Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and glamping sites approximately 45 minutes east of Kirtland, Ohio. The 7,850-acre park features a large reservoir surrounded by spacious lakeside campsites with access for boating and fishing. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, creating suitable conditions for water activities and outdoor recreation in this northeastern Ohio region.
What to do
Archery practice: Punderson State Park Campground has an archery range for target shooting during your glamping stay. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," notes Rebecca G.
Kayak rental options: West Branch State Park Campground provides boat rentals and water access directly from campsites. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. 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," explains Alisa G.
Hiking with elevation: While exploring trails near Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, you'll find varied terrain. "There are some really pretty trails not too far from the park itself," shares Renée C., who visited the KOA while exploring nearby Cuyahoga National Park.
Winter camping availability: Unlike seasonal campgrounds in Kirtland, Mosquito Lake State Park Campground remains open year-round. "Great Lodge. Nice lakes and cabins to rent," notes a camper named Coy, mentioning the park's winter accommodations.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: At West Branch State Park Campground, glampers appreciate waterfront access. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us. Beach is right next door too!" reports Rino S.
Private wooded tent areas: Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers secluded tent camping in forested settings. "Its like you have the forest to yourselves out here," explains Jillian E., though she notes, "the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected."
Clean facilities: Woodside Lake Park maintains well-kept amenities for glampers. "We stay here a couple of times per year and every time it's a blast. The swimming pond has inflatables and boat rentals. There's good fishing, and typically lots of activities. The place is clean and friendly," states James S.
Dog-friendly options: Mosquito Lake State Park includes dedicated pet areas. "The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it," shares Courtney C., though she cautions about limited bathroom facilities.
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: Many glamping sites at Punderson State Park require preparation. "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," warns Coy.
Seasonal water quality: Mosquito Lake water conditions vary throughout camping seasons. "The algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible, so we stopped bringing the kayak," notes Rose S. about summer conditions.
Weather preparation: When glamping near Kirtland in cooler months, extra preparation helps. "Even with the colder weather it was nice and cozy. Plenty of fire wood provided and a short distance away from the gorge to walk," reports Ky G. about Penitentiary Glen.
Site selection strategy: For Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA, select specific sites for the best experience. "We always ask for deluxe sites because we travel with 2 dogs and I just like having the extra space. This KOA did not let us down," shares Janet A.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Headwaters Park offers family-friendly recreational areas near glamping sites. "Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks," mentions Rebecca G., highlighting activities suitable for different age groups.
Animal interaction opportunities: The Farm at Grand River provides unique glamping experiences with farm animals. "My 6 year old daughter lived her farm animal dream life for a week! The hosts were so accommodating. My daughter loved the free movie nights under stars, running wild with the goats, and the play grounds and play houses kept her busy for hours!" explains Hillz M.
Weekend activity planning: Weekend glamping trips near Kirtland benefit from scheduled events. "The park is very nice. Great Lodge. Nice lakes and cabins to rent," reports John R., noting "No time for pictures to much family time. Large beautiful park with lots of amenities."
Nature exploration options: Punderson State Park offers educational opportunities. "Beautiful scenery, very large park, fishing, boat rentals, man made beach, loooong floating boardwalk, lots of trails, unique sites and tons of history. It was very fun walking around while learning some of the very old and somewhat creepy history," describes Daniel U.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: At Mosquito Lake State Park Campground, RVers should plan for limited utility connections. "Sites are spacious and level. Very clean park. There are several full hook-up sites. Electric sites near the lake," reports Heidi B., noting the campground layout.
Amperage considerations: Punderson State Park has electrical restrictions. "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service," explains Coy, advising RVers to plan power usage accordingly.
Site selection based on size: RV glampers at West Branch should research site dimensions. "On first impression we were not impressed with this park. First the water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. Also our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke," shares Andrea F.
Security features: Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA offers protected RV camping. "They were accommodating to our late arrival and left a map and gate key at the office for the late arrivers. The site was level and easy to hook up to," notes Scott C.
