SUSQUEHANNOCK

Raystown Lake is set within the ridge and valley province of Pennsylvania along the Appalachian Mountain range , a region known for its forested ridges, deep valleys, and dramatic elevation changes. The landscape offers a scenic backdrop of oak-hickory forests, mountain ridges and steep cliffs, creating ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. The lake is fed by the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and is the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, covering over 8,000 acres with 118 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , much of the lakeshore remains natural and unspoiled, offering a more peaceful and wild experience compared to more developed lakes. Terrace Mountain runs along much of the eastern shoreline, providing elevated views and miles of rugged trail. The surrounding forests are home to deer, turkeys, black bears, and a variety of birds, including unique species migrating through the area in the fall and spring. The climate is perfect for outdoor recreation, especially from Memorial Day to Labor Day , with daytime highs in the 70s to 90s and two to three inches of rainfall per month. Spring and fall bring cool nights, mild days, and colorful foliage—making those seasonals especially popular to for camping, hiking, paddling and hunting.

Recreation: Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at Raystown- enjoy camping, boating, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, disc golf, birdwatching, seasonal outdoor performances and educational programs, and more! Susquehannock is the preferred campground of many visiting mountain bikers due to it's proximity and easy access to the internationally-acclaimed, 36-mile Allegrippis Trail System . Those looking to build their skills can visit the mountain bike skills park near the Visitors Center in nearby Seven Points. For a more relaxed ride, check out the nearby Lower Trail —a scenic rail-trail that's a short 20 minute drive from Seven Points. Boating is a favorite activity at Raystown Lake, and with no boat horsepower limit, the water-based fun is nearly endless. Enjoy high-speed tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding—or opt for more relaxed options like pontoon cruising, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The expansive 28-mile lake offers space for both adventure and peaceful coves perfect for swimming or lounging. Snag a waterfront campsite to enjoy easy access to the shoreline (although the waterfront is shared by all campers, so feel free to use it even if you don't have a site near the water)! On land, the Greenside Pathway —a recycled rubber-tire trail—links campgrounds to all Seven Points facilities and offers campers a much safer path than the road to get around the park. Hikers can also explore the 25-mile Terrace Mountain Trail , 3.5-mile Old Loggers Trail , or the 1-mile Hillside Nature Trail . Nearby Trough Creek State Park features scenic trails with natural landmarks like Balanced Rock, Rainbow Falls, and the Ice Mine. Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy Raystown. The USACE-operated Seven Points Campground offers over 260 sites with convenient access to lake activities and trails. For a more primitive experience, try Susquehannock Campground and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campground ( only accessible by boat ), which both feature well-maintained, waterfront campsites in addition to more secluded, shaded sites. Lake Raystown Resort is a full-service, privately-operated resort complex featuring campsites, cabins, yurts, a lodge and conference center, marina, waterpark, and restaurant . Each summer weekend, park rangers and environmental education interns host free educational and entertainment programs for all ages at the Seven Points amphitheater, public swim beaches, and campgrounds. New! Seven Points now features two highly-rated disc golf courses : the beginner-friendly Pine 9 and the more advanced Ravine 18 , offering scenic and fun play for all skill levels. Raystown is also a prime destination for hunting and fishing . Anglers can reel in striped bass, trout, walleye, crappie, and more from shore, boat, or below the dam. Public lands around the lake are open for seasonal hunting of deer, turkey, and small game, in line with PA Game Commission regulations.

Nearby: Campers at Raystown Lake are perfectly positioned to enjoy a variety of nearby attractions and day trips that offer something for every interest. If you're in the mood for more local flavor, explore the charming town of Huntingdon , just 11 miles north of Seven Points. This small college town offers a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops , as well as grocery stores and other conveniences for campers needing to restock or unwind. The historic downtown area makes for a pleasant stroll, and you’ll often find community events, live music, or farmers markets in season. Just a short drive from the campgrounds, families and history buffs will enjoy a visit to Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks , where guided tours lead you through stunning underground passageways filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating formations. The caverns also offer gemstone panning, educational programs, and seasonal events. Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Swigart Antique Automobile Museum , home to a remarkable collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia—featuring everything from early 1900s models to rare and unusual vehicles not found anywhere else. For a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s railroading heritage, take a day trip to the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark , where visitors can explore the role railroads played in America’s industrial growth and see the famous mountain curve still used by trains today. For even more ideas and up-to-date info on local events and hidden gems, visit www.raystown.org - the official guide to attractions, dining, shopping, and activities throughout the Raystown Lake region.