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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Mosquito Lake State Park
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Mosquito Lake State Park © Nicole Cravotta
Mosquito Lake State Park © Nicole Cravotta
Mosquito Lake State Park © Nicole Cravotta
Mosquito Lake State Park © Christine Evans
Mosquito Lake State Park © Ken Platt Sr.
Mosquito Lake State Park © Bob Irwin
Mosquito Lake State Park © Amanda Gail Post
Mosquito Lake State Park © Amanda Gail Post
Mosquito Lake State Park © Sabrina Rummell
Mosquito Lake State Park Marina entrance © Sabrina Rummell
Entrance to the Marina during summer at Mosquito Lake state park
Mosquito Lake State Park © Bob Irwin
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MOSQUITO LAKE STATE PARK
MOSQUITO LAKE STATE PARK
1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd
Cortland, Ohio   44410-9303
(lat:41.3029 lon:-80.7688) map location

Phone: (330) 637-2856
Water recreation, hiking, camping and picnicking attract visitors to Mosquito Lake, one of the largest lakes in Ohio. Mature woodlands and vast marshes provide safe haven for wildlife and will delight nature enthusiasts.
Nature of the Area
Before Ohio was settled, the banks of Mosquito Creek were hidden by a vast forest that covered most of the state. Little remains of the ancient forest that stood for nearly 10,000 years. In the Mosquito Lake area, regrowth has occurred and the nice stands of beech-maple woodlands can be enjoyed. In pioneer times, the beech-maple belt was very extensive and stretched from Mansfield to Pennsylvania. The reason is that this area has more cloudy days, cooler summer temperatures and more winter snow cover as compared to the rest of Ohio.

The park's woodlands support colonies of spring beauties, anemones, Dutchman's breeches, purple cresses and other spring wildflowers. Goldenrod and asters will bloom in the fall in the park's open areas. Many wildlife species find the park's varied habitats suitable. Red fox, woodchuck, muskrat, beaver, fox squirrel, raccoon, rabbit and white-tailed deer are common. Recently, river otters were reintroduced in nearby favorable locations. Several otter families have been sighted.

Many birds live in or migrate through the area including robins, warblers, swallows and sparrows. The yellow-bellied sapsucker and hairy woodpecker are uncommon in other parts of Ohio but abundant in this part of the state. Numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds take advantage of the park's many wetlands during spring and fall migrations. Canada geese, herons, tundra swans, great egrets and a variety of ducks can be observed. Large predatory birds including several species of hawks and the magnificent bald and golden eagles have been spotted here.
History of the Area
Mosquito Lake State Park lies in Bazetta and Mecca townships in the center of Trumbull County. In 1795, the Connecticut Land Company offered for sale a 17,247-acre tract of land named Bazetta Township. This large tract of land was divided into 100 parcels and offered for sale to the early pioneers. The first settlers arrived in the township in 1805. The area was wilderness, and their first tasks were to clear the land, plant crops, build a log house and a stockade for their animals. Deer, turkey, rabbit and squirrel were plentiful. So were bears and wolves. By 1812, most Indians had left the area.

Samuel Bacon moved to Bazetta Township in 1816. The Bacon family operated a sawmill from 1816 to 1850. Samueal Bacon erected some of the first frame buildings, developing stores in the community. Thus, the area now named Cortland was locally called Baconsburg.

The village of Cortland became a reality in 1874 when the first railroad was built with a depot in Cortland. By 1882, the population of the village rose to 614 people. There were three churches, two newspapers, stores, mills and other enterprises.

Agriculture was the first and foremost industry in the area. Most other industries were farm related: feed and flour mill, cheese, dairy and canning factories, mercantiles and lumberyards.

In 1930's, plans were drawn up to dam the Mosquito Creek under the Federal Flood Control Act to alleviate floods on the Mahoning, Beaver and Ohio rivers. The dam would also provide domestic water supply for the city of Warren and pollution abatement as a result of the industrialized steel production along the Mahoning River. Completed in April 1944, the dam's capacity held 34 billion gallons of water covering 7,850 acres of land. In 1946. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers entered into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to manage the recreation on the lake.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres2,483
 Water, acres4,000
 Nearby Wildlife Area, acres5,370
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles20
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beach, feet600
 Bridle Trails, miles20
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating LimitsUnlimited HP
 Seasonal Dock Rental250
 Launch Ramps, #5
 Fuel For Saleyes
CampingPrimitive, #16
 Electric Sites, #218
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
Phase II of the campground electrification will begin in mid-August. The campground will remain open, however site availability may be limited at times.

