04/18/2026
🌲🚐 ⛺️We are less than ONE WEEK AWAY from CaMpInG 2026!!! 😃🌲
So much adventure awaits! Check out a short list (too many to list) of the best Raystown Lake activities—perfect for your upcoming stay at Timber Run Campground (just minutes away in Saxton, PA).
Raystown Lake is Pennsylvania’s largest inland lake (about 8,300 acres with 118 miles of shoreline), so there’s plenty to do right on the water or nearby. 
Water-Based Fun
• Boating & Pontoon Rentals — Rent a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the lake’s many coves and bays. Several marinas offer rentals, plus boat launches are easy access.
• Fishing — The lake is famous for striped bass (Pennsylvania record—over 53 lbs!), plus largemouth/smallmouth bass, trout, catfish, and more. Try the dam area or quiet coves. Bring your rod or book a guided trip. 
• Swimming & Beaches — Head to Tatman Run or Seven Points Beach for a designated swimming area with shallow, clear water—great for families. There are picnic spots and easy access from camp. 
• Proud Mary Showboat Cruises — Take a relaxing sightseeing, breakfast, or dinner cruise with scenic views and sometimes live entertainment. A fun, low-key way to enjoy the lake without driving a boat. 
Trails & Outdoor Adventure
• Allegrippis Trails — World-class mountain biking (ranked among the best in the U.S.) with 24+ sustainable single-track trails for all levels. Also excellent for hiking, trail running, and even snowshoeing in winter. Access is quick from the Raystown area. 
• Hiking — Hundreds of miles of trails around the lake and in nearby state parks (like Trough Creek). Look for scenic overlooks, Balanced Rock, or the Thousand Steps for a challenge. The area has beautiful forested ridges and wildlife viewing. 
• Paddling to Sheep Rock Cliffs — Kayak or paddleboard close to dramatic cliffs and rock shelters. 
Family-Friendly & Nearby Attractions
• DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash — Amusement park with rides plus a big waterpark (slides, lazy river, splash pad)—about 30–40 minutes away and a great rainy-day or kid-focused option. 
• WildRiver Waterpark — Another fun waterpark option nearby with innertube rides and pools.
• East Broad Top Railroad — Historic steam train rides for a nostalgic outing.
• Other Ideas — Geocaching, disc golf, birdwatching, picnicking at pavilions, or visiting the Raystown Lake Visitor Center at Seven Points for maps and info. Nearby caves, farms, and museums add variety if you want a break from the outdoors. 
Quick Tips for Your Trip
• From Timber Run — Many spots (lake access, trails, boat launches) are within 8–15 minutes drive—super convenient! Nearby Saxton offers all you need - grocery, gas, restaurants, etc.
• Best Time — Early mornings or weekdays are quieter. Check the weather—lake activities shine in warmer months, but spring/fall bring great hiking and fewer crowds.
• Essentials — Pack sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy shoes for trails, and a Pennsylvania fishing license if needed. Follow Leave No Trace and Army Corps of Engineers rules (no swimming at night, designated areas only).
• Current Info — Visit raystown.org for the latest on rentals, events, and conditions, or stop by the visitor center.
Raystown Lake pairs perfectly with your camping vibes at Timber Run—spend the day on the water or trails, then come back for campfire s’mores and stargazing. Whether you’re into high-energy boating or chill paddling, there’s something for every camper.⛵🥾🔥