24-05-2025
Campers move to private grounds as state ones remain closed this Memorial Day weekend
HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)– Due to the ongoing federal hiring freeze pushing back the opening date of Raystown Lake campground to July 15, several people's Memorial Day traditions will look different this year.
'The vast majority of folks that we talk to are very understanding but disappointed, and I would say that is reflective of how we feel as well,' Park Ranger Jenna Conner said.
Conner is one of four permanent rangers who work year-round at the lake, and they usually hire around twelve more every summer. She said the closures could result in a loss of visitors and revenue.
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'Seven Points alone is one of the highest revenue generating campgrounds in the US Army Corps of Engineers,' Conner said. 'We consistently rank about first or second. That generates about one point two million dollars every year.'
But some campers are returning, opting instead for privately owned options like Pleasant Hills Campground.
'We have a lot of new guests coming in this year that are first timers,' Owner of Pleasant Hills Campground Rachel Lentz said. 'Our hope is that they'll enjoy their time here and repeat camp with us in the future.'
The campground has 140 sites that are expected to be full most of the holiday weekend. But while they are capitalizing on the opportunity, there is concern that fewer visitors could have a large impact on local businesses that rely on tourism.
'I'm hoping that the community will rally around these businesses and show their support this summer to kind of make up for some of that loss that I'm sure they will experience,' Lentz said.
'It's hard to determine what that number is going to be,' Conner said. 'We know it's going to be significant but it's hard to determine how much.'
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