Crooked Creek Lake

4.16

76 reviews

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

Summer Destination

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

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Crooked Creek Lake

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates include $15 for Tent Only Nonelectric and RV Nonelectric sites, and $35 for Shelter Electric sites. Out-of-season booking is not...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

724-763-3161

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 76 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstafffriendly

Some mention

reservation

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

Crooked Creek Lake

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

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.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures are not indicated, and there are no mentions of challenging terrain in the source material.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Fuel and groceries are available in nearby Ford City. Specific camping supply stores are not listed.

Best Time to Camp at Crooked Creek Lake

Experience the gentle rhythms of Pennsylvania's seasons at Crooked Creek Lake, where moderate summer temperatures create ideal conditions for swimming, hiking, and outdoor dining. Occasional refreshing rains keep the landscape lush and green throughout peak camping months. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing leaves transform the hillsides into a photographer's paradise. Winter brings a quiet beauty to the frozen landscape, with snow-dusted shores and crystalline mornings perfect for those seeking solitude and stark natural beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and family visits; positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into early fall; pleasant shoulder-season conditions but limited late-season access.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 12; late-spring weather supports hiking and paddling with mild temps.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 12 to September 28, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 12 to September 28, 2025, during peak season. Reservations begin June 21, 2025.
Current Alerts: No current alerts are mentioned.

About Crooked Creek Lake

Discover your perfect family retreat at Crooked Creek Lake, where 46 inviting campsites await amid western Pennsylvania's rolling countryside. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for memorable outdoor experiences: sturdy picnic tables for lakeside meals, charcoal grills for evening cookouts, and fire rings perfect for marshmallow roasting and stargazing. While modern bathroom facilities ensure comfort during your stay, the absence of showers encourages a true back-to-nature experience. Children will delight in the on-site playground, making this an ideal basecamp for families seeking adventure and connection.

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

Historical SignificanceMore than just a recreational paradise, Crooked Creek Lake stands as a testament to American ingenuity and foresight. Born from the devastating floods of the 1930s, this vital waterway emerged through the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, transforming a vulnerable valley into a protected haven. Since 1940, these waters have held back nature's fury, preventing over half a billion dollars in flood damages while creating a beloved recreational resource that has welcomed generations of Pennsylvania families to its shores.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of Pennsylvania's seasons at Crooked Creek Lake, where moderate summer temperatures create ideal conditions for swimming, hiking, and outdoor dining. Occasional refreshing rains keep the landscape lush and green throughout peak camping months. As autumn arrives, crisp air and changing leaves transform the hillsides into a photographer's paradise. Winter brings a quiet beauty to the frozen landscape, with snow-dusted shores and crystalline mornings perfect for those seeking solitude and stark natural beauty.

ElevationThe campground's position within Pennsylvania's characteristic rolling terrain creates natural privacy between sites and offers varied vantage points for sunset viewing and wildlife watching throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryCrooked Creek Lake sparkles like a hidden gem among western Pennsylvania's undulating hills, where dense forests give way to peaceful shorelines and hidden coves. The interplay of water and land creates an ever-changing canvas throughout the day - misty mornings reveal herons fishing in the shallows, afternoon sun transforms the lake into a glittering playground, and evening light paints the surrounding hillsides in warm golden hues. This harmonious blend of water, forest, and meadow provides endless opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and quiet contemplation.

Geological RegionCarved into the heart of western Pennsylvania's Appalachian foothills, Crooked Creek Lake showcases the region's signature rolling topography. These ancient hills, sculpted by millennia of natural forces, create a dramatic backdrop of forested ridges and peaceful valleys. The lake itself fills a natural depression in this undulating landscape, its waters reflecting the surrounding deciduous forests that burst with color each fall and provide cooling shade throughout summer months.

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

Site layoutCampsites are closely spaced with some loops and sections identified.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information about walk-up availability is provided.

Cancellation PolicyReservation changes incur a $10 fee if dates differ completely from the original booking, plus forfeiture of the first night’s fees for late cancellations. No-show incurs a $20 fee. Refunds depend on timing and facility discretion.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

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.

HikingMultiple trails are available for hikers, with one user mentioning the 'Laurel Point trailhead' as a good spot for hiking. The Baker Trail, a 141-mile long-distance route, also passes through the area.

FishingFishing is popular at Crooked Creek Lake, with abundant species like bass, muskie, sunfish, and crappie drawing anglers to the area.

SwimmingThe campground features a beach area ideal for swimming and sunbathing, though some users found the swimming area small for exploration.

BikingThe campground is bike-friendly, with paved roads allowing for easy biking. A user review states, 'We take our bikes and ride to the other play areas.'

BoatingBoating is well-supported with a boat launch and ample trailer parking. Water activities like kayaking and canoeing are also available.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as blue herons and bald eagles can be spotted, especially when kayaking.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include close proximity of campsites, unsupervised children, and generator noise. No specific wildlife concerns are listed.

Active AlertsNo current alerts are mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated rings. Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesRanger station contact: 724-763-3161. Specific information about hospitals or police stations is not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but details on locations and pickup schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Crooked Creek Lake and offers access to swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

Camp HostNo specific details about campground hosts are provided.

Weather at Crooked Creek Lake

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 76 reviews