Facilities and Activities:
| General | Land, acres | 5379 | | | Water, acres | 2650 | | Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hunting | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | 41 | | | Picnicking | yes | | | Picnic Shelters, # | 6 | | | Swimming Beach, feet | 700 | | | Mountain Bike Trails, miles | 7 | | | Bridle Trails, miles | 20 | | | Beach Concession | yes | | | Nature Programs | yes | | Boating | Boat Rental | yes | | | Boating Limits | -2 | | | Seasonal Dock Rental | 284 | | | Launch Ramps, # | 4 | | | Fuel For Sale | yes | | Camping | Primative, # | 14 | | | Electric Sites, # | 154 | | | Full Hookup Sites, # | 29 | | | Pets Permitted | yes | | | Dumpstation | yes | | | Group Camp, capacity | 50 | | | Horsemen Campsites, # | 10 | | Winter | Cross-Country Skiing | yes | | | Snowmobiling | yes | | | Ice Boating | yes | | | Ice Fishing | yes |
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State Park Link:
West Branch State Park
Nearby Parks:
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Quail Hollow State Park
Tinkers Creek State Park
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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West Branch State Park
5708 Esworthy Road
Ravenna, Ohio 44266-9659
Phone: 330-296-3239
Reservations: 866-644-6727
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Area Accommodations
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Reservations: |
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Reservations: 
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| State Park Overview: |
| West Branch State Park's large lake with its many forks and coves is extremely popular with fishermen, boaters and swimmers. The park's meadows and woodlots provide an excellent backdrop for camping, hiking and horseback riding. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| West Branch State Park in Portage County is situated on the glaciated plateau of northeastern Ohio. Although the land was uplifted as part of the Appalachian Mountain building process, the glaciers were able to override the gentle hills of the plateau. Huge ice blocks broke free from the glaciers and kettle lakes formed as the blocks melted. Eventually, these lakes filled with sediment leaving boggy wetlands with unique assemblages of plants. The West Branch area contains numerous bogs filled with buttonbush, alder, skunk cabbage and swamp white oak.
Another natural feature of the park is the stand of beech-maple forest. In pioneer times, the beech-maple belt in Ohio was very extensive and stretched across the plateau from Mansfield to Pennsylvania. These woodlands harbor a variety of plant and animal life. Woodland wildflowers such as Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot and trillium are found here. Red fox, skunk, opossum and raccoon find the park's habitat suitable. Songbirds occupy the leafy canopy of the woodlands while waterfowl and shorebirds dabble in the reservoir. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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the cleanest shower and bathrooms i have ever seen, it is ashame that findley lake restrooms are so discusting
Written by lrockyriver@cox.net
29-Aug-2008
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Hunting
Deer hunting is good this year got a 12 point buck over by the beach area with my bow not to many hunters out though
Written by Scott
30-Nov-2008
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thanks a lot
i hunted 3 days of openning week of gun season and i had 7 people walk in and site down withen 40 yards of me and they never seen me till i got up and walked out. thats why u have to weare blaze orenge. so u can c other hunters......
Written by lil black truck
16-Dec-2008
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Very Popular Campground
They have 198 sites. About 12 are non-electric, about 160 are electric and about 25 are full service. Everything was rebuilt about 6-7 years ago. 4 brand new showerhouses, new paving, new boat launch, new check-in station. We like it because it is 25 miles from home. The problem is this: when they re-built the park many of the new sites are not level. The website will say they are level, but many are not. Many are very short in length. Most of the sites have some sort of shade. Speaking of the showerhouses. Yes, they are very nice and well kept. Boaters like it here because the campground is built on a peninsula, which campers can tie their boats up near their campsites. Across the lake is a nice mountain biking trail area that is maintained by CAMBA. Very nice....
Written by Superslif
8-Apr-2009
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love this campground
everything is so nice, bathrooms, sites, and the workers! Havent been anywhere nicer, and i camp a lot!
Written by L.F.
