Pennsylvania's Largest Inland Lake Offers A Serene Camping Getaway For Nature Lovers

With over 2,000 lakes in Pennsylvania, there's no need to go all the way to Lake Erie for a perfect waterside camping trip. The largest man-made lake entirely within the state is Raystown Lake, located just over 100 miles from Harrisburg, making it a perfect stop on a Pennsylvania road trip from the capital to Pittsburgh.

Located in central Pennsylvania's Huntingdon County, Raystown Lake is over 30 miles long and has a maximum depth of 200 feet. It is technically a reservoir that serves many functions, from hydroelectric power generation to a variety of recreational activities. Whether exploring by land or on the water, nature enthusiasts can take advantage of everything from award-winning hiking trails to serene kayaking points. And with an abundance of camping sites and accommodation types, visitors can tailor their trip to fit their needs. 

The optimal way to reach the area is by car, as it is 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh and 3.5 hours from Philadelphia. Amtrak's Pennsylvanian Line, which travels between New York and Pittsburgh, stops at nearby Huntingdon station, but requires a 20-minute taxi or Uber ride to reach the lake. For this final leg, its recommended to book your ride in advance.

One of the main appeals of Raystown Lake is the wide variety of activities available. The lake is full of peaceful kayaking spots, and has two public beaches with sandy shores ideal for swimming and relaxing. Boating is extremely popular here, with pontoon boat rentals available at Seven Points Marina from April to October, starting at $375 in season for 6 to 9 hours. But you don't need a boating license to get on board everywhere. The Proud Mary Showboat hosts sightseeing cruises on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons for $16 per person.

Like Pymatuning State Park between Pittsburgh and Lake Erie, Raystown Lake is a fantastic fishing spot. The lake is home to Atlantic salmon, catfish, and several types of trout. According to Raystown's website, Raystown Lake is also the Freshwater Striped Bass Capital of the Northeast United States. Trained fishing guides familiar with the lake's best spots are available for visitors with a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

The fun doesn't stop once ashore. The region winds with plenty of incredible hiking trails, such as the 85-mile Standing Stone Trail, which includes the offshoot 1,000 Steps Trail at Jacks Mountain, famous for its natural pillars and sinkholes. For stunning aerial views of the lake, Ridenour Overlook is an immaculate vantage point for bird watching, with bald eagles, red-tailed hawks and ospreys living along the Raystown's shores. Mountain Bikers will love the Allegrippis Trails, with 24 paths spanning across 36 miles. Additionally, the area around Huntingdon has several caves, like Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks, which hosts seasonal events, gem panning, and educational tours.

Pennsylvania is home to some of the best places in the U.S. to camp under the stars. The Raystown Lake Region alone has over 3,000 campsites and a variety of accommodation options for those looking for a extended getaway on the water. Besides traditional campgrounds, vacation homes, villas, cabins, and lodges are available, along with yurts and houseboats!

Lake Raystown Resort boasts over 400 acres of prime lakefront property and is suitable for campers and glampers alike. Those traveling with their tents or RVs will enjoy sites equipped with running water, electricity, dump sites, and even Wi-Fi. One of their coolest stays has to be their yurt option, rates for which start at $114 per night on peak season weekends for a minimum of two nights. The property also has three convenience stores for guests to buy grilling supplies, as well as a small laundry facility.

Raystown also happens to be the only Pennsylvania lake where you can stay on a houseboat. At Seven Points Marina, houseboat rentals are available from late April to early October and can accommodate four to 12 guests, depending the option. During peak season, smaller boats start at $1.700 for three to four days and all houseboats feature full kitchens and bathrooms, plus air conditioning and heating. On larger houseboats like the Jim Remembers, you can unwind in an on-deck jacuzzi or splash straight into the lake via built-in slide.