How much does camping cost at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area has 6 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 Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area 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 Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area include Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

0 review

114 Park Main Rd., Ford City, PA 16226

Top 11% in PASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

955 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Crooked Creek Lake / Pittsburgh District)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

955 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Crooked Creek Lake / Pittsburgh District)Official Website

Get Directions

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

SHELTER ELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

724-763-3161

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

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Campground Map

114 Park Main Rd., Ford City, PA 16226

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

114 Park Main Rd., Ford City, PA 16226

Nearby places

Pittsburgh — approximately 30 miles southwest (site described as 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh).

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 Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Current alerts(9)

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. If you have any questions about the rules and regulations for the Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area please call the Ranger Station, 724-763-3161
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!
Horseshoes, basketballs, volleyballs, baseballs and bats are not available to rent. Visitors must furnish their own equipment.

Best Time to Camp at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest lake experience — warm daytime highs (typically 75–85°F in July), water temps often in the upper 60s to low 70s, and all recreation facilities and boat ramps operating at peak capacity. Swimming from the sandy peninsula beach, power- and paddle- boating, and shore fishing are at their best, with long daylight hours for picnics and trails. Expect busy weekends and holiday crowds (particularly late June through August), so plan midweek visits or early-morning starts for a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in PA

Summer best: July highs 75–85°F, water temps upper 60s–low 70s; beach and ramps at full capacity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area sits on the shores of Crooked Creek Lake, 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site centers on picnic pavilions, a sandy beach, and boat access rather than overnight camping. Clean restrooms, playground access, and spacious event spaces make it popular for family reunions and graduation parties.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest lake experience — warm daytime highs (typically 75–85°F in July), water temps often in the upper 60s to low 70s, and all recreation facilities and boat ramps operating at peak capacity. Swimming from the sandy peninsula beach, power- and paddle- boating, and shore fishing are at their best, with long daylight hours for picnics and trails. Expect busy weekends and holiday crowds (particularly late June through August), so plan midweek visits or early-morning starts for a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February

Elevation955 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe recreation area occupies rolling forested hillsides at 955 feet elevation, typical of the Allegheny Plateau's gentle terrain. A sandy peninsula beach extends into the lake, offering swimmers and boaters direct water access. Wooded slopes frame the shoreline. Bass, muskie, sunfish, and crappie populate the lake, though some visitors note vegetation has grown tall enough to block views from certain picnic areas.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center (operated by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning) offers a variety of environmental education programs.

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Amenities available

Spillway Recreation Area and other Corps-maintained sites provide picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills, six picnic shelters with tables and grills, a playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a basketball court and a ball field. A boat launch with ample trailer parking and a sandy peninsula beach are available; a restroom facility with flush toilets and running water is located between Constitution and Freedom pavilions.

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Crooked Creek Lake supports extensive water-based recreation (boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing) and shoreline activities including picnicking and beach use. The area also provides access to a long-distance hiking route and hosts an environmental learning center offering educational programs.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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

Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Most reviewers describe Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area as a clean, attractive place for gatherings, parties, and family events, especially around the picnic pavilions. Users consistently praise the cleanliness of restrooms and facilities and the convenience of playground access, though there are a few negatives related to enforcement/policing, vegetation blocking views, and a pandemic-era cancellation issue.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight clean pavilions and restrooms, a well-kept picnic area, and an overall beautiful setting. Many mention that the pavilions are spacious and well-suited for events like...

Common Concerns

A few reviewers mention negative experiences: one was uncomfortable after being approached by two police officers and felt unfairly treated as “suspicious,” and another mentioned trees not being...

Site-Specific Reviews

Constitution AM (Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area) is described as a great site with a clean pavilion close to the playground and well-suited for events like graduation parties. Freedom AM/PM...

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers suggest this is an excellent location for hosting events such as graduation parties and family reunions because of the spacious, clean pavilions and nearby playground. One reviewer...

Camper Quotes

“Beach was CLOSED for swimming, but the picnic area and pavilions were great with lots picnic tables!!!” “Restrooms were clean and facility was clean and accommodating. Rent this one every...

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Nearby Campgrounds

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Campgrounds

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

About Crooked Creek Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Crooked Creek Rangers developed the Corps' first Auto Tour Trail. The trail takes in the local history of Armstrong County and local townships. Visitors are provided information on the one room schools of 1867, the first water-powered sawmill and depreciation lands awarded soldiers of the American Revolutionary War. The trail was the combined effort of the Rangers and local historians.

Directions

From Kittanning, 7 miles south on PA 66.