21-May-2010
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| Camping: |
| There are 103 campsites in both sunny and shaded areas. Some sites are along the lake with boat tie-ups. A group camp is available for organizations up to fifty people. |
| Trails: |
| An extensive trail system has been developed at West Branch. More than twelve miles of hiking trails provide access to the natural world. A portion of the state's Buckeye Trail passes through the park. The park offers extensive snowmobile trails when conditions permit. Trail starts at the west boat ramp. Twenty miles of bridle trails traverse woodlands and meadows. Riders must provide their own horses. A horse camp is open by permit only. |
| Picnicking: |
| There are 103 campsites in both sunny and shaded areas. Some sites are along the lake with boat tie-ups. A group camp is available for organizations up to fifty people. |
| Boating: |
| The lake's 2,650 acres stretch over seven miles and offer many forks and coves with miles of shoreline. The lake is designated for unlimited horsepower. Boat rentals, gasoline and supplies are available at the marina. Four launch ramps provide access to the lake. Dock rentals are on a seasonal basis. A no-wake zone extends 300 feet from all shorelines. The entire area west of Rock Spring Road causeway is also a no-wake zone. |
| Swimming: |
| The park's 700-foot sand beach includes a showerhouse, change booth and snack bar. A boat swimming area is availablele. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Year-round fishing at West Branch offers large and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, catfish and trophy-class muskellunge. Fishing access is available at two paved and two gravel launch areas as well as numerous shoreline access points. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.West Branch State Park is open for hunting, in season, with small game, waterfowl and deer being most common. The northeastern section of the park, which is bound on the west by Rockspring Road and on the south by the lakeshore, is closed to hunting. This no-hunting area includes the park office, camp area, horse camp, dam and East Boat Ramp. A 400-foot no hunting/safety zone extends from all other developed facilities. Hunting is limited to shotguns and primitive weapons for most game. A valid Ohio hunting license is required. Contact the park office for details. Target shooting is prohibited. |
| History of the Area: |
| West Branch State Park is located on the west branch of the Mahoning River in Portage County. The river was named for the Delaware Indian word mahonink meaning "at the salt lick." In early days, a salt works was located southeast of present-day Warren along the river. The salt, which attracted a variety of wildlife, was harvested by Indians and early settlers.
At the west end of the park is a crossroads known as Campbellsport, named for Captain John Campbell who mustered militia for the War of 1812 at the site and then marched them on Cleveland. Captain Campbell originally came to the area in 1805 as a surveyor and land agent for proprietor Samuel Hinckley. Captain Campbell also served as Portage County sheriff from 1810 to 1813. He constructed what is said to be the oldest brick land-office building in Ohio (circa 1810). Prior to the flooding of the reservoir, this building was moved to a site at the Portage County Historical Society where it has been preserved and restored.
In 1965, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The reservoir was developed for flood control, water supply, recreation and fish and wildlife management. West Branch State Park was formally opened in 1966. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Cottages and Cabins | |  | Kickin' Back Cabins - Beallsville, OH
We offer newly constructed quality cabin lodging to responsible couples and families who want to "get back to the basics" of life. Take a family hike in the woods exploring nature, then relax by the fire roasting marshmallows and enjoying conversation. Or if you prefer savor a romantic moonlight soak in the hot tub. We offer secluded, inviting cabins for you to "kick back" and enjoy!