The campground at Mosquito Lake has 234 non-electric sites. The majority of the sites are situated in a mature forest while others provide lakeshore access and vistas. There is a boat launching area for the campers with shoreline tie-ups. Facilities include a shower building with flush toilets, and pit latrines are located throughout the camp. Children's playground, horseshoe pits and volleyball are also available.
Swimming
A 600-foot beach provides recreation for swimmers and sun bathers.
Boating
Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on the 7,850-acre lake. Four launch ramps provide access to the lake. Fuel, boat rentals and seasonal dock rentals are available.
Fishing
Mosquito Lake State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main attraction is the 7,850-acre Mosquito Lake, one of the largest lakes in Ohio. This lake is home to various species such as walleye, bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), crappie, bluegill and catfish.

There are several ways you can fish at this state park: from shorelines or piers; by wading into shallow waters; or using boats which could be rented on-site if needed. Boat ramps are available around the lake for easy access with your own boat too.

Ice fishing also becomes popular during winter months when conditions allow it - usually targeting panfish like perch but occasionally catching larger game fish as well.

For those who prefer fly-fishing there's an opportunity to catch trout that have been stocked upstream where cooler water temperatures suit them better than warmer parts of the reservoir.

The park has no specific restrictions regarding bait types so feel free to use live baits like worms or minnows along with artificial lures depending upon what kind of fish you're trying to attract.

Fishing licenses required by law must be obtained before starting any type activities within these areas though they're easily accessible online through ODNR website prior arrival here



Picnicking
Several picnic areas are located in the scenic areas of the park. Tables and grills are provided.
Bicycling
Beware, cycling enthusiasts! There are 15 miles of multi-use trails for your enjoyment. Be cautious on shared paths.

For those seeking a challenge, the park's terrain varies from flat to hilly. Stay alert!

Remember that helmets and proper gear are essential when biking in this area due to potential hazards.

The paved bike path is suitable for all skill levels but requires attention as it winds through wooded areas.

Mountain bikers should note: some sections can be quite challenging with steep inclines and rough surfaces - proceed carefully!

In winter months, these trails may not be cleared of snow or ice; thus making them potentially dangerous for cyclists.

Cyclists must respect trail rules at all times including yielding right-of-way where necessary - safety first!

Nighttime riding isn't recommended given limited visibility conditions within forested regions here.

Finally, always check weather forecasts before setting out since sudden changes could make certain routes unsafe.
Trails
Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the woodlands and scenic shoreline of the park. Ten miles of bridle trails give horsemen access to the park's interior. Snowmobilers have access to 14 miles of shoreline and 15 miles of wooded trails.
Birding
This Ohio state park offers a variety of birding options for enthusiasts. It is home to over 180 species, including waterfowl and songbirds that can be spotted throughout the year. The area's diverse habitats such as wetlands, forests and meadows attract different types of birds making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers. There are also several trails available where visitors can walk while observing these creatures in their natural environment.
Area Attractions
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains five recreational areas along the dam site providing an nature trail and fitness course. A wheelchair accessible fishing dock is located in the Lakeside Picnic Area.

Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, at the north end of the lake, is managed under a lease agreement by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Grand River Wildlife Area is located west of the park along State Route 88.

Punderson, Pymatuning and West Branch state parks are located within a one-hour drive of Mosquito Lake. These parks contain numerous facilities including overnight accommodations and day-use amenities.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 29 Favorite park by [email protected]
park review stars; one to five We have been regular visitors to Mosquito Lake for several years now. We have 3 grandchild and they love it!! There is always something going on for the children.The rangers have always been kind and helpful. We will continue to frequent this Lake.
August 29 GREAT PARK!!! by Dwayne
park review stars; one to five Have camped there a few times in the last couple of years, ALWAYS a GREAT time, have 2 sites reserved for Labor Day weekend, going with some friends!! Should have a Ball!!!!!!
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
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2390 Niles Cortland Rd Se
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Scott's Fishing Equipment & Sporting Goods
260 W Main St
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Western Reserve Fish & Game
1058 W 3rd St
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Pikie Bay
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Captain Dan's
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Area Cabins and Lodges
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1439 State Route 305, Cortland, Ohio 44410-9303

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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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