West Branch State Park
West Branch State Park is situated in Portage County and encompasses a total area of 5,352 acres of land. The park also has a large lake with many forks that covers a total area of 2,650 acres. The parkland can be found across several townships including Ravenna, Palmyra, and Rootstown townships. The lake water cuts across several different townships including Edinburg, Charlestown, and Paris townships. If you want to get to the park, just travel 19 miles east of Akron which is a city in the northeast corner of the state. A more precise address to the park is 5708 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, Ohio 44266-9659.
The main reservoir in the park was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1965 and was named the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The main purpose of the reservoir was to provide water supply to the local area as well as to provide a resource in the area for recreation, fishing, and flood control. The park was officially opened in 1965 after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leased the land and lake to the state of Ohio.
Some of the recreational activities that you can enjoy at the park include camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting, iceboating, ice fishing, and nature programs. Facilities within the park that make the above activities possible include several campsites (with and without electricity), several trails, horseman's camp, picnic areas, picnic shelters, boat ramps, swimming beach, marina, food concession, boat rentals, game courts, playground, and a fuel dock.
You are allowed to bring your dog to the park at no cost at all. If you choose to bring your pooch to the park, just remember that standard Ohio state park rules apply. Some of the basic park rules with regard to your dog are as follows. Dogs are not allowed into any park areas or park buildings that are not designated as being pet-friendly. Additionally, you are expected to keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet long. If you choose to camp at the park, you should be aware that you are only allowed to bring two dogs/pets per campsite.
