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Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania, USA

Raystown Lake, at 8,300 acres, is the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania’s borders. The lake is nestled in the southern Allegheny Mountains of Huntingdon County. Its average depth is 80 feet, with a maximum depth of 200 feet. The United States Army Corps of Engineers created Raystown lake in 1913 by damming up the Raystown Branch Juniata River for flood control, hydroelectric power, and for recreational…
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    • All About Raystown Lake, PA

    Lake Locations: USA - US Mid-Atlantic Region - Pennsylvania - Allegheny Mountains & Valleys Region, PA -

    Raystown Lake, at 8,300 acres, is the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania’s borders. The lake is nestled in the southern Allegheny Mountains of Huntingdon County. Its average depth is 80 feet, with a maximum depth of 200 feet. The United States Army Corps of Engineers created Raystown lake in 1913 by damming up the Raystown Branch Juniata River for flood control, hydroelectric power, and for recreational activities.

    Nicknamed “The Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania,” Raystown Lake boasts 110 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline due to laws that prevent any residential development and limited commercial development. The lake’s unspoiled shores and pristine beauty draw over 2 million visitors every year, each in search of a quiet slice of lake enjoyment.

    Raystown Lake has no speed or horsepower limit, though boaters are encouraged to boat safely and to follow the rules of the lake. The Army Corps of Engineers manages seven boat launches on the lake: Seven Points, Snyder’s Run, James Creek, Aitch, Tatman Run, Weaver Falls and Shy Beaver. For a $3 fee, you may launch your own boat or one you’ve rented from any of the launch areas.

    Anglers will not be disappointed with Raystown Lake’s offerings: seasoned fishermen claim that the lake is one of the best places in the area to catch catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, perch, smelt, crappy, and blue gill. Several guide services are available, or you may rent a boat at one of the local marinas and venture out on your own. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery as you wait for the fish to bite.

    For sunbathers and swimmers, the Army Corps of Engineers manages two public beaches along the lake: Seven Points Beach and Tatman Run Beach. The beaches are truly chalk-full of family fun and entertainment with concession stands, water trampolines, grassy areas, picnic benches, playground equipment, and white sand. The swimming areas are divided by buoys and separated into a sandy “shallow end” and a concrete “deep end,” perfect for children and children-at-heart.

    When you’re ready to take a break from the lake’s many water activities, you’ll be pleased to find a variety of land-based activities. Take a hike around the lake, visit one of the many state parks in the area, go caving at Lincoln Caverns, play golf, go biking on the area’s bike trails, take a horseback ride, or visit a local winery. There is plenty to do at Raystown Lake, no matter what your pleasure.

    Things to Do at Raystown Lake

    These are some activities in the Raystown Lake, PA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Golf
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • State Park
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Raystown Lake?

    Raystown Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Brown Trout
    • Catfish
    • Lake Trout
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Salmon
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Smelt
    • Striped Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Raystown Lake

    If you’re considering a Raystown Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Raystown Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Raystown Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Raystown Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Surface Area: 8,300 acres

    Shoreline Length: 110 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 786 feet

    Average Depth: 80 feet

    Maximum Depth: 200 feet

    Completion Year: 1973

    Raystown Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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