Camper submitted image from Crooked Creek Lake - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Crooked Creek Lake - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Crooked Creek Lake - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Crooked Creek Lake - 4
Camping
Camper submitted image from Crooked Creek Lake - 5
People

Established Camping

Crooked Creek Lake

Crooked Creek Lake, near Ford City, Pennsylvania, is a cozy campground that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families and small groups. With grassy sites that are close together, it’s a good spot for those looking to enjoy some quality time outdoors without breaking the bank.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to gather around for meals and evening campfires. Visitors have mentioned the beautiful surroundings, including a small beach area and access to kayaking and fishing in the lake, which adds to the charm of the location. One camper noted, “The area is beautiful. Nice beach, boat ramps, disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground.”

While the facilities are basic, with flush toilets and a sanitary dump station, some campers appreciate the simplicity and the chance to unplug. The lack of showers and the need to bring your own firewood might not be for everyone, but many find the peaceful environment and natural beauty worth it.

If you’re up for some adventure, the nearby Great Allegheny Passage offers great biking opportunities, and the creek is a nice spot to cool off. Crooked Creek Lake is a solid choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a bit of nature.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Crooked Creek Lake

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.

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Crooked Creek Lake is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Directions

Address: 114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226 From Pittsburgh: Head northeast on Grant St toward Sixth Avenue. Turn right onto Seventh Ave. Use the left lane to keep right at the fork, follow signs for PA-380 E/Bigelow Boulevard/Interstate 579 N and merge onto Bigelow Blvd. Take the ramp onto I-579N/Veterans Bridge. Follow PA-28 N to PA-66 S in Manor Township. Take exit A from PA-28N/US-422 E. Continue on PA-66 S. Turn left onto Crooked Creek Dam Rd.

Address

114 PARK MAIN RD
Ford city, PA 16226

Coordinates

40.7135917 N
79.5142222 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Crooked Creek Lake sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

17%
34%
50%
0%
0%

3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2022

Nice campground

The spaces are pretty small and completely out in the open but it was grassy, quiet, and cheap

Site35
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Lily B., July 30, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Best for tents and small campers

Close together spaces eith no foliage in between. Not heavy use area though. Tough to get our 36' fifth wheel in. Don't pass the drive coming in. We had to drive few miles to get looped back. See my photo of drive. Flush toilets with one water bib by restrooms to fill camper. Bring two hoses to reach your camper. Dump station is out the exit by ranger building. Pull out and make a left and its about 500' down road on left by pavilion. Pull into the second drive to be on the correct side. Be sure to get code for lock on sewer and water . Kept locked up from non campers. The area is beautiful. Nice beach, boat ramps, disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground. Govt obviously not putting money into the restrooms.

Site12
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Keith , July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Keith , July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Keith , July 17, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2021

Nice campground

Nice small, quiet campground near Crooked Creek. Affordable as well. Love the lake, there is even a little beach for the family. Definitely worth a visit.

Site29
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Amanda , July 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Amanda , July 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Amanda , July 16, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2018

dirty but free

We camped here for two nights at the beginning of our road trip. We stayed in the area for bikers along the Great Allegheny Passage, but we talked to a ranger that said it was fine. you do need to register your car if you are parked there because they close the park gates every night and don't want anyone getting stuck inside. There are two shelters in which you can set up tents, and lots of fire pits and grills. However, there was a fair bit of trash on the ground-- from bursted water balloons to fake eyelashes. The creek was nice to cool off in, though other campers said they wouldn't dare get in the murky water. we thought it was fine though.

  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Megan D., August 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Megan D., August 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Megan D., August 15, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Small sites close together

This is a small campground next to Crooked Creek Lake. The lake is manmade and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. There is a small beach and picnic tables. The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Jennifer P., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Jennifer P., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Crooked Creek Lake by Jennifer P., June 14, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Crooked Creek Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Crooked Creek Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Crooked Creek Lake have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Crooked Creek Lake does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Crooked Creek Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Crooked Creek Lake?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Crooked Creek Lake. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Crooked Creek Lake, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Crooked Creek Lake?

    There are 51 campsites at Crooked Creek Lake and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts