Surrounded by the lands of West Branch State Park and featuring an abundance of recreational activities, Michael J Kirwan Lake is the perfect place for your next lakeside RV getaway destination. Located in Portage County, Michael J Kirwan Lake is one of 16 flood control projects within the Pittsburgh district. Before its construction, the area was frequented by Native Americans due to the Mahoning River (which the dam impounds) as the river was a great place to find salt.
The U.S Corps of Engineers built the lake in 1965 for a variety of reasons, including offering flood control, recreational activities, water supply, and wildlife management. It takes its name from former senator Michael J Kirwan, who served as a congressional representative for over 30 years. After a year of being open, the U.S Corps of Engineers leased the dam and its surrounding land to the state of Ohio for it to become a state park.
Now recognized by most as West Branch State Park, there are over 5,000 acres of land to explore, along with the 2,650-acre lake. The picturesque green farmland that surrounds the park and lake provide the perfect backdrop for many recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain bike riding.
West Branch State Park also has a suburb campground that is suitable for beginner or experienced RV lovers. There are over 200 campsites available to choose from, including some that have full hookups. Peak season at Michael J Kirwan Lake is from the beginning of April until the end of October.
Michael J Kirwan Lake is an easy place to drive to and from thanks to the many public roads that service the lake. The most popular way for visitors to reach the lake is by taking Ravenna Warren Road above the lake, or Alliance Road below it. Due to the lake's large size, you will have to drive on both sides if you want to see all that it has to offer. Thankfully you don't have to go all away around the lake to get to the other side as there is a bridge on Rock Spring Road.
If you want to pick up any supplies before your visit, you can stop into Newton Falls (around seven miles away), Ravenna (around 11 miles away), or Kent (around 17 miles away). Michael J Kirwan Lake is also located near multiple cities, including Warren (around 17 miles away), Akron (around 31 miles away), and Cleveland (around 54 miles away).
All of the roads in and around the park are kept in good condition, and they are plenty wide enough to navigate with RVs up to 80 feet easily. During the wintertime, there can be significant snowfalls at the lake, so we recommend calling ahead to the park office to ensure the roads will be open if you plan on visiting during this time.
There are plenty of parking lots located all around Michael J Kirwan Lake.
West Branch State Park is the number one location for those who want to stay at Michael J Kirwan Lake. There is a beautiful campground that is kept in an excellent condition on the northern side of the lake. The campground consists of three main loops that have sites known for having level pads and many trees that make each site feel private.
In total, there are 193 RV friendly sites to choose from. One hundred fifty sites feature 50 amp electric hookups, and 29 have full hookups, while a further 14 are primitive non-electric sites. Some of the sites offer lake views, and if the campground gets muddy, staff are on hand with hay to help out. Some of the amenities within the campground include showers, flush toilets, a camp store, fire rings, picnic tables, water collection points, and a dump station. You will also be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers and pets are allowed at all campsites.
Reservations for the campground can be made up to six months in advance, and we recommend that you do so to not miss out on this experience.
While there are no official first come, first served campsites available during the wintertime, there are no reservations available, making every campsite first come, first served. If there are open campsites during the peak season they can be available without a reservation. However, this method is not recommended as you are risking not having a place to stay if you don't make a reservation.
One of the best ways to enjoy the warm summer weather is by heading to the beach on the south side of Michael J Kirwan Lake. Here you will find a large 700-foot sandy beach that is perfect for you to relax on when you aren't in the water. The beach area also has some great amenities, including outside showers, restrooms, changing booths, and a snack machine. Be aware that pets aren't allowed at the beach, and there will be no lifeguard on duty.
Another great way to spend your day at Michael J Kirwan Lake is by exploring the water. There are some great boating opportunities to be had as there is no horsepower limit, so boats of all shapes and sizes can enjoy what the lake has to offer. There are five boat ramps available for you to use, including a life jacket loaner at the west boat ramp. You can even rent a boat if you don't have one at the private marina on the south side of the lake.
Disc golf lovers rejoice! There are a total of 27 holes around Michael J Kirwan Lake for you to enjoy during your visit. All of the tees feature concrete pads, and they are suitable for people of all ages to play. The 18-hole course is located near the beach area, and a nine-hole course can be found near the campground. If you don't have your own discs, there are some available to rent at the park office. The rental is free; however, you will have to put down a refundable deposit.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Michael J Kirwan Lake.
If you are planning on visiting Michael J Kirwan Lake with your family or friends, there are three group camp spots within the West Branch State Park. All three sites are located on the western side of the campground and can accommodate up to 25 people per site. The 2500 square foot sites feature two fire rings, six picnic tables, and you can have up to two pets join you. The rest of the campground amenities are in easy walking distance.
Reservations are highly recommended for the group sites as they are limited in number. During the offseason, they are available on a first-come, first-served only basis.
If you plan on bringing your horse to Michael J Kirwan Lake, you will be thrilled to know that there is an equestrian campground available for you to call home. The equestrian campground is separated from the normal campground and features 20 sites that are all primitive. All of the sites are back-in and there are no amenities available besides pit toilets and horse drinking water.
The equestrian sites are available for reservation up to six months in advance and become first-come, first-served sites during the offseason.
Michael J Kirwan Lake is an angler's paradise thanks to its expansive waters and various inlets and coves. Fishing is possible on the banks of the lake or by taking a boat out to find the harder to reach spots. Some of the fish commonly caught in the lake include walleye, catfish, bluegill, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass. If you forgot your rod and reel, you can rent some fishing gear from the marina. Before you cast out a line, make sure that you have an Ohio fishing license.
Those who love to hike need to remember to pack their hiking boots as there are over 14 miles of trails available for you to explore. A section of the Ohio Buckeye Trail passes through the state parklands and is connected to the campground, thanks to a two-mile spur trail. The most popular area for hiking is on the southern side of the park, especially the Cable Line Trail. Since the area around Michael J Kirwan Lake is mostly untouched, be aware of any animals that may also be out exploring.
Once the winter season really starts to kick in, the area in and around Michael J Kirwan Lake transforms into a winter wonderland that is begging for you to explore. The temperatures get so cold that the lake freezes over, so you can enjoy ice fishing, ice skating, or even ice boating. Off the lake, the trails are the perfect location for cross country skiing or for busting out the snowshoes to explore in. Snowmobiles are also permitted, and the trails for this adrenaline-filled activity start at the west boat ramp.
