Picnics, reunions and weddings oh my! Raystown has numerous picnic areas with tables & grills, and nine picnic shelters to suit your needs. Picnic areas are open year round (weather permitting).
Plan Your Picnic
Picnic Shelters
The majority, but not all, recreations areas at Raystown offer a nearby picnic shelter. Picnic shelters are available on a first come, first served basis (when not otherwise reserved) free of charge. Each shelter and recreation area is unique. To learn more about amenities, click the shelters below.
The Decker mini-shelter is located near Oak shelter in Seven Points and offers covered space for 2-3 tables. This shelter is not reservable and available by walk-in only.
The "Pagoda" is located at the Dam overlook and offers bench seating for observation (no tables). The Pagoda is not reservable.
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Picnic Areas
Picnic tables and pedestal charcoal grills are available in most recreation areas (except overlooks, Snyder's Run and Shy Beaver). Tables are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. On summer holiday weekends visitors are encouraged to arrive early to obtain a picnic table and grill. There is no fee to use or park at a picnic area.
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Reservations & Fees
 To guarantee exclusive use of a shelter, reservations are available. Reservations are highly recommended for weekends and holidays– especially for Seven Points shelters.
Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis. Requests are accepted as early as 12:01 a.m., 12 months in advance of the requested date. Requests can be made by telephone or in person. All requests (phone or in person) are processed in the order they are received. When making your request please provide:
- Your name (spell if necessary)
- Group name or nature of event (i.e., reunion, wedding, company picnic, etc.)
- Mailing address
- Daytime and evening phone number
- Shelter desired
- Date of reservation request
- An alternate date & shelter should your primary request be unavailable
Requests by phone
Reservations can by phone at (814) 658-3405 and following the voice prompts to picnic shelter reservations. A recording will ask for you to leave a message noting the details listed above. Each message is date and timed stamped. All requests are processed in the order they are initially received.
Requests in person
 Reservations can be made in person by visiting the Ranger Office located on the lower level of the Visitor Center in Seven Points. During the summer, the office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed holidays). The office is closed during the noon lunch hour. All requests are processed in the order in which they are received.
Confirmation
Confirmations are processed within 10 business days of the request. Confirmations are made via letter which outlines payment requirements and guidelines for use. Recipients should verify the information and return payment as requested. Reservations are not guaranteed until payment is received.
Payment
Payment can be made in person, by phone, or by mail to the address noted in the confirmation letter. Checks can be made payable to "USAED-Baltimore". We accept cash, check and major credit cards. Upon processing payment a reservation permit will be mailed/provided to post at the shelter on the day of the reservation.
Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellations for paid shelter reservations must be made no later than 30 days prior to the reservation date. Cash refunds are not provided. Refunds may take up to 3 months to process. Vouchers for a future shelter reservation can be issued in lieu of a refund. (Vouchers are subject to reservation policies and are not granted priority over other requests.)
Unpaid cancellations will automatically occur, with or without notice, if payment of the reservation fee is not received within 21 days of the date printed on your confirmation letter. Upon cancellation, shelters become available on a first come, first served basis.
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Rules & Tips
Knowing the rules and planning ahead will help you save a lot – time, stress, money and maybe a life! Plan before you go and get the most out of your vacation!
Raystown lands and waters are subject to Federal rules and regulations under Title 36. Copies of Title 36 are posted on bulletin boards and available from a ranger, the Visitor Center or by clicking the brochure to the right. The following is a partial list of rules provided to address picnic and shelter related questions and concerns.
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Visitors may move picnic tables as needed. Shelter users are requested to replace any tables removed from the shelter.
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Hot coals and ash may be left in the grills. Please do not burn trash.
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Personal grills are permitted. All fires must be contained to a grill (no ground fires). Do not dump hot coals into dumpsters.
Shelter Users:
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The person arranging the reservation serves as the group's point-of-contact and assumes responsibility for the shelter and it's use by the group.
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Shelter reservations guarantee the shelter for daytime activities from the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Signs and other directional markers may be posted on the board provided at the entrance to each shelter. Additional roadway signage is not permitted. (Maps are available upon request)
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Trash cans are not provided at the shelters. However, dumpsters are provided in the shelter parking lot. Please remove all trash.
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Direct vehicle access may not be available. For the safety of visitors and to avoid damage to our parks, vehicles are not permitted to drive to a shelter, on walkways, paths or over grass. Under extenuating circumstances and only with permission may a vehicle access a shelter. Requests for vehicle access must be made in advance to a ranger or by calling (814) 658-3405.
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Due to exclusive catering rights, professional catering services to Seven Points shelters MUST be arranged through Lighthouse Catering at (814) 658-2229. If another cater is preferred Lighthouse Catering must be contacted for permission first. Fees may apply.
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Non-permanent decorations may be used at shelters. Prior to departure all trash, decorations, tacks, tape, etc. must be removed.
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