Raystown Lake Recreation

I worked for the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers for many years. Did you know that the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers among their other duties, they take care of some of our National Parks and Recreation areas that are open to the public for their enjoyment.

I had the pleasure of handling the purchasing activities of many of these parks within the Baltimore District. I also visited each of them through the years and stayed at many of them. In the center of Pennsylvania in Huntingdon County there is this 30,000 acre patch of land called Raystown Lake. Every Memorial Day it opens to the public for their summer enjoyment. There is a 28 mile lake with seven boat launches, Snyder's Run, Seven Points, Aitch, James Creek, Tatman Run, Shy Beaver and Weaver Falls. and shower houses to rustic camping and boat to shore sites.

You can purchase a national pass for the boat launch that is honored at all Corps of Engineers sites for $30.00, it is good for a 12 month period. The Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, offers a senior lifetime pass for persons 62 and older. The passes offer a fifty percent discount on federal use fees.

Raystown Lake has played host to the Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Federation. During the summer on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are activites in the evening starting at 7:00 P.M and consist of Environmental programs, nature walks, star parties, campfire programs and sing-a-longs, and outdoor concerts performed at the amphitheater. Some of the camp sites are Seven Points, Susquehannock Campground, named in honor of the last Native American Tribes, Nancy's Boat-to-Shore Campground The Group Camp is located in Seven Points Campground in the rear of Meadow Camp Loop,and Branch Camp this is a primitive camping area is located on the Northernmost area of the lake, along the river. There are camp sites, trails for hiking, swimming on the beach, playgrounds, restaurants, marina services, tour boats, boat rentals, and fishing. There is this wonderful visitor center, I know it well because I did the contract on its construction. I believe that you will enjoy this beautiful American treasure.