Mill Creek Camping at Berlin Lake Wildlife Area offers 1,700 acres of camping space with both wooded and lakefront sites. Located just 20 minutes from Columbiana, the area sits at about 950 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures ranging from 75-85°F. Weather can shift quickly, especially near Berlin Lake where afternoon thunderstorms develop in summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mill Creek Camping provides numerous access points to Berlin Lake for anglers. "One of my favorite campgrounds! Nice boat dock! Love the lake front sites! And excellent price!" reports camper Sami Jo L.
Hiking trails: Breakneck Campground connects directly to McConnell's Mill State Park trails. A camper notes, "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park."
Archery practice: Mosquito Lake State Park maintains an archery range for target practice. "We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," shares Karen D., who travels about two hours to visit this park multiple times yearly.
Disc golf courses: Several parks offer disc golf, including Punderson State Park. A visitor commented on the "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf."
What campers like
Lakefront camping: At West Branch State Park Campground, waterfront sites allow direct water access. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," notes Katelyn P.
Tent platforms: Breakneck Campground offers elevated timber platforms overlooking the gorge. One camper described them as "tent platforms which was where i landed... overlooking the gorge." These provide a unique camping experience compared to traditional tent sites.
Private creek sites: The secluded creek-side sites at Breakneck Campground receive high praise. "We were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private. There's rough terrain so typically these sites are walk in," explains Taylor S.
Clean facilities: Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping maintains well-kept grounds and restrooms. Kevin D. shared, "The campground was very clean and well maintained. Has activities for all ages. Staff is super friendly and there was plenty for the kids to do, pool, arcade, fishing, and playground."
What you should know
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Punderson State Park Campground, a camper warned, "The lots are not even close to level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level. Saw one RV with auto levelers with his tire about foot off the ground."
Reservation requirements: Berlin Lake sites fill quickly, especially waterfront spots. "All sites are reservation only and they usually fill up fast," explains Renee G. about Mill Creek Camping.
Alternative routes: Some campgrounds have access challenges. A Mercer-Grove City KOA visitor advised, "We use both the RV Garmin 890 & RV Trip Wizard and both had us doing some crazy side roads to get into the KOA. Be sure to use the park's directions for an easier drive in."
Winter camping options: For yurt camping near Columbiana, Ohio during colder months, some parks remain open year-round. "This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!" shared Sienna L. about Salem-Lisbon KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beaches: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground offers swimming options for children. David A. noted, "Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!" making it suitable for family outings.
Playground facilities: Mill Creek Camping includes a nature-focused play area. One visitor mentioned, "Beach was great and there an epic playground for kids. If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds organize scheduled events. At Mercer-Grove City KOA, "On Saturday morning, Amish people come in and sell their baked goods. A text reminder came from the office. They had canned goods, eggs, and baked items including 1 GF item."
Quiet time enforcement: Be aware of noise policies and enforcement. One Breakneck Campground visitor reported, "I got about 2 hours of sleep Saturday night total, and the last time I was woken up my watch said 3:48 am. Clearly there is absolutely no enforcement of the quiet hours whatsoever."
Tips from RVers
Electric service variations: At Punderson State Park, "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service," according to one RVer, which may not support all appliances simultaneously.
Dump station access: Even without staying overnight, some facilities allow services. A visitor to Mercer-Grove City KOA noted, "They permit non guests to utilize the dump site at a small fee $20 (during non peak times). Convenient location off of route 80."
Site selection for large rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big RVs. A Lake Milton Berlin Lake KOA camper shared, "Our spot was level but our sewer hookup was next to the neighbors campfire so we couldn't hook up and had to use the dump station before we left."
Yurt options near Columbiana: For those interested in yurt accommodations instead of traditional RV camping, West Branch State Park offers yurt rentals as alternative glamping options. One visitor described the park as having "private, spacious, shady sites" making it ideal for those seeking comfort without bringing an RV.
