Army Corps of Engineers announces reopening dates of recreation sites

PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is announcing the reopening of select facilities at district-managed sites in anticipation of the 2021 recreation season.

“We invite the public to come out and safely enjoy our beautiful reservoirs and parks. Our rangers and resource managers across the district have done a tremendous job preparing campgrounds and recreational sites for this year’s season!” said Col. Andrew Short, commander, Pittsburgh District.

All campground reservations can now be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Some recreation sites have already partially or fully reopened, while others will reopen later in the summer season.

Northern Area:

  • Shenango River Lake – Old Duck and New Duck Loops reopened May 14. A temporary dump station is set up by the boat ramp restroom during road construction. Ongoing road construction affects when remaining campsites will reopen.
  • Tionesta Lake – Primitive camp sites, which do not include electric hookups, opened in April. The remaining Tionesta Recreational areas opened May 17.
  • Berlin Lake – Campground will reopen May 20.
  • East Branch Clarion River Lake – Campground will reopen May 28 for Memorial Day Weekend. Cabins and electric campsites are available. 
  • Woodcock Creek Lake – Campground will reopen May 28 for Memorial Day Weekend. Campground will be available for reservations only on weekends. Closed during weekdays.
  • Kinzua Dam & Allegheny Reservoir – No Army Corps operated campgrounds.
  • Michael J. Kirwan Dam & Reservoir – No Army Corps operated campgrounds.
  • Mosquito Creek Lak – No Army Corps operated campgrounds.
  • Union City Dam – No Army Corps operated campgrounds.

Southern Area:

  • Youghiogheny River Lake – Outflow Campground reopened April 16. Mill Run Campground reopened May 1.
  • Loyalhanna Lake – Bush Recreation Area reopened May 7. Recreation area now has a new playground. New electrical pedestals will be added soon.
  • Crooked Creek Lake – Campground reopened May 14. Tee pads for all nine holes at the disc golf course are completed. New courtesy dock for boat launch area will be installed soon.
  • Stonewall Jackson Lake – No Army Corps operated campgrounds. Downstream areas are open year-round. By mid-June, the recreational area is expected to add a cornhole play area, information center upgrades with electronic kiosk and virtual map tour, and an additional shaded picnic site.
  • Mahoning Creek Lake – No Army Corps operated campgrounds.
  • Conemaugh River Lake – No Army Corps operated campgrounds. New pavilion installed over outdoor fitness area. Improvements made to existing playground area.
  • Tygart Lake – No Army Corps operated campgrounds. Day use areas are open year-round

Additional Information:

Several services, such as campgrounds and restrooms, will only be available at select sites. The public is encouraged to contact the recreation sites prior to visiting for information about available services.

All reservations are made through www.recreation.gov

Protecting the safety of the public and our staff is Pittsburgh District’s top priority. As the district continues evaluating a return to full operations, amenities may be limited at each site and all closures are subject to change.

The district will continue to assess each recreation site throughout the season and open or close amenities as necessary to reduce the spread of coronavirus. For current updates, contact the recreation sites.

A current list of each facilities’ openings and closures is available here: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/status.cfm.

Pittsburgh District’s 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland, and southwestern New York. It includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose flood-control reservoirs, 42 local flood-protection projects, and other projects to protect and enhance the nation’s water resources infrastructure and environment.

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