Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is a 952-acre reservoir on the North Branch Potomac River, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, on the border of Garrett County, Maryland and Mineral County, West Virginia. It suits anglers, boaters, campers and day visitors, and it is about 5 miles north of Elk Garden, West Virginia. The one thing to know is that the sources here do not confirm this season's camping, boating or swimming status, so check with the Corps before you go.
Should you go to Jennings Randolph Lake today?
Good day to go
- Light wind, up to 3 mph.
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Tue 20Light wind, up to 6 mph
- Wed 21Light wind, up to 3 mph
- Thu 22Light wind, up to 7 mph
- Fri 23Light wind, up to 6 mph
- Sat 24Cool for the water, up to 58°F
Weather at Jennings Randolph Lake, today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 am | Sunny | 33°F | 0 mph | 0% |
| 10 am | Sunny | 50°F | 0 mph | 0% |
| 12 pm | Sunny | 60°F | NE 2 mph | 0% |
| 2 pm | Sunny | 65°F | NE 3 mph | 0% |
| 4 pm | Sunny | 65°F | NE 3 mph | 0% |
| 6 pm | Clear | 61°F | N 2 mph | 0% |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 7:30 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:32 pm |
| Question visitors ask | Is Jennings Randolph Lake open for camping, boating and swimming? |
|---|---|
| County | Mineral County |
| Official site | www.nab.usace.army.mil |
How do you get to Jennings Randolph Lake and where do you park?
Jennings Randolph Lake lies about 5 miles north of Elk Garden, West Virginia, and about 8 miles upstream of Bloomington, Maryland, according to the Wikipedia entry. The Mineral County tourism page says there are boat launches on each side of the lake, and each has parking.
The Wikipedia entry lists the Howell Run Boat Launch, the Maryland Boat Launch, and the West Virginia and Maryland Overlooks as recreation sites, so visitors can start from either state.
What can you do at Jennings Randolph Lake?
The Mineral County tourism page describes Shaw Beach as a 200-foot beach with picnic tables, washrooms and changing rooms. It also says the lake is known for walleye fishing, and that the Howell Run Picnic Area has views of the lake and a playground.
The Wikipedia entry lists Robert W. Craig Campground as one of the lake's recreation facilities. The sources do not give campsite details, fees or rules for pets, alcohol or fishing licenses.
Is Jennings Randolph Lake open this season?
The sources do not confirm the current season. The attraction record says the Corps page it relies on still shows 2024 information, including the Howell Run Picnic Area closed for construction that year, and that Shaw Beach closes when water is high.
Before you go, check the current status of the boat ramps, Shaw Beach, the campground and the picnic areas with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District.
When are the whitewater releases below the dam?
The Army Corps of Engineers releases water from the dam to create Class 1, 2 or 3 rapids on the North Branch below Barnum, according to the Mineral County tourism page. The page says the release dates are posted in a separate Corps link, and that the release schedule changes each year.
Check the posted release dates before planning a whitewater trip, because the sources here do not list them for the current year.
Jennings Randolph Lake: questions visitors ask
Is Jennings Randolph Lake open for camping, boating and swimming?
The sources do not confirm current status. The Wikipedia entry lists the boat launches and Robert W. Craig Campground, and the Mineral County tourism page describes Shaw Beach with changing rooms, but neither confirms this season's opening dates. Check with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District before you go.
Where is Jennings Randolph Lake?
Jennings Randolph Lake is on the North Branch Potomac River, in Garrett County, Maryland and Mineral County, West Virginia. The Wikipedia entry places it about 5 miles north of Elk Garden, West Virginia.
Is there a beach at Jennings Randolph Lake?
Shaw Beach is a 200-foot beach with picnic tables, washrooms and changing rooms, according to the Mineral County tourism page. Check before you go whether the beach is open, because the attraction record says it closes during high water.
Is Jennings Randolph Lake good for fishing?
The Mineral County tourism page says the lake is known for walleye fishing and that boat launches on each side have parking. The same page describes the North Branch below the dam as a trout fishing area with rainbow and brown trout.
Who manages Jennings Randolph Lake?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the lake and manages it. The Wikipedia entry says the Corps built the lake under a 1962 Flood Control Act, and the lake was renamed for Senator Jennings Randolph in 1987.
Are there whitewater releases from the dam?
Yes. The Mineral County tourism page says the Army Corps of Engineers releases water from the dam to create Class 1, 2 or 3 rapids. Release dates are posted separately, so check them before you plan a trip.
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