Season
Swimming
With over 70 miles of shoreline, it's not surprising that swimming is a major attraction at Berlin Lake during the summer months. There are no official swimming areas and all water activities are done at your own risk.
It's relatively easy to get into the water for a dip because some of the banks of the lake are only gently sloped. You can even scuba dive here if you have the equipment. The average depth of the lake is between ten and 15 feet.
Water Sports
Boating is another popular thing to do at Berlin Lake. This Army Corps of Engineers Lake makes it easy to do by providing numerous boat ramps around the lake.
There are no speed or horsepower restrictions during the day, but at night speed is limited to 10mph. Every type of boat is welcome at Berlin Lake from canoes and kayaks to larger speed boats. The surface of the lake is calm so the water skiing conditions are perfect.
Interpretive Programs
During the summer camping season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Berlin Lake offers things like educational programs for children, Coast Guard presentations, and nature programs.
These family-friendly events are always changing so you can find more information on the bulletin boards around the campground or by stopping in at the entrance station.
Off-Season
Picnicking
The Mill Creek Recreation Area is a fabulous place to enjoy a picnic. This day-use area features a group picnic shelter that can be reserved online in advance. Both electric and water hookups are available here and the site can accommodate up to 64 people. There are restrooms nearby and it is adjacent to the Mill Creek Campground.
For a more informal picnic, set up at one of the picnic tables scattered throughout this COE park or just put down a blanket. The gentle slope of the shores of the lake provides a good surface area to spread out and an ideal waterfront view.
Fishing
One of the great things to do when the lake is a little cool for swimming or boating is to get out your fishing gear and try your luck. Berlin Lake has one of the only naturally reproducing populations of walleye in the area. This makes it a perfect place to catch one.
If walleye isn't your thing, you can also find varieties of bass, crappie, muskie, and bluegill on the end of your hook. Spring is the best time to fish, when the small and largemouth bass and crappie are in the shallow waters.
If you happen to be in the area in the winter, ice fishing is also permitted on the lake. No matter the season, make sure you have obtained the necessary licenses and obey all catch limits and other regulations.
Bird Watching
Berlin Lake is a wonderful place for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Catch a glimpse of the nesting ospreys or even spot a bald eagle if you're lucky.
Starting in the summer and ending in November, the water of this COE lake is let down one foot per month. The lower level of the lake water creates mudflats spanning hundreds of acres. This is an ideal area to observe shorebirds, both north and south of the Price Road Bridge.
For the best chance of seeing a diverse range of birds, start along the west shoreline and walk south. There are miles of mudflats along here, and it is an excellent place to view migrating birds like gulls, raptors, and waterfowl.
