Damsite And Spillway Recreation Area

Star0.15
10 reviews
114 Park Main Rd., Ford City, PA 16226

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Crooked Creek Lake / Pittsburgh District) site

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Damsite And Spillway Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

0.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacious

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at Damsite And Spillway Recreation Area

The rolling landscape surrounding Crooked Creek Lake transforms beautifully through the seasons, creating an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures any time of year. Whether you're seeking summer days on the sandy beach, autumn hikes through colorful hillsides, or peaceful winter shoreline walks, this recreation area invites exploration across all seasons.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round

About Damsite And Spillway Recreation Area

Just 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area welcomes visitors to the shores of Crooked Creek Lake, where a sandy peninsula beach meets forested hillsides and sparkling waters. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gem offers everything from peaceful fishing spots to lively picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and sports facilities—all centered around a historic flood-control lake that's become western Pennsylvania's playground for boating, swimming, and year-round adventure.
Historical SignificanceBorn from necessity during the Great Depression, Crooked Creek Lake stands as a testament to American ingenuity and foresight. Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938 and completed in 1940, this engineering achievement became one of 16 Pittsburgh District flood control projects that forever changed the region's relationship with its waterways. Over the decades, the lake has quietly stood guard, preventing an estimated $548 million in flood damages while simultaneously becoming a cherished recreational destination for generations of families.
Weather and SeasonsThe rolling landscape surrounding Crooked Creek Lake transforms beautifully through the seasons, creating an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures any time of year. Whether you're seeking summer days on the sandy beach, autumn hikes through colorful hillsides, or peaceful winter shoreline walks, this recreation area invites exploration across all seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryMiles of scenic shoreline wind through the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, where wooded slopes descend to meet the lake's calm waters. The crown jewel is the sandy peninsula beach that juts into the lake, offering swimmers and sunbathers a rare natural oasis. Beneath the surface, the lake teems with life—bass cruise the deeper waters, muskie lurk near submerged structures, while sunfish and crappie gather in the shallows, making every cast an opportunity for anglers of all skill levels.
Geological RegionNestled within the characteristic rolling hills of western Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau, the recreation area showcases the gentle, forested topography that defines this corner of Appalachia, where ancient sedimentary layers have been sculpted into the undulating landscape that cradles Crooked Creek Lake today.
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Campsite details

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Tents
Tents are not allowed
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RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
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Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSpillway Recreation Area includes Constitution and Freedom pavilions, a playground (closest to Constitution), two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, a ball field, several picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills, six picnic shelters, and a restroom facility with flush toilets and running water located between the pavilions.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Flush toilets

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.
Hiking
The 141-mile Baker Trail crosses Crooked Creek Lake as it travels through western Pennsylvania.
Fishing
The lake offers fishing for bass, muskie, sunfish and crappie.
Swimming
A sandy peninsula beach is available for swimmers and sunbathers.
Boating
Boat launch with ample trailer parking supports boating and waterskiing.
Beach activities
Sandy peninsula beach used for swimming and sunbathing.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center (operated by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning) offers a variety of environmental education programs.
Water Sports
Waterskiing
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Damsite And Spillway Recreation Area

30
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 15.3 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresSite is on Crooked Creek Lake with miles of shoreline, a sandy peninsula beach and a boat launch with ample trailer parking.

Campground Map

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.
Accessible via I-579 (Veterans Bridge) from Pittsburgh, then PA-28 N and PA-66 S; reach Crooked Creek Dam Rd from PA-66 S.
Nearby places
Pittsburgh — approximately 30 miles southwest (site described as 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh).

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.2
10 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Damsite And Spillway Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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
Based on 10 reviews

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...
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Based on 10 reviews

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...
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Based on 10 reviews

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...
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Based on 10 reviews

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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Based on 10 reviews

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...
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Based on 10 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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