Army Corps announces phased re-opening of campgrounds and Mountain Bike Skills Park at Raystown Lake

Baltimore District (ACOE)
Published May 29, 2020

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, has announced the phased reopening approach of Raystown Lake campgrounds, the Mountain Bike Skills Park, and public restroom facilities that were closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The phased reopening approach in response to COVID-19 will begin with:

  • Restrooms located in the following areas of Raystown Lake reopened on May 22: Corbin’s Island, Raystown Lake Dam, Snyder’s Run, Aitch, James Creek, Tatman Run (Boat Launch only) and Weaver Falls, Pine Howard Miller (near Redbud Shelter) and Seven Points Boat Launch 1 & 2
  •  Raystown Lake Mountain Biking Skills Park in Seven Points Recreation Area to reopen on June 3
  • Army Corps-managed campground facilities to reopen on June 4, including all Seven Points Campground Loops, Nancy’s Camp Boat-to-Shore, and Susquehannock Campground
  • Day-use facilities and lake access areas remain open, such as boat launches, picnic areas, fishing piers, and viewing areas
  • All of the trails in Seven Points, including the Allegrippis Trails and the Greenside Pathway, are currently available for bikers, hikers and runners

The Raystown Lake Visitors Center, Seven Points Beach, Tatman Run Beach and group picnic shelters will remain closed to the public at this time. An official date for the reopening of these facilities has not yet been determined.  All special events and group gatherings, including fishing tournaments, have also been cancelled until further notice.

Individuals wishing to make camping reservations at Raystown Lake may resume online reservations on June 1 by visiting www.recreation.gov. Patrons with reservations at campgrounds booked through June 3, 2020, will be contacted by email about cancellations and full refunds will automatically be processed by Recreation.gov with no cancellation fees. Individuals should not contact Recreation.gov to request a refund as that will lead to a cancellation fee being charged.

“The health and wellness of our employees, volunteers, partners and the visiting public is our top priority.  We understand the frustration everyone must be experiencing, however we sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during this time,” said Rob Schnell, acting chief of Flood Risk Management, Baltimore District. “We will continue to work diligently while assessing the situation in order to determine how to best proceed with our phased reopening plan going forward.”

America the Beautiful passes will not be available for sale at Raystown Lake while the Visitors Center remains closed but can be obtained through the U.S. Geological Survey store at https://store.usgs.gov/pass. The retail store operated by the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau (HCVB) will also remain closed to the public, but HCVB employees can be reached at (814) 658-0060.

The Army Corps requests that all visitors recreate responsibly by following the guidelines established by the Army Corps and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

  • Practice responsible social distancing by staying at least six feet away from those outside of your household unit.
  • When social distancing is not possible, we strongly encourage the use of a mask or face covering.
  • Avoid crowds or gatherings of 25 of more.
  • Stay away from recreation areas if you are exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Properly dispose of your waste and items such as masks and disposable gloves.
  • Bring your own lifejacket if you plan on recreating in or near the water.
  • We highly recommend that you utilize the day-use restroom facilities to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after blowing your nose, coughing, and/or sneezing. 
  • When using and exiting public restrooms, whenever possible, use a paper towel to grab the door handle to avoid recontamination to your hands.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, we highly recommend the use of a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Please keep in mind that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

The Army Corps will continue to monitor COVID-19 guidance from local, state and federal officials as the pandemic continues and as information evolves, may update their phased reopening plan and/or operating conditions.

The public is encouraged to monitor the Raystown Lake website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information, or call 814-658-6809.


Contact
Allen Gwinn, Park Ranger
814-658-6810
allen.gwinn@usace.army.mil
or
Cynthia Mitchell
443-240-5019
cynthia.mitchell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-012