Boating at Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, offering a stunning backdrop and plenty of space for watersports activities. Whether you're planning a day on the water, an overnight stay in one of the nearby campgrounds, or looking for seasonal boat storage at one of the two marinas, Raystown Lake has the perfect spot for every boating adventure. With its crystal-clear waters and scenic shoreline, it's a haven for all types of boaters, from leisurely cruisers to avid water sports lovers. 

The lake is equipped with excellent amenities to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. From easy boat launches to accessible marinas, Raystown Lake provides everything you need for a seamless experience on the water.

For information on PA-specific boating and fishing regulations, registration and licensing, please visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission website.

For information on wet and dry-slip boat storage, houseboat and pontoon boat rentals, and dining at Raystown, please visit the Seven Points Marina website.

 

Boat Launches

Module under construction. Information coming soon.

America the Beautiful Discount Passes Available for Purchase at Raystown Lake

  • America the Beautiful Passes are interagency discount passes that offer reductions for specific fees charged at USACE, National Park Service, Forest Service and other federal facilities. There are six types of America the Beautiful Passes.

    • SENIOR America the Beautiful Passes can be purchased for a one-time cost of $80, by individuals who are 62+ years old. The Senior pass offers a 50% discount on use fees. At Raystown, senior card holders can use their discount pass towards camping fees.

    • ACCESS America the Beautiful Passes are only issued in person, free of charge, to individuals that can provide proof of a state recognized disability. The Access pass offers a 50% discount on use fees. At Raystown, access card holders can use their discount pass towards camping fees. 

    • ANNUAL America the Beautiful Passes can be purchased for $80 by anyone and used towards park entrance fees. There are no park entrance fees at Raystown. Therefore the annual pass at Raystown has no value.

    • VOLUNTEER America the Beautiful Passes are issued to individuals who have provided 250+ volunteer hours. The volunteer pass can only be used towards park entrance fees. There are no park entrance fees at Raystown. Therefore the volunteer pass at Raystown has no value. 

    • MILITARY America the Beautiful Passes are issued to individuals who are currently active duty military personnel. 

    • EVERY KID OUTDOORS America the Beautiful Passes are issued to 4th grade students who have printed out a voucher located at http://www.everykidoutdoors.gov

    • Senior and Access discounts can be taken at Raystown only when the appropriate America the Beautiful pass is presented upon request. 

Parking

Raystown Lake is a popular boating destination, and during peak seasons, parking at the boat launches can be quite busy. On weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, parking areas often fill up quickly. To ensure you have a spot, we recommend arriving early and checking our weekend launch status updates, which are posted on our Facebook Page.

SINGLE CAR PARKING: All parking at public boat launches and recreation areas is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that parking spots are open to both vehicles with boat trailers and single vehicles without trailers (unless otherwise posted). The only exception is at the Seven Points Public Boat Launch on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, where single car parking is not allowed. While longer spaces are available at other launches for trailered vehicles, single cars may park in those spaces as long as the parking is not restricted by signage. There are several areas where parking for trailered vehicles is prohibited, including at some swim beaches and shelter lots. Make sure to check for available spots before launching, as parking in non-designated areas is prohibited and enforced. Visitors are not permitted to reserve parking spaces for any amount of time.

OVERFLOW PARKING: information coming soon.

Overnight Boaters

  • Overnight boating is permitted at Raystown in accordance with our federal code of rules and regulations 
  • Camping is only permitted in designated sites.  Visitors wishing to stay overnight must be contained to their boat. 
  • Shoreline fires are prohibited.
  • No overnight mooring is permitted within 300 yards of any recreation area.  
  • Quiet hours are in effect lake-wide from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.   
  • State Law requires all vessels to show running lights between sunset and sunrise.  For details on requirements visit the “Rules and Tips” section of this page. 

 

Navigation Lights

  • The Friends of Raystown Lake generously provide and maintain night-time navigational lights, marking major points and bends along the main channel at Raystown Lake.  For reference, green lights are located on the eastern (Terrace Mountain) side of the lake and red lights are on the western side.
  • Maintaining and upgrading navigation lights comes with significant costs. To take part in the Friend’s “Sponsor a Nav Light” program, click here.

Sea Planes

Raystown Lake is open to seaplanes within a designated landing zone.  The sight of a seaplane is exciting, but boaters are reminded to stay clear of moving seaplanes.  When on water, seaplanes are subject to all vessel requirements.

Tips to Improve Your Visit

Knowing the rules and planning ahead will help you save a lot– time, stress, money and maybe a life!  Plan before you go and get the most out of your vacation!
 
Raystown lands and waters are subject to Federal rules and regulations AND Commonwealth boating laws.  Federal rules and regulations are posted at every bulletin board for reference.  Copies are available from a ranger or at the Visitor Center.  The following is a partial list of rules provided to address common boating related questions and concerns.
 
  • We encourage all visitors to practice courtesy and patience.  Please be prepared to launch before approaching the ramp to prevent blocking ramp access.  Tie-down lanes are available for this purpose.  Remember we were all new boaters at some point, be understanding with inexperienced boaters.
  • Commercial tow services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (for fee) at Raystown.
  • Parking spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed, but we encourage visitors to arrive early and use our status hotline at (814) 658-3405, prompt 2.
  • Seven Points offers overflow parking and rarely fills to capacity.  When in doubt, try parking at Seven Points!
  • Parking is limited.  Please use care to insure vehicles and trailers do not obstruct adjacent spaces.
  • Mooring is permitted along most of the shoreline so long as it does not interrupt navigation of other boats.  Please use ropes, as chains damage trees.
  • Transient slips are available at the Marinas.  Seven Points, Susquehannock and Nancy's campers may use designated overnight mooring areas.  Otherwise boats, when not in actual use, must be removed from the water.