How much does camping cost at Crooked Creek Lake?

Camping fees at Crooked Creek Lake range from $15-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crooked Creek Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Crooked Creek Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Crooked Creek Lake before I book?

Yes! Crooked Creek Lake has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Crooked Creek Lake?

Crooked Creek Lake is open May 18 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Crooked Creek Lake?

Crooked Creek Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Crooked Creek Lake?

Cell phone service at Crooked Creek Lake is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Crooked Creek Lake have?

Crooked Creek Lake has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crooked Creek Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crooked Creek Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Crooked Creek Lake?

Crooked Creek Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crooked Creek Lake?

Popular activities at Crooked Creek Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crooked Creek Lake

4.16

76 reviews

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

965 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Open from May 12 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

965 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Open from May 12 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Crooked Creek Lake

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $15.00; SHELTER ELECTRIC-451422: $35.00; SHELTER ELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

724-763-3161

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

Crooked Creek Lake

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

Nearby places

Ford City (2 miles), Pittsburgh (30 miles northeast)

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Weather at Crooked Creek Lake

Current alerts(10)

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. If you have any questions about the rules and regulations for the Campground or Pavilions please call the Ranger Station, 724-763-3161
Camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited without the written permission of the District Commander.
Driving off the roadways to load or unload and parking in the grass at the pavilion is not permitted. Contact a park ranger for designated overflow parking area locations.
For reference, these are the rules and regulations of our facility: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Portals/48/docs/Recreation/ODS/Regulations/RulesandRegulations.pdf We hope your visit is safe and enjoyable!

Best Time to Camp at Crooked Creek Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, comfortable weather and the fullest range of on‑water activities — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and nighttime lows near 55–65°F — making swimming, boating, paddling and lakeside cookouts the main draw. The lake’s sheltered coves and shaded campsites are ideal for family trips, evening campfires, and fishing (bass and panfish are active in summer). Expect the busiest weekends and steady visitation through July–August, so reserve early (reservations begin June 21, 2025)或 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm lake temps, beach and boating make summer the best activity season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 12 to September 28, 2025, during peak season. Reservations begin June 21, 2025.

About Crooked Creek Lake

Crooked Creek Lake sits near Ford City in western Pennsylvania, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a mid-sized seasonal campground with tent and RV sites. The lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking, with amenities including flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Reviewers praise the cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere, though some note close site spacing and generator noise during peak times.

The Crooked Creek Lake Campground accommodates tent campers, RV users, and group campers but lacks modern conveniences like electric and water hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, comfortable weather and the fullest range of on‑water activities — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and nighttime lows near 55–65°F — making swimming, boating, paddling and lakeside cookouts the main draw. The lake’s sheltered coves and shaded campsites are ideal for family trips, evening campfires, and fishing (bass and panfish are active in summer). Expect the busiest weekends and steady visitation through July–August, so reserve early (reservations begin June 21, 2025)或 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation965 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake fills a natural depression among rolling, forested ridges typical of the Appalachian foothills. Deciduous forests surround the water and provide shade at most campsites. Fall brings reliable color to the hillsides. Shoreline coves offer calm spots for fishing and paddling. Mornings often bring mist off the water. The terrain is gently undulating rather than dramatic.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Crooked Creek Outdoor Discovery Center offers environmental stewardship programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during any 30-day period.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible flush toilets, picnic areas, and grills.

Site SizeSites are generally small and close together, with some users reporting difficulty accommodating even 20-foot campers.

PrivacyCampsites lack privacy, with most being closely spaced. Some reviews noted, 'Sites are REALLY close together and there is absolutely no privacy whatsoever.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations include selecting sites further from neighbors for privacy and avoiding weekends for quieter experiences.

Best CampsitesSites 010, 013, and 014 received positive mentions in reviews for cleanliness and layout. Most sites are small and tightly spaced. Some reviewers had trouble fitting 20-foot campers.

Need help booking Crooked Creek Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Crooked Creek Lake campground offers a mixture of basic amenities and recreational facilities. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and water available, though no showers are provided on-site. The campground includes accessible restrooms, a playground, and a beach area nearby for swimming and sunbathing. However, multiple user reviews highlight shortcomings in maintenance, such as non-functional bathroom lights and poor enforcement of quiet hours.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Crooked Creek Lake offers an extensive range of activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby disc golf course adds variety to recreational options.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Crooked Creek Lake

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From Booking Sources

4.2

76 reviews

Satisfactory

Crooked Creek Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both the positive aspects, such as clean facilities, scenic surroundings, and a variety of activities, and negative experiences, including lack of showers, poor enforcement of rules, and overcrowded campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 76 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 76 reviews.

Site 013Loved
Site 013: Clean and pleasant stay.
Site 014Loved
Site 014: Spacious and clean.
Site 046Loved
Site 046: Rated highly for cleanliness and tranquility.
Site 009Issues noted
Site 009: Complaints about noisy generators.

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciated the cleanliness, the range of activities, and the family-friendly environment. 'The entire park was clean and well cared for. Staff was very nice,' noted one user.

Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of showers, close proximity of campsites, noisy generators, and lax enforcement of quiet hours.

Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommended bringing your own shower alternatives due to the lack of facilities and warned about potential noise from generators. One user suggested printing out reservation...

Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekdays were generally quieter, while weekends saw increased noise and overcrowding. Winter brought fewer visitors, making it more peaceful.

Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'No showers in the bathrooms at the campground! Better for RV camping or a short visit.' - Erik P. 2. 'Sites are REALLY close together and no there is absolutely no privacy whatsoever.' - Jarrod...

Based on 76 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide specific insights into accessibility features, though the campground has accessible toilets and picnic areas.

Based on 76 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 76 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a clean, family-friendly lake campground with a range of water activities and don't need hookups or shower facilities.

Skip if

You require showers, alcohol service, widely spaced sites, or consistent quiet-hour enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

440 Loyalhanna Dam Road

Bush Recreation Area sits on the shores of Loyalhanna Lake near Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, primitive options, and group camping with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Campers enjoy spacious sites with scenic lake views, fishing, boating, and helpful camp hosts who keep the facilities clean and welcoming.