Lake Raystown Resort is a picturesque lake resort located in Pennsylvania’s mountains at 3101 Chipmunk Crossing, Entriken. It offers a great place to create old-fashioned memories of summer vacations. It doesn’t need to look like Steve Martin in “ Save up to a Dozen Dollars! “
Growing up, I lived near a small lake. We spent the summer jumping off the end dock and into the water. We rode in inner tubes made from old tires pulled by my dad’s rowboat (Thanks Dad! We spent long summer days playing on the sand shore and jumping off the end of the dock into water. We rode in old tire inner tubes pulled behind my dad’s row boat (Thanks, Dad!
After all these years, I still love the lake! A lake vacation for me is nostalgic. It’s much more than that. A lake vacation offers a level of carefree simplicity that is hard to find anywhere else.
It was a wonderful experience to visit the Lake Raystown Resort located in Central Pennsylvania about half way between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. I felt like a child again, with carefree wonderment and lazy days spent just “being.”
What is Raystown Lake all about?
Raystown Lake is larger than the small lake I grew-up on in Pennsylvania.
Raystown Lake, with its 8,300 acres and 110 miles of shoreline, is located in the Allegheny Mountains. The 30,000-acre wildlife area is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Besides the lake, the Raystown Lake area has hiking and biking trails — including the world renowned Allegrippis Trails, hunting and recreation/picnicking areas offering some of the best views in the country.
Visit the Huntingdon County Visitor Bureau to learn more about Raystown Lake Region. The rest of this article will show you what a lake vacation in the old-fashioned way is like!
Lake Raystown Resort: Where to Stay
Lake Raystown Resort offers a full-service lake resort. Accommodations are available for all types of travelers — but some do book early!
- Will you choose a log-cabin with a spacious covered porch, a dining area, and sleeping space for six people?
PROTIP: Pine Camp Log cabins, #21-24, have pet-friendly cabins. Fido is worth the pet fee. Here’s everything you need before you travel with your pet.
- You can choose to relax in a Beachfront Bungalow, which has a full kitchen, living room and dining area, and two bedrooms. The kids will have a great time playing on the beach.
- You may be the adventurous type and want to try something new. Lake Raystown Resort offers yurts as an alternative — but there are only a few so book soon!
- You may want to try out a lake vacation and opt for a traditional hotel vacation. The views from the rooms at the lodge that look out over the marina and lake are amazing. You can enjoy picnic tables and firepits at the lodge, while still enjoying all of the amenities that come with a hotel.
- Lake Raystown Resort also offers tent and RV campsites for those who are camping pros.
As I only stayed for a few nights, I chose to stay in the lodge. The room I stayed in was spacious and comfortable, and had a great view of the water.
There are 219 camping sites at Lake Raystown Resort, which is open from April through October. Each site has water, electricity, sewer dumps, cable, internet, and a picnic table. Each site can accommodate up to six people and two vehicles. To learn more about Lake Raystown Resort Camping or to reserve a spot, visit their website.
Lake Raystown Resort – Make Memories
Every time we go on vacation to the lake, we notice that there is a “lake time”.
We have big plans to fill our day with adventure – biking, boarding and boating (for others — not for me) as well as exploring local parks.
At the lake, time seems to slow down. Many days are filled with activities, but we also find ourselves snoozing on the porch listening to birds and boats.
We can also take a hammock and read a few pages in the trees. The warm breeze blows through the trees, lulling us to sleep.
No hurry. It’s time to relax. Relax.
Just be.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t find plenty to do if you choose to.
Lake Raystown Resort Activities
Lake Raystown Resort offers all the amenities that you would expect on a lake holiday.
Lake Raystown Resort Marina
The largest lake in Pennsylvania is Raystown Lake. The shoreline is lined with many coves and open water where you can anchor your boat to relax. The marina provides Lake Raystown Resort Boat Rentals to be used daily.
- The basic Lake Raystown Resort Boat rentals include pontoons that are 20 or 22 feet long and can seat 8 to 10 people. These pontoons are equipped with bimini tops for shade, and have enough horsepower to move on open water. Prices start at $399/day. The boats do not allow pets.
- Lake Raystown Resort Boat Rentals offers “fun boats” which are two-story pontoons that have an upper sundeck with slides to keep you entertained all day! These boats start at $539/day.
Be sure to take a Pennsylvania boating safety class before renting a vessel. This course is required for all boats with more than 25 horsepower.
You can bring your boat if you wish! Rent a boat slip as soon as possible, because the Lake Raystown Resort Marina has limited spaces.
Portside rentals, located near the Lake Raystown Marina, offers a variety of water sports rentals including paddleboards, kayaks, wave runners, and pedal boats.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner or breakfast cruise on the Proud Mary Showboat, docked in the Lake Raystown Resort Marina. As you enjoy your meal, take in the beautiful scenery along the lake. Sunset is especially stunning!
WildRiver Water Park
My dad would use muscle power and tire inner tubes to pull us behind the boat when I was a child. He did all the work because our lake didn’t allow motors. Now I really appreciate it.
Dad can enjoy the WildRiver Water Park at Lake Raystown Resort!
The WildRiver Water Park is located at the entrance of Lake Raystown Resort and is open on a seasonal basis. It is currently closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and all other days.
WildRiver Waterpark has two 380-foot twisting slides. It also features the White Water Innertube Ride and the Atomic Blaster. There is a heated pool and a children’s splash and play pool.
The all-day rate for 2023 is $12.95/person. Discounted tickets are available for children who want to only use the Children’s Splash and Play Pool, or adults who just want to use heated pool. This is an excellent option for families on a tight budget!
Enjoy the Beach
Buccaneer’s Bay Beach is located at Raystown Lake Resort and offers the ideal place to relax or catch some rays.
Staff at Lake Raystown Resort will host beach activities such as sand painting, canoe racing, and more. Let someone else plan your old-fashioned lake activities!
Enjoy a Campfire Under the Stars
Each campsite and cabin in Lake Raystown Resort comes with a campfire ring, picnic table and a place to sit and enjoy the night under the stars.
The resort staff can also cater campfires so that you just need to show up and relax. Yep, even mom!
Lake Raystown Resort: More Fun
Steve Martin’s lake vacation is a disaster.
At Lake Raystown Resort you can have chaos only if you choose to! The resort has hiking trails, a playground, planned activities, a campers boat launch, and sand beach.
Lake Raystown Resort is the perfect place to slow down and make memories. This is the kind of holiday where you feel relaxed and rested!