Crooked Creek Lake
Crooked Creek Lake
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.
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.
Need to Know
Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations governs the public use of Crooked Creek Lake administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers. These regulations are posted throughout the Day-Use Areas and are available at the park office or by contacting a park ranger. All visitors must follow the regulations for their safety and enjoyment.
Please wait until 8 a.m. to set up to allow time for scheduled maintenance and janitorial services.
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.
Pavilion reservations are for the pavilions only. Restrooms, ball fields, playground equipment and game courts located near pavilions are not included in the reservation fee.
Horseshoes, basketballs, volleyballs, baseballs and bats are not available to rent. Visitors must furnish their own equipment.
Posting of personal signs and/or balloons on park signs is not permitted. Personal signs may be placed on stakes or boxes at key intersections. Any personal signs placed must be removed at the end of your pavilion rental period.
Pennsylvania state law requires children under 13 to wear a personal flotation device; all people on boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks must also wear a PFD.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Changes & Cancellations
Contact Information
Mailing Address
114 Park Main Rd FORD CITY PA 16226
Physical Address
114 PARK MAIN RD FORD CITY PA 16226
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 724-763-3161
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 021, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site Independence AM, Loop Crooked Creek Lake, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 013, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 043, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 045, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site Heritage AM, Loop Crooked Creek Lake, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 037, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 046, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Independence PM, Loop Crooked Creek Lake, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 039, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Justice AM, Loop Crooked Creek Lake, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 032, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 035, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 038, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 036, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 042, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 040, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Justice PM, Loop Crooked Creek Lake, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 024, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 044, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 041, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop 1, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site Heritage PM, Loop Crooked Creek Lake, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 026, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
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