Tent camping at Crooked Creek Lake offers accessible sites within Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau region. Sites along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail and Youghiogheny River provide camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. While some primitive sites require self-sufficient preparation, others offer more developed facilities for overnight stays during multi-day adventures.
What to do
River swimming access: At Danner Primitive Campground, campers can enjoy direct water access from several sites that feature "stairs to the water for paddler access." The eight sites spread along the riverbank make it ideal for swimming breaks during hot summer days.
Hiking nearby trails: Mountain View Camps provides a strategic base for trail exploration, as noted by a camper: "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
Cannabis-friendly camping: For a unique tent camping experience near Crooked Creek Lake, visitors can enjoy mountain views at the cannabis-friendly campsites. Guests can participate in specialized activities as described by one reviewer: "Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending."
What campers like
Riverside camping privacy: Round Bottom Camping Area offers a secluded feel despite its trail-side location. A camper notes: "The only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in," making it ideal for those seeking more solitude during their tent camping at Crooked Creek Lake and surrounding areas.
Free camping options: Dravo's Landing Campground provides cost-free accommodation that appeals to budget-conscious campers and bikers. One reviewer appreciated the "free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River" and noted there were "a few shelters, nice campsite."
Group camping capacity: Sites can accommodate larger parties, as one Dravo's Landing camper shared: "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
What you should know
Water potability issues: Multiple campgrounds have unreliable drinking water sources. At Roundbottom, a camper warned that "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing."
Train noise disturbances: Campgrounds near the GAP Trail experience significant railway activity. A Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground visitor advised: "It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up -- so bring good earplugs!"
Wildlife considerations: Despite feeling remote, some campgrounds have active wildlife. At Dravo's Landing, one camper cautioned: "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Tips for camping with families
Best campgrounds for multi-generation trips: Camping areas with diverse amenities work well for families with varied comfort needs. One camper described The GAP Trail Campground as "more like a Spa than a Campground" with "a covered seating, dining, and cooking area" that makes it "the perfect hybrid" between camping and comfort.
Accessibility considerations: Some sites offer features for those with mobility needs. At Danner Primitive Campground, "The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables," although access remains challenging as "there's no pavement or gravel down at the sites."
Entertainment options: For families seeking evening entertainment, Dravo's Landing provides natural conversation starters: "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Crooked Creek Lake aren't suitable for larger RVs. Even at established campgrounds like Mountain View Camps with electric hookups, reviews indicate they aren't "big-rig-friendly" and lack sewer connections, making them better for smaller camper vans or tent campers seeking minimal electrical needs.
Hybrid sites for tent/small RV use: Some campgrounds accommodate both tents and small RVs, offering flexibility for groups with mixed equipment. Campsites along the GAP trail generally feature level ground suitable for both tents and small campers, though access limitations prevent large RV entry at many locations.
