Crooked Creek Lake campsites in western Pennsylvania offer camping options at 780 feet elevation within the Allegheny Plateau region. The campground sits within a mixed hardwood forest that provides partial shade during summer months when temperatures typically range from 70-85°F. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains the primary camping area which features electric sites with gravel pads that can accommodate units up to 35 feet in length.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Crooked Creek Lake features good fishing conditions for various species including bass, muskie, and panfish. At Silver Canoe Campground, campers can enjoy their own fishing lake. "There's a little fishing lake. You can rent paddle boats or canoes to paddle around the lake," notes one reviewer.
Playground access: Several camping areas near Crooked Creek Lake include playgrounds for children. Bush Recreation Area provides "a nice playground and green space. It's definitely a great choice for families, especially those w/young children," according to a visitor.
Hiking trails: The region offers various hiking paths of different difficulty levels. At Cook Forest State Park Campground, visitors find "nice trails and friendly campground hosts." Another camper mentions the area is "hugged by tall evergreens and level ground" with "a couple trail heads (not heavily trafficked)" accessible from some campsites.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Crooked Creek area campgrounds. One Mountain Top Campground visitor described it as "solitude peace and quiet. You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. Place is full-ish but is super quiet. If you're looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it."
Water recreation: Lakes and streams provide swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. A Bush Recreation Area camper noted, "This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities matter to campers. A reviewer at Smith Grove reported, "Campground is very nice. A lot of sites with plenty of room at each site. Bathrooms were very clean as well."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Campsite proximity varies significantly between campgrounds in the area. One visitor noted about Mountain Top, "Spacing between spots was not cramped at all," while another mentioned some campgrounds have sites "spaced relatively close together."
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature sloped sites that can be difficult for larger RVs. A Bush Recreation Area camper warned, "Most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered."
Seasonal water issues: During busy periods, especially holidays, water pressure can be problematic at certain campgrounds. "Every holiday by Saturday afternoon you have no water and electricity always goes out," reported one camper at a nearby facility.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: For swimming with children, look for campgrounds with designated beach areas. At Keystone State Park Campground, "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as its basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery."
Pet policies: If traveling with pets, check campground pet policies. Silver Canoe Campground is especially welcoming, as one camper noted: "The main reason we started going there is because they are dog friendly and they don't hold breed restrictions against bully breeds."
Site selection: For families wanting more privacy, consider specific campground sections. At Keystone State Park, a visitor recommended: "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods."
Tips from RVers
Access routes: Large RVs should verify access roads before arrival. A Mountain Top camper advised, "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Dump station availability: Not all Crooked Creek Lake camping areas have on-site dump stations. At Mountain Top Campground, they offer alternatives: "For the black you can dump here or have someone pump out on Wednesday morning (no charge)."
Hookup limitations: Verify what hookups are available at your specific campsite. A Keystone State Park visitor shared, "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat."
