Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes Project fee changes for 2018 recreation season

Published April 30, 2018

TIOGA, Pennsylvania The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes (THC) Project, announces the following recreation area openings and fee changes for the 2018 season:

–       Day-use recreation areas are currently open for visitors with the exception of designated swimming beaches, which are scheduled to open May 25 for Memorial Day weekend.

–       The Ives Run Campground at Hammond Lake opens May 1.

–       Tompkins Campground on Cowanesque Lake opens May 15.

CAMPGROUND FEES

Both campgrounds offer sites with accommodations ranging from full hook ups to primitive camping spots. Camping prices will remain unchanged for the 2018 season and range from $20 to $40 depending on amenities offered at site rental (water, electric or sewer). While limited walk-up sites are often available, Corps staff recommends prospective campers reserve sites ahead of time by contacting Reserve America toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.

PICNIC SHELTER FEES

Weekday and weekend picnic shelter rentals can also be reserved through www.recreation.gov.  If not reserved, picnic shelters are available on a first come, first served basis.  There is no longer a charge for weekday shelter rentals and weekend shelter rental prices remain the same for the 2018 season, ranging from $75 for shelters without electric to $100 for shelters with electric. First come, first served users are encouraged to contact Reserve America to check availability before attempting to use the facility.

BOAT LAUNCH FEES

Boat launching fees are no longer required to use the launch facilities at Hammond or Cowanesque Lakes.  Boat launching at Tioga Lake remains free.  The Corps Annual Pass will no longer be issued at the THC Project. As a reminder, lifejackets are required when boating at the project. Park rangers are available to perform courtesy boat checks for required safety items before going out on the water. 

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

Fishing tournaments no longer require a fee for open or closed tournaments of 49 boats or less. A Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (FBC)-500 application is required and can be found at the FBC webpage, www.fishandboat.com.  Tournaments consisting of 7 to 49 boats will require a special-use permit issued by THC. Tournaments of 50 boats or greater or smaller tournaments with special activities are considered a Special Event and require a Special Event permit and payment of a $75 administrative fee.

For further information or to inquire about having boating safety equipment checked, please contact Corps staff at (570) 835-5281 or visit the Visitor Information Center located at Ives Run between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. For updates, “Like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thclakes.


Contact
Stephen Sporer, supervisory park ranger
570-835-5281
stephen.p.sporer@usace.army.mil

Release no. 18-023