Crooked Creek Lake

114 PARK MAIN RD
FORD CITY, PA 16226

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

Camp site features

Across 45 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 45 sites
Picnic table: all 45 sites
Pets allowed: all 45 sites
ADA accessible: 3 of 45 sites
Largest party: 8 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 4 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

71 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Carrie B

Loop:1

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This was my family's first time going camping. Granite we couldn't swim but it was still so amazing. Our kids loved it( well Lucy,our youngest,had a bit of a hard time). Other than the minor hiccups we enjoyed our experience in whole. So thank Yinz for letting us experience this.

Bonnie M

Loop:1

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

For the price of staying at crooked Creek although you don't have a electric but you do if you go up to the bathhouse if you need it for a curling iron or a blue dryer or something or even to charge a phone. Such a nice place and so inexpensive and this time of year is perfect it's better than in the summer because there's less people

Philip P

Loop:1

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Sites are very close together, but I was there when it was mostly empty. My specific site was a little slanted, but I managed to find a decent spot for the tent. No firewood on site, so stop before you get there. The bathroom at the camp has running water, but there’s not another source in the immediate ranger. Nearby there’s a swimming area, and the lake was good to kayak on. Saw a bald eagle!

Louis

Loop:1

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

nice and quite, the restrooms are nice but needs attention to for some cleanliness

Margery G

Loop:1

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It was ok but with only a few rv ,pop up, camper spots why there can’t be electric run for those spots don’t need water or sewage because the generators running is anoring

Richard B

Loop:1

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Camping space was clean and extra spacious, friendly campers, quiet, bathroom area was clean.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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