Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

4.23

125 reviews

6145 Seven Points Road, Hesston, PA, 16647, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Pennsylvania

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

$0.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $15.00 per night during the peak season (April through October). Camping is free during the off-season (November through March).

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

814-658-3405allen.gwinn@usace.army.mil

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 125 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty and secluded nature of the campground but express concerns about noise from other campers, lack of staff enforcement of quiet hours, and the absence of potable water and mooring facilities. The overall sentiment is mixed but leans positive for those seeking a primitive camping experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6145 Seven Points Road, Hesston, PA, 16647, USA

Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

6145 Seven Points Road, Hesston, PA, 16647, USA

Driving directionsThe Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground is accessible only by boat. The nearest ramps for launching are Aitch (accessible from PA26 in Marklesburg) and James Creek (accessible via PA994 near Entriken).

This campground is exclusively accessible by boat, with no motor vehicle access. Roads leading to the boat ramps are paved and suitable for standard vehicles.

Nearby places

Hesston: Approx. 10 miles (20 min drive to the nearest boat ramp), Marklesburg: Approx. 5 miles (10 min drive to the nearest boat ramp), Entriken: Approx. 12 miles (25 min drive to the nearest boat ramp).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies: Seven Points Marina (~8 lake miles). Fuel: Entriken (~12 miles driving).

Best Time to Camp at Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

Each season paints a different portrait at Nancy's Boat to Shore. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and crisp, clear days perfect for exploration. Summer brings warm, languid afternoons punctuated by dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the lake. Fall transforms the surrounding ridges into a tapestry of gold and crimson under brilliant blue skies. Even winter has its charm—those brave enough to venture out in the cold months discover a peaceful solitude rarely found, with the entire lake seemingly reserved just for them.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season offers full activities but reviews note noise and busier conditions on weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn likely strong for foliage and views; fewer crowd issues than peak summer implied.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring 'awakens the forest' with wildflowers and clear days—good exploration and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Closed for reservations Nov–Mar; off-season camping possible but limited services and rough waters noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 through October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from April 1 to October 31. Closed for reservations during the off-season (November through March), but camping is free during this time.
Current Alerts: User reviews frequently mention noise issues during holiday weekends and busy seasons. Some campers have reported debris blocking shoreline access for mooring vessels.

About Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

Escape to Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground, where adventure begins with a boat ride across the shimmering waters of Raystown Lake. This hidden gem, accessible only by watercraft, rewards intrepid campers with 50 pristine sites nestled along Pennsylvania's largest lake. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience away from the crowds and chaos of traditional campgrounds.

Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground is a primitive, boat-in-only facility designed for tent campers. The campground offers 50 designated sites.

Historical SignificanceRaystown Lake stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's vision for outdoor recreation, transforming the Juniata River valley into central Pennsylvania's premier water playground. Since its creation, this man-made marvel has become the heart of the region's tourism industry, drawing generations of families who return year after year to fish its depths, explore its hidden coves, and hike the surrounding ridges. The lake has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the area, creating countless memories and traditions.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints a different portrait at Nancy's Boat to Shore. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and crisp, clear days perfect for exploration. Summer brings warm, languid afternoons punctuated by dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the lake. Fall transforms the surrounding ridges into a tapestry of gold and crimson under brilliant blue skies. Even winter has its charm—those brave enough to venture out in the cold months discover a peaceful solitude rarely found, with the entire lake seemingly reserved just for them.

ElevationPerched within Pennsylvania's distinctive ridge and valley region, the campground offers a dynamic landscape where ancient mountain ridges rise and fall like waves frozen in stone. This undulating terrain creates intimate camping spots at varying elevations, each offering its own unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness and water below.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic oak and hickory trees, some centuries old, form a living cathedral around Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground. These ancient sentinels frame spectacular views of Raystown Lake—all 8,300 acres of pristine water that stretches like a sapphire ribbon through the valley. The Juniata River feeds this aquatic wonderland, while dramatic cliffs and mountain ridges create a stunning backdrop that changes with every shift of light. Morning mists rise from the water, eagles soar overhead, and sunset paints the limestone cliffs in shades of rose and gold.

