Baltimore District > Missions > Dams & Recreation

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What's new at Jennings Randolph Lake?

Do you live, work or recreate near Jennings Randolph Lake? Familiarize yourself with the risks associated with proximity to the dam.

Policy for Operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

It is incumbent upon visitors of USACE recreation projects to know the rules concerning use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones.

UAS pose a potential risk to USACE personnel, safety, infrastructure, equipment and mission conduct.

In accordance with Title 36 CFR, Parks, Forest and Public Property, Parts 327.4(b) and (c), UAS are prohibited from flying over any USACE projects, except over lands designated by the District Commander or Operations Project Manager.

If a person is operating a UAS in undesignated areas, without exclusive permission, or recklessly, local law enforcement may be called upon.

Please adhere to the information in the "Policy for Operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at Corps
Operations Division Project Lands of the Baltimore District."

Announcements

Army Corps announces recreation impacts at Jennings Randolph Lake from low lake levels, lake now open for shoreline fishing

Lake level impacts for recreation areas (mean sea level):

The Howell Run Boat Launch ramp can no longer be used as a launch for a boat the requires a trailer when the lake reaches 1445 feet elevation. The public can still launch kayaks and boats that can be carried by hand.
The Maryland Boat Launch accessed from Mt. Zion Road is open and accessible down to elevation 1425.
Shaw Beach swim area closes when the lake drops to 1455 feet elevation. The area stays open but is closed for swimming as the beach has no water left. Beyond the designated tuff booms at the beach area, there is a steep drop off, and it is not safe for swimming. Please stay out of this area.

For more information on current lake levels and three-day projections for downstream releases, visit the following web site: https://www.nab-wc.usace.army.mil/nab/potopub.html. Additionally, for questions and updates, please call the park office at 304 355-2346, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Rivercast app is another helpful tool, as it reads local U.S. Geological Survey stations.

Click here to view the full news release: https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/3122448/army-corps-announces-recreation-impacts-at-jennings-randolph-lake-from-low-lake/

Project Contact Info

Project Manager: Ken Fernandez
Phone: 304-355-2346

For directions to JRL, click here.

View Jennings Randolph Lake in a larger map

Overview

The Jennings Randolph Lake project (originally called Bloomington Lake) consists of a rolled earth and rockfill dam, rising 296 feet from the lake bottom. The dam, dike, and spillway extends 2130 feet across the valley. At its full conservation pool, the lake is approximately 6.6 miles long with a surface area of 915 acres. The project became operational in 1981. Project purposes include flood risk management, water quality, low flow augmentation, water supply, and recreation.

Tucked between Garrett County, Maryland, and Mineral County, West Virginia, Jennings Randolph Lake stretches along 5.5 miles of spectacular countryside on the North Branch of the Potomac River. The area is renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty. The lake provides a sanctuary for countless birds, animals and fish where nature comes first and having fun is a close second.

Recreation opportunities at Jennings Randolph Lake include boat ramps for fishing and boating, beach and picnic areas, and the Robert W. Craig campground. Whitewater releases are made each spring from the dam's outlet works.

View our virtual tour here!

OPENING/CLOSING DATES: FEBURARY 2022

Howell Run Boat Launch: Open April 1, 2022

Howell Run Picnic Area: Open May 1, 2022

The picnic area is open for reservations between May 1 and Sept. 30, 2022. Outside of these dates, the area is open dependent on weather conditions and we cannot guarantee water will be available due to winterization.

Shaw Beach: Open May 1, 2022

The Shaw Beach area will open May 1st for the 2022 recreation season and will remain open unless the project is experiencing a high-water event or other unsafe weather conditions. Weather dependent, the area may open sooner than May 1st. Call the park office (304) 355-2346 for current status.

RWCC: Open – May 1, 2022 | Closed – Sept. 30, 2022

MD & WV Overlooks: WV overlook is OPEN and MD overlook is OPEN

FEES:

Robert W. Craig Campground (RWCC)