Glamping accommodations near Cortland, Ohio provide comfortable alternatives to traditional camping with varying amenities based on location and season. Cortland sits at an elevation of 932 feet in Trumbull County with hot summers reaching 82°F and cold winters dropping to 18°F. The region features several lakes and reservoirs that create natural boundaries between camping areas and offer water recreation access during summer months.
What to do
Archery practice: Mosquito Lake State Park has designated archery ranges for visitors who bring their own equipment. "We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," notes Karen D., who travels about two hours to visit the park.
Kayaking on calm lakes: West Branch State Park Campground offers excellent kayaking conditions with smooth waters. "We took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," reports Andrea F., who enjoyed paddling despite having issues with her campsite.
Geocaching adventures: Punderson State Park combines outdoor exploration with technology-based treasure hunting. "We also played some disc golf and went geocaching," mentioned one visitor who explored the park's various trails and recreational opportunities.
Swimming at the lake: The swimming areas vary by location, with some more developed than others. "The swimming lake was pretty gross. Lots of algae and lots of mud," reports Chuck E. from Lake Milton Berlin Lake KOA, while other campers mention cleaner swim areas at different parks.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the size and privacy of sites at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground. "The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing," writes Courtney C., though she notes that amenities for tent campers can be limited.
Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners consistently praise parks with dedicated dog facilities. "There are many trails and even a dog park next to the lake," mentions Jim L. about Mosquito Lake State Park. This makes these areas particularly popular for campers traveling with four-legged companions.
Lakefront access: Direct water access from campsites ranks high with visitors. "We had a vacant lot on either side of us and our lot (a24) was right on water," says Joe F. about Kool Lakes Family RV Park, adding that his children fished from "sun up to about noon" directly from their site.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower facilities matter to campers. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," reports one visitor about West Branch State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping often means dealing with wet conditions. "Unfortunately our campsite was under water due the extensive rains recently this past week and spring overall," reports Samantha J. from Mosquito Lake, though staff helped them find alternative sites.
Site elevation challenges: Uneven terrain affects comfort at several campgrounds. At Punderson State Park Campground, "the sites are not maintained well and have lots of weeds and some are very close and are essentially sharing the space with the fire ring and picnic table with other campers," according to Greg A.
Reservation requirements: The more popular parks fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G., who visits West Branch regularly with family.
Water conditions: Lake quality varies throughout the season. "The algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible, so we stopped bringing the kayak," notes Rose S. about Mosquito Lake during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Nature programs: Several parks offer specialized activities for children. "If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters," shares Joe F. about Mill Creek Camping at Berlin Lake Wildlife Area.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "The pool has been leaking for last 2 yrs. as of last wknd pool was still closed. Memorial Day wknd that is," warns Ron J. about Adventure Bound Shenango Valley, highlighting the importance of checking facility status before booking.
Weekend entertainment: Many parks schedule regular weekend activities. "Concert every Saturday during the summer. Great lake to take the kayaks on," mentions Linda R. about Mosquito Lake's summer programming.
Accessibility concerns: Consider terrain when planning family activities. "Campground is flat and great for bike riding. Nice playground for kids," reports Heidi B., noting the advantage of level grounds for younger visitors.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Check available power options when booking. "We chose this state park because it was close and had good reviews... Great atmosphere and nicely wooded lots. Decent size too. Only negatives I have are some of lots are pretty uneven," notes Joe F. about his camping experience.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this region have sloped sites. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," reports Andrea F. about Jamestown Campground at Pymatuning State Park.
Dump station access: Facilities for waste disposal vary between parks. "The camp has no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping," writes Courtney C. about Mosquito Lake, indicating infrastructure limitations that affect longer stays.
Site selection tips: Research specific site characteristics before booking. "Some are big and flat some are on an incline," notes one camper about Punderson, emphasizing the importance of reviewing site-specific details.
