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 952 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!

Check out a video tour of Jennings Randolph Lake: https://youtu.be/FK8OMEsWluU 

OPENING/CLOSING DATES: Updated March 2019

Howell Run Boat Launch open as of April 1, 2019

Howell Run Picnic Area- OPEN for 2019 season
The picnic area is open for reservations between May 1 and Sept. 30, 2019. 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 for 2019 season
The Shaw Beach area is open for the 2019 recreation season and will remain open unless the project is experiencing a high water event or other unsafe weather conditions.

RWCC 
Open – May 1
Closed – Sept. 30

MD & WV Overlooks 
Areas are NOW OPEN

FEES:

RWCC
Electric - $22.00/night
Family sites - $26.00/night

Picnic Shelters
RWCC & Picnic Area – $50.00/day
Reserved under NRRS

Day Use Fee - No Charge