The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, will transition Raystown Lake’s recreation areas to a Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out policy, effective Mar. 25, 2026.

Dumpsters at most of Raystown’s recreation areas will be removed, and day-use visitors should be prepared to remove all trash they bring into the flood risk management project — including food waste, packaging, and other refuse — and dispose of it at home.

Dumpsters will remain accessible to reservation holders at Raystown’s Seven Points, Nancy’s Camp Boat-to-Shore, and Susquehannock Campgrounds, as well as Seven Points Beach. All dumpsters will be closely monitored, and offenders disposing of household waste are subject to enforcement actions including citations.

The change comes in response to long-standing and escalating misuse of public dumpsters by individuals disposing of household garbage rather than park-generated waste. Over the years, USACE estimates that hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars have been spent disposing of illegally dumped private trash — money that was intended for the maintenance and improvement of recreational facilities at Raystown Lake.

Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out requires visitors to remove all trash, food scraps, and waste they bring to Raystown Lake facilities. It prevents litter from accumulating which also protects the environment and wildlife. If you carried it in, carry it out! 

Similar Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out policies are already standard practice across Pennsylvania state parks. Here are a few tips to help guests plan and prepare for a successful trip:

• All the items you brought with you must leave with you, including trash. This includes but not limited to: Food items, disposable drink containers, bottle caps, wrappers, cigarettes, napkins and more.
• Bring trash bags along and keep them accessible as you set up for the day.
• When bringing food, plan for meals with minimal waste by incorporating reusable solutions for beverages and food.
• Reusable water bottles can be refilled at potable water spigots or fountains, including the Raystown Lake Visitor Center and Seven Points picnic shelters and dump station.  
• Anglers: make sure to take all fishing supplies with you. This includes fishing line, bait containers, tackle, and any scraps.
• Boaters: expect no trash cans at launch sites. All food trash and boating supplies must be taken with you.
• Leashed pets are permitted in designated recreation areas. To protect waste collectors and prevent odors, double-wrap pet waste before adding it to your trash bag for disposal offsite.