Back when I was a Girl Scout, my troop leader preferred camping in the winter. Here in Cleveland, winters can be... well, you know. Harsh. Bitter. Snowy. However, we were some of the only (if not the only) people in Camp Ledgewood, and it was pure magic. Footprints in the snow prevented us from getting lost on hikes, the latrines were significantly less aromatic, and we had full reign of the park as the only campers present. Today, I'm a huge advocate of year-round camping near Cleveland. There's just so much to love about our beautiful landscape, and each season has secrets waiting to be uncovered. One of my favorite year-round camping sites in Northeast Ohio is the Mosquito Lake area out in Cortland. You're going to adore this spot, whether you visit in the warmer months or when the chill of winter has set in.
Year-round camping isn't for the faint of heart, but in Northeast Ohio, there's much to discover.
Ohio has four distinct seasons, especially if you're in the northern half of the state. Up here near the snowbelt, things can get chilly in the winter... but boy, is our landscape beautiful. Hear me out: you might actually love winter camping, as there's something magical awaiting discovery in each and every season.
And when it comes to pure majesty, few places quite compare to a night spent at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground.
This incredible state park near Cleveland is a real treat to visit. The first settlers arrived in this area around 1805, and the untamed beauty of the park helps put into perspective what they might have encountered as they set out to tame Ohio's wild landscape.
This enchanting campground is part of Mosquito Lake State Park, a gorgeous landscape with some 2,483 acres of wooded property to explore... and that's excluding the massive 7,850-acre lake for which the park is named.
Believe it or not, this lake was actually man-made. When the Federal Flood Control Act was passed, Mosquito Creek was dammed, and this gorgeous lake was created. In addition to providing flood and pollution control, the lake now also provides domestic water supply.
As far as natural attractions go, the abundance of wildlife is the biggest draw here.
With so much land to explore, it's no wonder native species have found a place to thrive here. Birds are always circling the area, including species like bald and golden eagles. You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for otters... they were once extirpated in Ohio, but reintroduction has allowed their numbers to bounce back, and some are known to frequent the Mosquito Lake area.
Whether you're looking for a forested or lakefront site, there's no shortage of options here!
There are 40 full-service camping sites in Mosquito Lake State Park, and three are ADA accessible. 178 electric sites help make your stay comfortable, and 16 non-electric sites are waiting to entertain the more fearless rugged campers in the area.
If you happen to stop by from mid-April through October, you might consider renting a yurt.
The two on-site yurts offer an experience like no other. These unique structures can sleep up to four, and a microwave, refrigerator, and propane gas grill help transform your average camping experience into a glamping memory. The best part? The yurts are both ADA accessible!
If you come outside of peak season... well, you're still in for a treat.
If you're an RVer, the colder months are the perfect opportunity to head out and explore the wilderness.
Be sure to check your booking in advance to make sure there aren't any situations that prevent your RV's entry into the park, but otherwise, you're going to love winter camping! The campground will likely be all yours, and the trails will have fewer hikers than in the warmer months. Personally, I love the privacy that comes with winter camping... and believe me, the latrines are mercifully fairly scent-free when there's snow on the ground.
With natural beauty, oodles of wildlife, fishing, hunting, swimming, an archery range, and more, it's no wonder locals love Mosquito Lake State Park.
The park is in Trumbull County, so it's a little over an hour away from home. Despite the proximity, the landscape feels quite a bit different from home. It's more rugged, less urban, and comes with a slower pace of life.
You're going to love your stay at Mosquito Lake State Park.
Look for the campground at 3620 Hoagland-Blackstub Road, Cortland, OH, 44410.
When it comes to year-round camping near Cleveland, Mosquito Lake State Park is truly one of the finest local attractions. With no shortage of land to explore and an abundance of wildlife, there's simply so much to discover.
While you're in Cortland, check out Green Eagle Winery! Something about the beauty of this area just pairs so well with a nice cabernet.
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