Army Corps to reopen public beaches and visitor center at Raystown Lake

As part of the phased reopening of recreation facilities following COVID-19 closures, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, announces the reopening of public beaches and most areas within the Visitors Center at Raystown Lake, including the information center, interior restrooms and the retail store operated by the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, on June 27. 

 

Public beaches at Seven Points and Tatman Run will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00  p.m. In the interest of public health and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all life jackets have been removed from the life jacket loaner stations at both beaches and put in storage. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask that you plan accordingly and bring your own life jackets if you or your loved ones will be recreating in or near the water.

 

Raystown Lake’s campgrounds, Mountain Bike Skills Park, all boat launches and public restroom facilities are open and available to all visitors.  

 

Shelter reservations and group camp reservations will resume on Monday, June 29. All previously scheduled reservations for these recreation facilities will be honored.  New reservations may be made by visiting www.recreation.gov.  

 

The Raystown Lake ranger office, located on the lower level of the Visitor Center, will remain closed at this time. America the Beautiful passes will not be available for sale locally, but can be obtained through the U.S. Geological Survey store at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.  

 

Raystown Lake special event restrictions were lifted on June 20. Fishing tournaments and other previously approved special events may now resume as scheduled. Individuals or groups wishing to schedule new events and/or activities may now submit their inquiries for review. Please e-mail all inquiries to Allen Gwinn, Raystown Lake park ranger, at allen.gwinn@usace.army.mil. 

 

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.
•  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 life jacket 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 re-contamination 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.