Berlin Lake

Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, Berlin Lake is one of 16 flood damage reduction projects in the Army Corps’ Pittsburgh District. The project provides flood protection for the Mahoning River Valley as well as for the Beaver and Upper Ohio Rivers.

Since its completion in 1943, the Berlin Lake project has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $2.6 billion. The project has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 6.9 inches of precipitation from its 249 square mile watershed.

The project also provides downstream communities with a clean and dependable water supply and has helped to alleviate pollution problems throughout the Mahoning River Valley.

Additionally, Deer Creek Dam, which was built by the city of Alliance, Ohio, under agreement with the Department of the Army, provides a reservoir for domestic water supply to nearby communities.

Take time out to enjoy the ever-changing pattern of life and scenery that await you at Berlin Lake. Located near Akron, Youngstown, and Warren, Ohio the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to trade the sights and sounds of the city for those of the Ohio countryside.

In addition to its colorful scenery, Berlin Lake offers visitors a wide variety of recreational experiences, including camping, boating, picnicking, or just relaxing in peaceful surroundings.

All are welcomed to use Mill Creek Campground to walk (with/without a dog), jog or bicycle during the campground off season. Please be advised dogs MUST be on a leash to ensure safety of the dog and visitors. Parking is permitted in the Day Use parking lot.

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.

The Mill Creek Campground is an ideal family campground that has a diversity of campsites.

Campsites are suitable for either trailer or tent camping. All campsites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Campsites with electricity are available as are Americans with Disabilities Act accessible sites.

Several 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. The usually smooth water surface also provides excellent skiing conditions. The average depth of the lake is between 10 and 15 feet, and boaters should be alert for underwater hazards. Marina services and boating and fishing supplies are also available through concessionaires located at the lake.

Berlin Lake is known for its excellent walleye fishing and is one of the very few lakes in the area in which natural reproduction of the walleye fish population occurs. Sportsmen will also enjoy fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie and bluegill.

Berlin Lake Trail:

- 232 Kirkbride Rd., North Benton, OH 44449

- 2.2 miles

Deer Creek Reservoir & Mahoning Valley Trail

- 14514 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601

- 4.46 miles

Hunting is permitted at Berlin Lake except in developed recreation areas and areas posted as “no hunting allowed.” The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages over 6,800 acres of project lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes. Small game species are found in abundance. Easy access to hunting areas is available.

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 23 feet with a maximum depth of 55 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.

Accessible Restroom

 
Boat Launch Ramps
Pets on Leash

Picnic Areas

Picnic Shelters

Restrooms
Boat Launch Ramps

Pets on Leash

Picnic Areas

Restrooms

Trail
Boat Launch Ramps

Fee Areas

Pets on Leash

Picnic Areas

Restrooms
Boat Launch Ramps

Fee Areas

Restrooms
Accessible Restroom

Boat Launch Ramps

Campground

Camper Dump Station

Dog Training Area

Drinking Water

Electric Hookups

Fee Areas

Group Camping Area

Pets on Leash

Picnic Areas

Picnic Shelters

Restrooms

Showers

Trails
Archery Range

Dog Training Area

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is trying to stop the spread of Emerlad Ash Borer (EAB), an insect that kills ash and hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) that kills hemlocks. For more information about these insects, please visit http://ohiodnr.gov/hemlock-woolly-adelgid-in-ohio/learn-more-about-hwa. Firewood is sold in the campground by the Friends of Berlin Lake group and by local private vendors in the area.

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.

Stop in at the campground entrance station or check out the Facebook page for what’s happening at Berlin Lake.

Find a Lake, Lock or Reservoir

  • Contact
    Berlin Lake Office
    (330) 547-3781

    Ranger Station: Press 1
    Entrance Station: Press 2
    Lake Information: Press 3

    Resource Manager's Office
    (330) 654-0865

    Campground Entrance Station
    (330) 547-8180
  • Location
    Berlin Lake
    7400 Bendell Road
    Berlin Center, OH 44401-9707
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Berlin Lake News

Corps waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Veterans Day
11/2/2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District announced today it will waive day-use fees at recreation areas at its 16 reservoirs in observance of Veterans Day, Nov. 11...

Firearm / Firework Policy

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers DOES NOT honor State-issued concealed weapon permits, prohibits loaded concealed weapons, the possession of loaded firearms or ammunition on lands and waters administered by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers per Title 36, CFR 327.13{a).