Improvement Underway At Popular Keystone Lake Campground

Improvements are coming to a popular recreation area on Keystone Lake.

The Army Corps of Engineers says funding they received because of the 2019 floods is helping update the campgrounds at Appalachia Bay.

You can already see improvements happening at Appalachia Bay, like a new gate shack that was completed in phase 1 of the project.

Crews are busy getting Appalachia Bay fixed up for future visitors. It's a popular spot for boating, camping, and even ATV riding along the beach. 

"Well, you've got the lake right down the road. You got two boat ramps, ATV trails here at Appalachia Bay," said Chad Caplinger.

He manages an RV park just up the street and says the bay is a big draw for people staying at his park. 

"We opened up September one of last year, 2023, and they closed down there soon after and affected our ability to do business," said Caplinger. 

He's eager to see it reopen, and even though people may choose to camp down closer to the water, he sees it as a positive relationship.

"There's a lot of things that we can offer that they can't. Obviously, there's things that they can offer that we're unable to," he said. 

The corps of engineers says phase two of the project will include supplying campsites with 50 amp hookups and replacing a toilet in the day-use area. They say manufacturing delays will cause the park to close periodically to complete the remaining phases, something Caplinger is excited to see. 

"Ready to help partner with them and handle a lot of their overflow as well as allowing our guests to be able to enjoy their amenities," said Caplinger.  

The Corps of Engineers doesn't have an exact opening date yet for Appalachia Bay, but they say it will be open sometime this year.