U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces phased reopening of Raystown Lake campgrounds

HESSTON, Pa. (WTAJ) — After months of closures, three popular Raystown Lake campgrounds will reopen in the coming weeks.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, announced Tuesday that all three of its federal campgrounds at Raystown Lake will reopen. Susquehannock and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds will reopen Aug. 15, with Seven Points Campground following on Sept. 5.

The phased reopening comes after the district received final approval earlier this month to address staffing shortages due to federal funding cuts that forced the campgrounds to close earlier in the season. Newly hired personnel are undergoing mandatory training to ensure safe operation of facilities.

New reservations opened Tuesday through Recreation.gov. Bookings made prior to closures with start dates on or after reopening will be honored automatically unless canceled by visitors.

Matt Price, Executive Director of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau said the announcement of the reopening of the campgrounds was “very welcomed news.”

“We run a gift shop here at the visitor center, and our sales are down about 50%, from from last year, because we haven’t had the campers here right around us here at Seven Points. And we’re not unique in that. A lot of the businesses in this area are experiencing, significant down downfalls, due to, not having the, the campers,” Price said.

The campgrounds will still close on their normal seasonal schedules, Susquehannock on Sept. 1 and Seven Points and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore on Oct. 27. Beaches and other day-use facilities will follow posted closure dates, with updates to be announced on the Raystown Lake website and Facebook page.