## Overview

Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Crooked Creek Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An important link in a system of flood control projects, Crooked Creek provides flood protection for the lower Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The construction cost of over $4 million appears small when compared to the giant saving which have resulted. Since its completion in 1940, the project has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $548 million.  
Crooked creek also stores water and releases it downstream during dry periods to improve water quality and quantity for domestic and industrial use, navigation, recreation, aesthetics and aquatic life.  


## Recreation

The lake and its miles of scenic shoreline provide unlimited opportunities for water-based recreation. A boat launch with ample trailer parking is available for boating and waterskiing enthusiasts. Swimmers and sunbathers will especially appreciate the lake's sandy, peninsula beach.  
  
The great variety and abundance of fish found in the lake have lured many fishermen to its waters. Crooked Creek Lake has yielded many fine catches of bass, muskie, sunfish and crappie.  
  
Picnicking is well liked at Crooked Creek. There are several picnic areas maintained by the Corps that are provided with tables and charcoal grills. There are six picnic shelters with picnic tables and grills, along with a 46 site family campground

Crooked Creek Lake also offers a 9 hole disc golf course located at the Justice Pavilion.

## Facilities

Independence Pavilion is located on the beach road and offers a ball field, and horseshoe pits. Across the parking lot is a flush restroom. Heritage Pavilion is located on Overlook Rd and offers a beautiful view of the dam and control tower. Horseshoe pits and a ball field are in close vicinity. A flush restroom is within walking distance of the pavilion. Justice Pavilion is located behind the park office and offers a private area with a small pond, and access to the disc golf course. A vault toilet is within a short walking distance.

## Natural Features

Nestled among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, Crooked Creek Lake is an ideal setting for year round outdoor activities. Located only 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to discover the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding countryside at the Crooked Creek project. 

## Nearby Attractions

The long distance hiker will enjoy the 141-mile Baker Trail which crosses Crooked Creek Lake on its course through western Pennsylvania. The Crooked Creek Outdoor Discovery Center is operated by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning. It is used by groups and agencies interested in environmental stewardship and offers a variety of educational programs. To learn more, please visit: www.armstrongcenter.org/environmental-learning-center/ . 

Approximately two miles away from the park, Crooked Creek Horse Park, operated by the Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association, offers horse staging facilities, stalls, and miles of horseback riding trails.

## Charges & Cancellations

Crooked Creek Lake

Silver Canoe Campground

The Bush Recreation Area is located next to the scenic Loyalhanna Lake. This location provides picturesque views of the lake as well as opportunities for bird watching, boating, fishing, hunting and paddle sports. Recreation The Bush Recreation Area offers boating with unlimited horse power. Visitors to the area can kayak or canoe the lake as well, and take advantage of kayak rentals located in the Bush Recreation Area. The Loyalhanna Lake offers great fishing opportunities, with multiple bass tournaments each year. This lake also has some of the best channel catfishing in Pennsylvania, with multiple fish stockings each year. If you like fishing from shore there are plenty of opportunities to fish both moving and still waters. Those that like to go bike riding can find the West Penn Trail located at our sister project just 10 minutes away. Facilities This campground has a variety of sites available from full RV hookup to primitive tent camp sites. Picnic tables and campfire grill rings are equipped at every campsite. Patrons at the campground will have access to flushing toilets, drinking water, showers and a dump station. Natural Features The campground is located in a beautiful valley overlooking Loyalhanna Lake. Among terrain characterized by its diversity, visitors will discover rolling foothills of the Laurel Highlands, from which the headwaters of the Loyalhanna Creek flow. Nearby Attractions The West Penn Trail offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities within a short 10 minute drive. Additionally the site of Loyalhanna dam provides interpretive displays of the dam as well as a great scenic view. ADA Access: N

Bush Recreation Area

Wheel-in Campground 

Fox Den Acres Campground

One camping area with room for 25-30 tents.  Convenient camping for cycling trips along the Great Allegheny Passage!


Dravo's Landing Campground

We are a dedicated GAP Trail biker only campground. No vehicles are permitted at our campground. Our location is only 200 feet off the trail just 1/4 mile north of the GAP Trail headquarters building in West Newton. The campground is located right on the banks of the beautiful and historic Youghiogheny River. West Newton is a full service, biker friendly town. You can walk to all the restaurants, bars, stores and Main Street from the campground for dinner and entertainment, or for a home style breakfast in the morning to get ready for your next day of pedaling.

The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only

L and M Campgrounds

The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year round. Camping, modern cabins, many trails, and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures.

The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the Laurel Highlands, and their many attractions.

About 100 tent and trailer sites are available from the first Friday in April to the third Sunday of October.

Lakeside Campground is adjacent to the lake. Hillside Campground is in a more remote area of the park and accommodates those camping with pets.

Both campgrounds have a modern bathhouse. A sanitary dump station is available. Shower facilities may not be available after October 1.

The 11 modern cabins are available year round. They are located near the breast of the dam between the two campgrounds.

Three cottages, located in Lakeside Campground, sleep five people in bunk beds. 

Two yurts are located in Lakeside Campground.

These round, canvas, and wood-walled tents have a wooden deck and sleep five people in bunk beds. 

Keystone State Park

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The Best Camping in Girty, Pennsylvania

Top Girty Campgrounds

Crooked Creek Lake

Wheel-in Campground

Silver Canoe Campground

Bush Recreation Area

L and M Campgrounds

Mountain Top Campground

Yellow Creek Campground

Keystone State Park

Burnt Ridge Campground

Milton Loop Campground

Browse By Type

Browse Girty Drive-In

Crooked Creek Lake

Wheel-in Campground

Silver Canoe Campground

Browse Girty Walk-In

Crooked Creek Lake

L and M Campgrounds

Keystone State Park

Browse Girty Boat-In

Crooked Creek Lake

Silver Canoe Campground

Bush Recreation Area

Browse Girty Hike-In

Fox Den Acres Campground

Dravo's Landing Campground

The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only

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