Mosquito Lake State Park Campground provides equestrian camping opportunities near Madison, Ohio, approximately 35 miles from the city. The 7,850-acre lake sits at an elevation of 899 feet, with the surrounding terrain characterized by gentle hills and mixed hardwood forests. Winter camping remains available with reduced services, while summer weekends typically require advance reservations.
What to do
Archery practice: West Branch State Park Campground features a dedicated archery range where campers can practice their skills. "We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," notes Andrea F., who also mentions that the park offers "some really nice hiking trails" and disc golf courses.
Kayak fishing: Launch directly from waterfront sites at West Branch State Park Campground. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. There are many inlets to explore or fish," explains Alisa G., who recommends reserving waterside sites six months in advance as they "fill up quickly."
Weekend events: The campgrounds regularly host community activities throughout summer. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," shares Alisa G. about West Branch, while Linda R. notes that Mosquito Lake offers a "concert every Saturday during the summer."
What campers like
Private shower facilities: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground is upgrading its bathroom facilities. Heidi B. observed that "new bathrooms are under construction" during her stay, while campers at West Branch appreciate the existing facilities, with Dan M. noting the "clean individual showers" as a standout feature.
Dog-friendly areas: The expansive dog park at Mosquito Lake stands out to visitors. "The dog park is amazing," writes Courtney C., while Jim L. adds that the park has "many trails and even a dog park next to the lake," making it particularly appealing for those traveling with pets.
Winter accessibility: Most campgrounds in the area offer year-round access with adjusted services. West Branch State Park maintains winter operations, though Karen D. recommends their summer offerings when they "will do movie nights on the weekends" and the archery range is fully accessible.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many lakefront sites require leveling equipment. At West Haven RV Park and Campground, the owner is "very accommodating" according to Pete D., who arrived without a reservation and was placed "in a very nice spot right next to huge freshly mowed field in the rear of the park."
Reservation timing: During peak season, waterfront sites book months in advance. Joe F. notes that Mosquito Lake has "nicely wooded lots" but cautions that "some of lots are pretty uneven."
Limited primitive facilities: Some amenities may be concentrated in central locations rather than distributed throughout the grounds. According to Courtney C., while Mosquito Lake has "huge" sites, there are "no real bathrooms except at the front of the park" and "no place to wash dishes," which can be "rough if you're tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
Nature playgrounds: Kids particularly enjoy the specialized play areas designed with natural elements. Joe F. highlights that at Mosquito Lake "there's an epic playground for kids" and specifically mentions that "if your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters."
Bike-friendly terrain: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground features flat, open areas ideal for family cycling. Heidi B. notes the "campground is flat and great for bike riding" and has a "nice playground for kids," making it particularly suitable for families with young children.
Activity loans: Check with park offices about borrowing recreational equipment. West Branch's "park office loans games and sports equipment to campers," according to Alisa G., which provides additional entertainment options without needing to pack extra gear.
Tips from RVers
Electric/water access: Most sites offer electric hookups, but placement varies. At West Branch State Park Campground, Rino S. found that while his site had "no electricity, no hook ups," it was a "HUGE lakefront site" that worked well for his "self-contained RV."
Water fill challenges: Be prepared for potentially awkward water fill stations. Andrea F. notes at West Branch "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," which was "okay for a short weekend but not good planning from whoever designed the park."
Winter camping considerations: Year-round sites remain available for prepared RVers. Those camping at Mosquito Lake during cooler months should note Rose S.'s observation that the "algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible, so we stopped bringing the kayak" during certain seasons.
