Visitors bureau urges action to keep Raystown campgrounds open

HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau provided an update on staffing-related closures at a popular recreation area and is urging action from legislators.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday that three campgrounds would be closed until further notice “due to staffing shortages that will prohibit the safe operations of these facilities ahead of the 2025 recreation season.”

The impacted campgrounds are Seven Points, Susquehannock, and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore.

Friday, the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau said only one of those is currently closed due to staffing — Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore, which is year-round. The others typically open later in the season — April 4 for Seven Points and Memorial Day Weekend for Susquehannock.

The bureau said that if the federal government avoids a shutdown and lifts a hiring freeze within the next few weeks, the campgrounds should be able to open as usual.

The visitors’ center and day-use facilities are not impacted.

“Although we don’t want people to panic – yet – we are taking this news very seriously and calling on our stakeholders and the public to join us in advocating for our region by demanding our legislators take action immediately,” said Matt Price, HCVB Executive Director.

Raystown Lake, the HCVB says, brings $62 million in annual visitor spending to the region and creates 393 jobs.