Geological RegionThe campground sits within Pennsylvania's remarkable ridge and valley province, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of parallel ridges and fertile valleys. Ancient oak-hickory forests blanket the shoreline, their roots gripping the weathered rock that tells the story of countless seasons. These verdant slopes give way to dramatic mountain ridges and sheer cliffs that plunge toward the water, creating a diverse ecosystem where forest meets lake in spectacular fashion.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Standard check-in time begins at 3 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is required by 12 PM.

Stay Limit

Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of two tents permitted per campsite.

Groups

No specific group camping information is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are either open and grassy or tucked into wooded areas. Waterfront sites provide mooring options.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via their mobile app. Phone reservations can be made by calling the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all reservations must be made in advance during the peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations incur the loss of the first night’s fee.

AccessibilityThere is no explicit information provided about accessibility features. The primitive and boat-required nature may make the campground less accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites are designed for tent camping and can accommodate a maximum of two tents per site.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some sites are in open, grassy areas, while others are in wooded areas that provide more seclusion.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers suggest choosing waterfront sites for easier boat access and avoiding higher-numbered waterfront sites due to shallower depths and rocky bottoms.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities, with a focus on fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking nearby. Boating is the primary method of accessing the campsites.

HikingHiking trails near the campground include the Lower Trail, Terrace Mountain Trail, Old Loggers Trail, and Mid State Trail. These trails attract significant traffic and offer various levels of difficulty.

FishingFishing at Raystown Lake is highly regarded, with opportunities to catch small and large mouth bass, muskies, striped bass, and brown trout. The lake is described as an excellent fishing destination.

BoatingBoating is essential for accessing the campground. Campers can moor their vessels for free along the Nancy's Camp shoreline. However, some reviews highlight challenges like rough waters and limited mooring space.

Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including animals like bears, raccoons, skunks, and birds such as eagles. A review noted, 'We got to watch the eagles.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, raccoons, and skunks. Campers are advised to store food securely. The campground’s shoreline may be rocky, and wake zones can damage moored boats.

Active AlertsUser reviews frequently mention noise issues during holiday weekends and busy seasons. Some campers have reported debris blocking shoreline access for mooring vessels.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Dead wood on the ground may be used for firewood, but cutting standing trees is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon (~18 miles). Nearest police station: Huntingdon Borough Police (~19 miles). Ranger station: Raystown Lake Visitor Center (~8 miles by water).

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities. However, campers are advised to store food securely due to the presence of wildlife like bears, raccoons, and skunks.

Water FeaturesAll campsites are along the shore of Raystown Lake, offering direct access for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Camp HostRangers visit daily during peak season to check on campers. Specific rangers like Doug and Emily have been praised for their friendliness and support.

Weather at Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

Reviews

4.2

125 reviews

Satisfactory

Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (Pa) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and secluded nature of the campground but express concerns about noise from other campers, lack of staff enforcement of quiet hours, and the absence of potable water and mooring facilities. The overall sentiment is mixed but leans positive for those seeking a primitive camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 125 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the secluded, primitive experience, the natural beauty of the lake, and the opportunity for fishing and wildlife viewing. Some appreciated the clean vault toilets and the...

Based on 125 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include noise from other campers (especially during holiday weekends), the lack of potable water, insufficient mooring facilities, and the poor condition of vault toilets during...

Based on 125 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water, firewood, and boating essentials like fenders. Avoid holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter experience. Consider off-season visits for a more tranquil stay.

Based on 125 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Off-season camping (November to March) is described as peaceful and less crowded, while peak season sees noise issues and busy conditions. Weather challenges like rough waters are also more common in...

Based on 125 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The view of the lake is nice. However, don't go there if you actually want any sleep.' (Michael Steward) - 'Very nice primitive campground! Restrooms are clean!' (Michael Hinton) - 'Bring your own...

Based on 125 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Numerous specific sites were reviewed: Site 1 ('New fire rings'), Site 31 ('Very nice,' clean restrooms), Site 46 (noisy on holiday weekends), Site 50 (recommended for its waterfront location).

Based on 125 reviews