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
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.
Location
Crooked Creek Lake is located in Pennsylvania
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Detours Nearby
Mercer-Grove City KOA
59 min away
Outflow Recreation Area (PA)
1 hr 25 min away
Drive Time
- 46 min from Pittsburgh
- 1 hr 9 min from Johnstown
- 1 hr 17 min from Weirton
- 1 hr 27 min from Altoona
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
