Vacant Land Opportunities at Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania

2/6/2026

Vacant Land Opportunities at Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania 

Raystown Lake is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique land markets. With expansive public shoreline, limited private lakefront ownership, and consistent recreation-driven demand, the Raystown Lake region offers a blend of scarcity, long-term investment potential, and lifestyle-driven land value that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

For landowners, buyers, developers, and investors, understanding how Raystown Lake was created, how land ownership works, and where private opportunities actually exist is critical to making smart decisions.

The History of Raystown Lake and the Role of the Army Corps of Engineers

Raystown Lake was created in 1973 with the completion of the Raystown Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project was designed primarily for:

  • Flood control along the Juniata River
  • Water quality management
  • Downstream flow regulation

Unlike naturally formed lakes, Raystown is a federally managed reservoir, which has a direct impact on land ownership, development rights, and shoreline access.

The Army Corps of Engineers continues to manage:

  • Water levels
  • Shoreline protection
  • Recreational infrastructure
  • Adjacent public lands

This long-term federal oversight has preserved the lake’s character while limiting overdevelopment.

The Purpose and Recreational Value of Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is Pennsylvania’s largest lake entirely within the state, with:

  • Over 8,300 acres of water
  • Approximately 118 miles of shoreline

Major recreational uses include:

  • Boating and sailing
  • Fishing (striped bass, walleye, trout)
  • Swimming and beaches
  • Hiking and biking trails
  • Camping and hunting on adjacent public lands

Because most shoreline is publicly owned, Raystown has remained uncrowded and scenic, which continues to drive visitor demand.

Public vs. Private Land at Raystown Lake

One of the defining characteristics of Raystown Lake is the high percentage of publicly owned land.

Approximate Land Ownership Breakdown

  • 80–85% publicly owned (Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies)
  • 15–20% privately owned

Private land is generally:

  • Set back from the shoreline
  • Located above or outside the Corps’ control boundary
  • Subject to strict development and environmental regulations

True private lakefront parcels are extremely limited, making them some of the most valuable properties in the region.

Where Private Vacant Land Exists Near Raystown Lake

While shoreline ownership is scarce, vacant land opportunities exist in surrounding townships and elevated areas with lake views or short drive access.

Key areas include:

  • Union Township
  • Lincoln Township
  • Shirleysburg area
  • Todd Township
  • Marklesburg vicinity
  • Henderson Township

These areas offer:

  • Recreational and residential tracts
  • Short-term rental development potential
  • Cabin and second-home opportunities
  • Timber and long-term hold land

Surrounding Towns and Development Activity

Huntingdon

The largest nearby town, Huntingdon serves as the commercial and service hub for the Raystown Lake area.

Recent and ongoing development:

  • Small multifamily and townhomes
  • Short-term rental conversions
  • Commercial reinvestment
  • Medical and education-related growth (Juniata College)

Marklesburg

Closest community to the dam and major recreation areas.

Development characteristics:

  • Limited supply
  • Strong seasonal demand
  • Vacation homes and STRs
  • Premium pricing relative to size

Saxton and Broad Top Area

Located south and east of the lake. 

Opportunities include:

  • Larger acreage tracts
  • Recreational and timberland
  • Long-term hold investments
  • Value-oriented acquisitions

Huntingdon County Countryside

Surrounding rural areas provide:

  • Large tracts at lower per-acre pricing
  • Fewer zoning constraints
  • Opportunities for cabins, camps, and land banking

Population and Demographic Trends

Huntingdon County has a stable but aging population, with:

  • Population around 45,000
  • Median age higher than the state average
  • Seasonal population surges tied to tourism and recreation

While year-round population growth is modest, visitor counts and seasonal occupancy continue to rise, which is more relevant for land and STR investment.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Opportunities at Raystown Lake

Short-term rentals have become one of the strongest drivers of land value in the Raystown Lake region.

Why STRs Perform Well at Raystown

  • Limited hotel inventory
  • Strong summer and fall demand
  • Family-oriented tourism
  • Boating, fishing, and event-driven visits
  • Proximity to central Pennsylvania population centers

STR-Friendly Property Types

  • Lake-view homes (not necessarily waterfront)
  • Cabins within 5–15 minutes of marinas
  • Large homes for group rentals
  • Hybrid cabin-and-camp properties

STR Regulatory Environment

  • Mostly township-level regulation
  • Generally more permissive than urban markets
  • Due diligence is critical, as rules vary by municipality

Vacant land suitable for STR development often commands a premium when zoning, access, and utilities align.

Land Pricing in the Raystown Lake Area (2026 Estimates)

Pricing varies widely by location, access, and development potential.

Approximate Price Ranges

  • Lake-adjacent / view parcels: $80,000–$200,000+ per acre
  • Near-lake residential land: $40,000–$80,000 per acre
  • Rural recreational land: $15,000–$35,000 per acre
  • Large timber or recreational tracts: $8,000–$20,000 per acre

True waterfront parcels, when available, often trade well above typical per-acre metrics.

Recreation, Dining, and Entertainment Key attractions include:

  • Raystown Lake Visitor Center
  • Seven Points Marina
  • James Creek Marina
  • Tatman Run and Susquehannock Campgrounds
  • Hiking and biking trails
  • Seasonal events and festivals

Dining and entertainment options are concentrated in:

  • Huntingdon
  • Marklesburg
  • Seasonal lake-area establishments

This limited but growing amenity base supports continued STR and vacation-home demand.

Raystown Lake as a Long-Term Investment Market

From an investment standpoint, Raystown Lake benefits from:

  • Controlled development
  • Public land protection
  • Scarcity of private shoreline
  • Strong recreational demand
  • Relative affordability compared to out-of-state lake markets

Common Investment Strategies

  • Buy-and-hold recreational land
  • STR-focused residential development
  • Cabin and vacation rental builds
  • Timberland ownership with recreational overlay

Timber and Natural Resource Opportunities

Many tracts around Raystown include:

  • Mixed hardwood timber
  • Periodic harvest potential
  • Recreational and conservation value
  • Long-term appreciation

Timber income can help offset holding costs while preserving land value.

Why Working With a Land Specialist Matters

Raystown Lake land transactions require specialized knowledge, including:

  • Army Corps boundary lines
  • Environmental and shoreline restrictions
  • Township zoning nuances
  • STR regulations
  • Timber valuation
  • Development feasibility

A land and development-focused real estate professional helps buyers identify what is actually buildable and usable, and helps sellers position land correctly in a market defined by scarcity.

Final Thoughts

Raystown Lake is not a mass-development market — and that is precisely its appeal. With limited private land, strong recreation demand, and long-term public stewardship, the region offers durable land value and strategic investment opportunity for those who understand its constraints and potential.