Web Site: http://www.kickinbackcabins.com/ |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Recreation Around the Water - Recreation Around the Water. [return to Recreation] With trails to explore, animals and birds to watch and dam tours to take, you can have as much fun around the water at Pittsburgh District... | | Michael J. Kirwan Lake - Michael J. Kirwan Lake recreation | | Coldwell Banker Hunter Realty - Real Estate Listings in the Cleveland, Ohio and surrounding areas of northeastern Ohio. Includes specific information on real estate listings, homes, residential, relocation, photos, maps | | Section by Section Close Up - ... See a map of this section Two State Parks are the highlights of this section. West Branch State Park circles the western edge of the Michael J. Kirwan reservoir. Lots of older hardwoods, rolling ... | | Mogadore Section Close Up - HOME PAGE. BUCKEYE TRAIL ASSOCIATION. UPCOMING EVENTS. BTA WORK PARTIES. CIRCUIT HIKE. ON-LINE STORE. TRAIL ALERTS. PHOTO GALLERY. FEATURED HIKE. SHORT HIKES. << Burton Section. Mogadore... | | Darren Stuart Embry's Map Collection - The Details - ... bike paths); Newport (streets, bike paths) West Branch State Park (1998) Publisher: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Coverage Areas: West Branch State Park, Ravenna, OH Duke University Maps and ... | | Darren Stuart Embry's Map Collection By Category - ... Rhode Island Department of Transportation Rhode Island West Branch State Park 1998 Ohio Department of Natural Resources West Branch State Park, Ravenna, OH Trails Illustrated Mammoth Cave National ... | | Boating America Ohio - Boaters listing of inland lakes and rivers for Ohio | | Parks and Recreation Areas near Kent, OH - Parks and Recreation Areas near Kent, Ohio. Bath Hollow Park 1104 W. Bath Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 330-945-6301. Cleveland Lakefront Park 8701 Lakeshore Blvd. NE Cleveland, OH 216-881-8141. ... | | Ohio Triathlon and Multi-Sport CalendarTriFind.com - ... Ohio: Alliance Carnation ~ Duathlon Run 2 miles, Bike 25 miles, Run 6.2 miles Location: West Branch State Park On-Line Entry: Active.com Sunday, August 25, 2002 Lima: Kewpee/Lima YMCA Triathlon/ ... | | TriFind.com Races - THE OHIO TRIATHALATOR Triathlons Multi-Sport Events. Saturday, April 06, 2002 Toledo, Ohio: Ultra Athlete Indoor Triathlon. 15 min swim/15min bike (CompuTrainer) /15min run. Time: 7:00 am EST. ... | | Horse & Mule Trail Guide USA: Trails, Campgrounds, Overnight in Ohio - This page is for the state of Ohio and is a subpage of Horse Mule Trail Guide USA. ... Trail State Forest, Chillicothe, 614-663-2125 West Branch State Park, Ravenna, 330-296-3239 Walkabout Creek, ... | | Southeast High School, Ravenna, Ohio - Area Links - Here are resource links for Portage County and the surrounding area. School Closing Alert for Portage County and surrounding counties. Portage County Historical Society. Southeast Official Site.... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Tinker's Creek State Park and adjacent state nature preserve, located northwest of Streetsboro, offer additional recreational opportunities. Visitors may enjoy a variety of day-use activities including swimming, picnicking, fishing and hiking. During the spring and fall migration periods, the marsh provides food and shelter for thousands of waterfowl.
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, northeast of Ravenna, also offers picnicking and hiking. Winding foot trails meander around, under and between the spectacular rock formations that have become the trademarks of this state park.
Other state parks in the area include Lake Milton, Quail Hollow, Punderson and Mosquito Lake.
Sea World (Aurora), Geauga Lake Amusement Park (Aurora) and Blossom Music Center (Cuyahoga Falls) appeal to visitors as well. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Cherokee Park Campground
3064 S.R. 43
Mogadore, OH
330-673-1964
| Country Acres Campground
9850 Minyoung Rd.
Ravenna, OH
330-358-2774
| Philabaun's Hidden Cove Resort
P. O. Box 188
Deerfield, OH
330-584-3695
| Ridge Ranch Campground
5219 St. Rt. 303, N.W.
Newton Falls, OH
330-898-8080
| Green Acres Lake Park
P.O. Box 176
Lake Milton, OH
330-538-2194
| Kool Lakes Family Campground
12990 State Route 282
Garrettsville, OH
440-548-8436
| Streetsboro KOA
187 St. Rt. 303
Streetsboro, OH
330-650-2552
| Woodside Lake Park
2486 Frost Road
Streetsboro, OH
330-626-4251
| Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
3392 State Route 82
Mantua, OH
330-562-9100
| Countryside Campground
2687 SR 43
Mogadore, OH
330-628-1212
| Friendship Acres Park Inc.
