About
Jennings Randolph Lake Maryland Boat Launch is the Maryland-side boat ramp on Jennings Randolph Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the North Branch of the Potomac River along the line between Garrett County and Mineral County, West Virginia. It sits on Backbone Mountain on Mt. Zion Road, off MD Route 135 near Kitzmiller, and it's used by anglers, water-skiers and anyone bringing a boat on a trailer.
About the Lake
The Corps built the dam under the Flood Control Act of 1962, and the lake has been in operation since 1981. It was first called Bloomington Lake and was renamed in 1987 for West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph. A 296-foot earth and rockfill dam holds back a lake about 6.6 miles long at full conservation pool, managed for flood risk, water quality, water supply and recreation, and each spring the Corps schedules whitewater releases from the dam's outlet works.
At the Launch
This ramp is operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources rather than the Corps. It has a wide concrete ramp, a floating pier system with courtesy and fishing docks, a paved lot for cars and trailers, and a comfort station. A launch fee applies, and alcoholic beverages aren't permitted. On the West Virginia shore, the Corps runs the Howell Run Boat Launch, the Robert W. Craig Campground and Shaw Beach, and there are overlooks on both the Maryland and West Virginia sides.
Before You Go
In past seasons low water has closed the Corps' Howell Run launch while this Maryland ramp stayed open for trailered boats, so conditions really do depend on the lake level. Check current lake levels and status with the Jennings Randolph Lake park office before you tow your boat out.
Address
Mt Zion Rd, Kitzmiller, MD 21538