The 50th Anniversary of Raystown Dam
Do you live, work or recreate near Raystown Lake? Familiarize yourself with the risks associated with proximity to the dam. 


Project Manager: Jude T. Harrington
Phone: 814-658-3405

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Raystown Lake
6145 Seven Points Road
Hesston, PA 16647

Email us: raystown.web@usace.army.mil

 


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Raystown Lake is the largest lake located entirely in Pennsylvania and offers 8,300 surface acres of clear water surrounded by 21,000 acres of forested mountain slopes.  Raystown is a multi-purpose lake constructed and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood damage reduction, recreation and natural resource opportunities, and hydropower.

Visitors come to Raystown to enjoy panoramic views of undeveloped land and waters, access to excellent public recreation facilities, and fishing and hunting opportunities.  From camping and boating, to hiking and mountainbiking, to Striped Bass fishing and Whitetail Deer hunting, and everything inbetween - Raystown offers something for everyone.

Explore us online or in person and discover what Raystown has for you!

Announcements

July 19, 2024 - Seven Points and Tatman Run Public Swim Beaches are OPEN for swimming.

Safety inspections and water tests are conducted WEEKLY at all swim beaches in accordance with federal law for the safety of our visitors. The water samples taken at Tatman and Seven Points passed a test taken earlier this week.

Various strains of bacteria (including E. coli) are ALWAYS present in bodies of fresh water like Raystown Lake and fluctuate daily depending on precipitation, inflow, presence of humans & waterfowl, etc. The levels of bacteria can vary greatly from place to place in the same body of water and it is a 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. Generally speaking, bacterial contamination typically originates from conditions on or near the shore and levels are USUALLY lower further away from shore.

As a reminder, all public swim beaches (and the rest of the lake) are 𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐌 𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊.

Check out these helpful tips from the CDC for keeping you and your family safe when swimming in natural bodies of water- https://www.cdc.gov/.../visiting-oceans-lakes-rivers.html

 

January 16, 2024: Raystown Lake incorporates new fishing tournament safety meaures ahead of 2024 recreation season

In an effort to increase visitor safety, minimize traffic congestion and provide safe access for emergency vehicles at boat ramps during peak recreation season at Raystown Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, requests that fishing tournament directors schedule the start and end times of their tournaments outside of peak capacity weekend hours, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends, when first-come, first-served boating traffic is heaviest. Click here to access full news release with additional information.

Additional information regarding fishing tournament safety measures can also be found here

Raystown Photos

Spring time at Seven Points Beach
Hydro Loop on a beautiful sunny day.
Join us every year for Glow Swim & wear your illuminated lifejacket!
Lifejackets save lives! Wear it, Raystown Lake!
Check out the mountain bike skills park across from the Raystown Lake Visitor Center!
Wear your lifejacket and receive prizes from our Park Rangers!
Join us during the summer for Park Ranger led paddling programs! Make sure to grab a copy of our summer activities brochure for specific dates.
Volunteer Village at Raystown Lake accepts volunteers looking to reside for the summer at Raystown Lake and commit 20-30 hours a week.
This 2.5 mile long trail is made out of 38,000 recycled tires! This trail connects 19 recreation destination within Seven Points so instead of driving, park at the visitor center and walk!
Bobber the Water Safety Dog and water safety games can occur unannounced.  Keep an eye out for the fun when visiting the Beach!
Snyder's Run Paddle with a Park Ranger Program
Visit Hawn's Overlook to see the beauty of Raystown Lake!
Bobber The Water Safety Dog is right,  you do look best in your life vest!  Our Park Rangers think you do, too.  If you see a Ranger show them your life vest.  Better yet, wear it!  If a Ranger spots you wearing a life vest they might just give you a special prize.
Check out our 2 mile long greenside pathway. This trail is made out of 38,000 recycled tires! It also hugs the shoreline amongst beautiful wildflowers.
Join us every year for National Public Lands Day!
Calling all 4th graders! Come to the Raystown Lake Visitor Center to obtain your free EKiP pass that will get you and your family into all national/federal parks, for free!
Call now to reserve your shade shelter for the 2015 spring/summer season!
Come out to Raystown to walk your dog on the greenside trail during the winter months!
Spill gate completly open
 
 

 
 
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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."