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.

## 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.

Crooked Creek Lake

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Ford Cliff

The Best Camping Near Ford Cliff, Pennsylvania

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.

Small sites close together

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. 

dirty but free

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.

Nice campground 

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. 

Best for tents and small campers

Trail camping 🏕️ very nice family time.

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

Photos of Crooked Creek Lake

Real photos from real campers