Long weekends are meant for a little adventure, and this Memorial Day Sunday, I found mine at the stunning Raystown Lake in central Pennsylvania. If you’ve never been, let me paint a picture: clear blue waters tucked between green rolling hills, cozy coves perfect for relaxing, and just enough buzz from fellow lake lovers to make it feel alive—but not overcrowded.
🚗 The Drive from York County
Starting early from York County, it took me about 2.5 hours to reach Raystown Lake. The drive was scenic and smooth—rolling farmlands, sleepy small towns, and the kind of winding country roads that make you roll down the windows and crank up the music.
On Memorial Day weekend, traffic was surprisingly manageable (we got lucky!), but I’d still recommend heading out early to beat the midday rush and secure a good parking spot near the lake.
🛑 Helpful Stop: There are a few great places along US-22 or PA-26 to stretch your legs or grab coffee—especially in Huntingdon, PA, which is the nearest town to the lake with gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
🌊 First Glimpse of Raystown Lake – Instant Calm
There’s something about your first look at the water that instantly melts away stress. Raystown Lake is the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, and it shows. With 118 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline, it feels wild, vast, and peaceful.
I stopped at Seven Points Recreation Area, one of the most popular public spots on the lake. It has:
- Picnic areas with lake views
- Boat launches and kayak rentals
- Sandy spots where kids (and adults) can wade in
Though we didn’t rent a boat this time, I saw plenty of people cruising the water, tubing, and paddle boarding. I’m definitely coming back for that full lake day experience.
☀️ Soaking in the Sunday Serenity
We spent the afternoon lounging by the water, soaking up the sunshine, and just being. That might sound simple, but honestly, it felt perfect. No deadlines, no screens, just warm sun, cool breezes, and the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore.
I took a short walk along the Lakeside Trail, which hugs the shoreline and offers beautiful views. If you’re into light hiking, photography, or birdwatching, this is a peaceful little path to explore.
🌄 Stunning Views: Don’t Miss These Raystown Lake Overlooks
Before heading to the water, I stopped at two stunning viewpoints that truly showcase the beauty of Raystown Lake.
📍 Hawn’s Overlook
Just above the Seven Points Recreation Area, this is the most iconic view of the lake—wide, sweeping, and unforgettable. It’s an easy walk from the parking area and perfect for photos, especially at sunset.
📍 Ridenour Overlook
A short walk from Hawn’s, this quieter spot offers a peaceful setting with a picnic shelter and a slightly different angle of the lake and mountains.
Tip: Visit both—they’re close together and well worth it for the views alone.
📝 What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a day trip to Raystown Lake from York County, here are a few tips that might help:
- Start early, especially on holiday weekends. Parking and picnic areas fill up fast.
- Bring sunblock, extra water, towels, and maybe even a camp chair or hammock.
- There’s a lot to explore—boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming are all popular here.
- Check the weather before you go—conditions on the water can change quickly.
- Download offline maps, especially once you exit the main highways. Signal can get spotty near the lake.
Stay tuned for more trip recaps as I keep exploring Pennsylvania’s hidden gems. Next time, I might finally rent a kayak or even stay overnight near the lake—if I can snag a campsite in time! If you’ve been to Raystown and have tips, I’d love to hear them.
Until then, happy travels and here’s to making the most of long weekends! 🌞💙
