Though staffing shortages prohibit the safe operation of certain recreation facilities, USACE staff continues to prioritize tasks essential to public health and safety, such as dam operations for flood protection and emergency response readiness.
When will my reservation be canceled?
a. If you do not take action and Seven Points, Susquehannock, or Nancy's camp remain closed, your entire reservation will be cancelled the night before your reservation start date. Actions include:
i. Cancel your reservation and receive a full refund.
ii. Hold your reservation and see if the location reopens before your visit.
Can I cancel my own reservation now?
a. Because a location closure has been issued for these sites on recreation.gov, those with paid reservations can cancel their reservations and receive a full refund. You can review and cancel your reservation under the "My Account" section on recreation.gov.
Will the campgrounds reopen this season?
a. At this time, USACE employees (including seasonal hires) remain subject to a hiring freeze. Exemptions to this hiring freeze have not been granted for the positions at this site. Current staffing to support the summer recreation program is about 1/4 of necessary recreation season levels. Any changes to reservations will be provided via recreation.gov and social media.
Why didn't you cancel reservations for the entire season?
a. To honor current bookings, should the hiring freeze situation change and staffing levels can be increased to necessary recreation season levels.
Why are the sites closed?
a. USACE, who owns and operates Raystown Lake, relies heavily on seasonal rangers and seasonal maintenance staff for public safety and upkeep for more than one million annual visitors. These positions are currently subject to the Department of Defense hiring freeze, and no exemptions have been granted for the positions at this site.
Are boat launches and beaches still open?
a. The Raystown Lake Visitor Center, as well as day-use facilities such as boat launches, beaches, overlooks, picnic pavilions, walking trails, disc golf courses and the mountain bike skills park, are open. Leased areas and concessionaries, including Seven Points Marina and Raystown Resort, will operate according to their respective schedules.
For updates regarding campground closures, you can reach the Raystown Lake Army Corps of Engineers staff at 814-658-3405. If your camping reservation at Seven Points Campground has been impacted, or if you would like to have a back-up plan, you can find our recommended list of campgrounds at raystown.org/places-to-stay/campgrounds, or call our staff at 814-658-0060.
