Lake Milton State Park, in Mahoning County, is about 11 miles and about 19 minutes from Ridge Ranch Campground in Newton Falls, according to Google Maps. The park is built around Lake Milton, which ODNR describes as nearly 1,700 acres of recreational water, with a 600-foot swimming beach, three boat launches and a marina. One thing surprises a lot of first-time visitors: Lake Milton State Park is a day-use park, so there’s no state park campground. Here’s how the two compare, and how to plan Lake Milton camping around it.
State parks and private campgrounds do different jobs. Lake Milton is a public lake park built for boating, fishing and a day at the beach. Ridge Ranch is a private family campground on its own 17-acre lake, and it puts its effort into what you do at the campground. Neither is better across the board; they suit different trips, and they work well together.
Lake Milton State Park vs Ridge Ranch: quick comparison
| Lake Milton State Park | Ridge Ranch | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Ridge Ranch | About 11 miles, about 19 minutes | — |
| Camping | None; day-use park | RV sites (lakefront, wooded and open) and two tent areas |
| Hookups and power | — | 50-amp pull-through sites; full hookup on many sites |
| Swimming | 600-ft beach with restrooms, change booths and showers | New sand beach; spring-fed swim area with the Wibit in summer |
| Boating | Nearly 1,700 acres; three launch ramps, a marina, unlimited-horsepower and no-wake areas | Bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle boat on a calm 17-acre lake |
| Trails | Nature trail, paved trail, Storybook Trail, 10+ miles of mountain bike trail, 18-hole disc golf | No trail system yet; Nelson Ledges is about 10 minutes away |
| Fishing | Walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish; Ohio license required 16+ | Private lake; no fishing license needed |
| Pets | Not allowed on the beach | Up to four dogs per site; fenced dog park; no pets on the beach or in the lake |
| Hours or season | Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily | May 1 to October 20 |
| Best for | Boaters, anglers, beach days, mountain bikers | Families who want the beach, Wibit and weekend events on site |
Park details come from ODNR’s Lake Milton State Park page and park map. Drive time is from Google Maps in usual traffic.
Who Lake Milton State Park is best for
- Boaters. ODNR lists three two-lane launch ramps (Miller’s Landing, Robinson Point and Pointview) plus a marina, and the park map marks unlimited-horsepower and no-wake areas.
- Anglers. ODNR lists walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish as the main species, along with smallmouth bass, yellow perch, white bass and muskellunge.
- Beach days. The 600-foot beach has restrooms, change booths, showers, a playground, a basketball court and a sand volleyball court.
- Mountain bikers and hikers. More than 10 miles of mountain bike trail at the south end of the lake, a nature trail near the dam, a paved trail and a Storybook Trail for kids.
- Picnics and gatherings. Three reservable picnic shelters and a gazebo, plus an 18-hole disc golf course near the park office.
Where to camp near Lake Milton
Because the state park is day-use only, Lake Milton camping means staying at a nearby campground and driving in for the day. Lake Milton KOA is a popular private campground in the Lake Milton area with plenty of family amenities, and nearby state parks such as West Branch and Mosquito Lake have their own campgrounds. Ridge Ranch is about 19 minutes away, close enough to boat or fish Lake Milton in the morning and be back on our beach by afternoon.
Who Ridge Ranch is best for
Ridge Ranch Campground in Newton Falls, just off I-80, is a family campground where the campground itself is the plan for the weekend.
- Families with kids. Our 17-acre private lake has a new sand beach and the Wibit floating water park, open Thursday through Sunday until Labor Day for ages 7 and up (kids under 16 need a parent present, and the campground provides life jackets). The free Kangaroo Jumper and the arcade are a short walk away.
- Weekend event fans. Most summer weekends bring food trucks and events at our Amish-built lakeside pavilion.
- Big rigs and I-80 travelers. 50-amp pull-through sites make for an easy stop off the interstate, and golf carts can be charged on your site.
- Anglers who want it easy. No fishing license is needed on our private lake.
- Dog owners. Up to four dogs per site and a fenced dog park.
- Day-trippers. Nelson Ledges State Park is about 10 minutes away.
Our season runs May 1 to October 20. Rates vary by date and site type.
Visiting both
With the two about 19 minutes apart, it’s easy to do both. Families camping with us can trailer a boat to Lake Milton for a morning on the water, or spend an afternoon on the mountain bike trails, then come back to the campground for the beach, the Wibit and a campfire. Bring an Ohio fishing license for Lake Milton if you’re 16 or older. Pets aren’t allowed on the Lake Milton beach, so save dog time for our fenced dog park.
Questions
Is there camping at Lake Milton State Park?
No. ODNR describes Lake Milton State Park as a day-use park, so it has no campground. Campers stay at nearby private campgrounds, such as Lake Milton KOA or Ridge Ranch (about 19 minutes away), or at nearby state park campgrounds.
How far is Lake Milton State Park from Ridge Ranch?
About 11 miles, or about 19 minutes by car according to Google Maps.
How big is Lake Milton?
ODNR describes nearly 1,700 acres of recreational water; the dam impounds about 1,640 acres.
Does Lake Milton State Park have a beach?
Yes. The 600-foot beach has restrooms, change booths, showers, a playground, a basketball court and a sand volleyball court. Swimming is limited to designated areas, and pets aren’t allowed on the beach.
What are the Lake Milton State Park hours?
ODNR lists the park as open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Do I need a fishing license?
On Lake Milton, yes, for anglers 16 and older. On Ridge Ranch’s private lake, no license is needed.
Is the Wibit open in September?
No. The Wibit closes after Labor Day and returns the next season. The beach, Kangaroo Jumper and arcade stay open, and the park runs through October 20.
