PITTSBURGH DISTRICT

Recreation

Water sports: Numerous launching ramps are located on the lake for the convenience of boating enthusiasts. Boats of many descriptions can be found on Berlin Lake during the summer, ranging from small fishing boat and sailboats to cruisers and runabouts of unlimited horsepower. There is a 10 M.P.H. speed limit on the lake at night. The usually smooth water surface also provides excellent skiing conditions. The average depth of the lake is between 10 and 15 feet, but some stumps and snags pose hazards for which boaters should be alert. Activities including swimming and scuba diving are allowed at your own risk. Remember all proper safety equipment and to stay clear of restricted areas. Jumping from cliffs, bridges, or other overhanging structures is strictly prohibited and will result in citations or other enforcement actions.

Fishing: Berlin Lake is renowned for its excellent walleye fishing and is one of the very few lakes in the area in which natural reproduction of the walleye population occurs. Anglers will also enjoy fishing for the largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie and bluegill which abound in the lake. Winter offers many opportunities for ice fishing enthusiasts. Marina services, boating and fishing supplies are also available through concessionaires located at the lake.

Hunting: Hunting is permitted at Berlin Lake with the exception of developed recreation areas and posted areas. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages over 6,800 acres of project lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes. Small game species in particular are found in abundance and easy access to hunting areas is available.

Throughout the 2013 summer camping season many nature programs, Coast Guard presentations, and children’s educational activities will be taking place. Stop in at the campground entrance station or check the bulletin boards around the campground for what’s coming up next!

Campground Reservation

Many campsites at four Pittsburgh District lakes – Berlin Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tionesta Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake – can be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), an interagency one-stop center for recreation reservations.  Reservations can be made up to six months before arrival by calling the NRRS toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 or on their web site www.Recreation.gov.  Campsites at all other Pittsburgh District lakes, as well as other campsites at Berlin, Shenango, Tionesta and Youghiogheny, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

FIREWOOD ALERT!

Don't Move Firewood!  Mahoning and Portage Counties are under quarantine for the movement of firewood in and out. The Ohio Department of Agriculture is trying to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an insect that kills ash trees. For more information regarding the devastation of the EAB go to http://www.emeraldashborer.info/index.cfm.  Campers are warned not to risk steep fines by bringing firewood from these quarantine zones into uninfested regions of the state.  Firewood is offered for sale from local private vendors.

ATV Policy for Berlin Lake

Off-road operation of any motorized vehicle on federal land adjacent to Berlin Lake is prohibited by Federal regulation. Violation may result in a written warning or citation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information about federal regulations regarding off-road vehicle operation may be obtained by call the Berlin Lake Office at (330) 547-3781.

The Stark County Parks District has proposed construction of the Mahoning River Trail which would connect the City of Alliance with the Deer Creek Reservoir and provide a scenic multi-purpose trail along the Mahoning River. An Environmental Assessment for the proposed trail was prepared by Environmental Design Group, Inc. for Stark County.  After careful review and evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed trail, the Pittsburgh District prepared the FONSI for the segment of the trial that is on federal land at Berlin Lake.

Day Use Policy at Berlin Lake

For the safety and security of all of Berlin Lake’s visitors, day users who wish to come into the Mill Creek Campground to walk, jog or bicycle during the recreation season must register and obtain a permit at the Contact Station prior to entering. The permit must be visible at all times while in the campground. Activities are limited to two hours per day, Mondays through Thursdays between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Entrance to the campground for these activities is not permitted on weekends and holidays. Parking for day users is permitted only in the Day Use parking lot. Violators of the Mill Creek Campground Day Use Policy will be denied future access to the campground for their activities.

Mill
Creek
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