2210 State Route 44
Atwater, OH
330-325-9527
| Lake O Pines Recreation
1481 Lake O Pines Street
Hartville, OH
330-877-6081
| Lazy Dog Camp- Resort
1527 McGiffins Road
Jackson, OH
740-384-3060
| Hidden Valley
7515 Doak Road
Ravenna, OH
330-297-1175
| McDermott's Lakefront Campground
8999 German Church Rd
North Benton, OH
330-801-1195
| Yeager's Hide-A-Way
4063 Eagle Creek Road
Leavittsburg, OH
330-898-8559
| Whispering Pines
P.O. Box 15
Atwater, OH
330-947-3504
| Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Aurora
3392 State Route 82
Mantua, OH
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Jeff's Bait & Tackle
259 Bridge St
Jackson, OH
(740) 286-0107
| Party Line Beverage & Bait
424 W Turkeyfoot Lake Rd
Akron, OH
(330) 644-4494
| Fisherman's Shack
3294 S Main St
Akron, OH
(330) 645-9256
| November Gun Bait & Tackle
1437 State Route 43
Mogadore, OH
(330) 628-0138
| Bass Boss Bait Inc
2934 Arcadia Rd
Akron, OH
(330) 628-9147
| Long Lake Bait & Tackle
855 Portage Lakes Dr
Akron, OH
(330) 644-1901
| Gander Mountain
2390 Niles Cortland Rd Se
Warren, OH
(330) 544-5800
| Larry's Super Pawn Inc
2875 W Market St
Warren, OH
(330) 898-4197
| West Branch Marina
8109 Cable Line Rd
Ravenna, OH
(330) 296-9209
| West Branch Bait & Tackle
5353 State Route 14
Ravenna, OH
(330) 297-9901
| TMF Sports Shop Inc
4081 Sandy Lake Rd
Ravenna, OH
(330) 296-2614
| Akron Wholesale Live Bait
1856 Conley Rd
Mogadore, OH
(330) 628-2679
| Mogadore Bait & Tackle
780 Randolph Rd
Mogadore, OH
(330) 628-9872
| Sunrise Bait & Tackle
948 Frederick Blvd
Akron, OH
(330) 864-5480
| Manda Bait & Tackle
947 Portage Lakes Dr
Akron, OH
(330) 644-6774
| Western Reserve Fish & Game
1058 W 3rd St
Niles, OH
(330) 544-3993
| Buckeye Worm Farm
800 State Route 534 NW
Newton Falls, OH
(330) 898-8073
| North Coast Bait & Tackle
16963 Mahoning Ave
Lake Milton, OH
(330) 654-2516
| Pheasant View Farm
11625 Beloit Snodes Rd
Beloit, OH
(330) 584-6828
| Anchor Bait & Tackle
2618 State Route 43
Mogadore, OH
(330) 628-3343
| Falls Outdoor Sports
2719 Front St
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
(330) 929-9977
| Springfield Lake Bait & Tacle
2365 Canfield Rd
Akron, OH
(330) 733-3327
| Kame's Sport Center
Akron, OH
(330) 535-2637
| Bob Phillips Elec Co
1064 Ravenna Rd
Kent, OH
(330) 673-5202
| Marlboro Hardware & Bldrs Supply
9271 Edison St NE
Alliance, OH
(330) 935-0179
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Sebring Camp
895 McKinley Ave
Sebring, OH
(330) 938-9444
| Cottage Vacation Rentals
330 N Prospect St
Ravenna, OH
(330) 525-5563
| Avalon Golf & Country Club-Avalon Lakes
1 American Way NE
Warren, OH
(330) 856-8898
| Cottage Vacation Rental
Alliance, OH
(330) 821-2753
| Sheraton
1989 Front St
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
(330) 929-3000
| Courtyard By Marriott Akron
4047 Bridgewater Pkwy
Stow, OH
(330) 945-9722
| Radisson Hotel Akron City Ctr
20 W Mill St
Akron, OH
(330) 384-1500
| Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resorts
Cleveland
Hudson, OH
(330) 656-4489
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| Directions: |
| 5708 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, Ohio 44266-9659 |
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