Crooked Creek Lake
4.1248 reviews114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226
Crooked Creek Lake
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 available.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible flush toilets, picnic areas, and grills.
Sites SizeSites are generally small and close together, with some users reporting difficulty accommodating even 20-foot campers.
Sites 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 CampsitesRecommendations include selecting sites further from neighbors for privacy and avoiding weekends for quieter experiences.
Best CampsitesCampsites 013, 014, and 010 are positively mentioned for cleanliness and layout.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are closely spaced with some loops and sections identified.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 12 to September 28, 2025, during peak season. Reservations begin June 21, 2025.
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.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
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
Multiple 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.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Crooked Creek Lake, with abundant species like bass, muskie, sunfish, and crappie drawing anglers to the area.Swimming
The campground features a beach area ideal for swimming and sunbathing, though some users found the swimming area small for exploration.Biking
The 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.'Boating
Boating is well-supported with a boat launch and ample trailer parking. Water activities like kayaking and canoeing are also available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as blue herons and bald eagles can be spotted, especially when kayaking.Beach activities
The sandy beach on the lake's peninsula is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Crooked Creek Outdoor Discovery Center offers environmental stewardship programs.Winter Activities
The campground does not highlight specific winter activities, though the area is open year-round.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available, enhancing the recreation options at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings. Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include close proximity of campsites, unsupervised children, and generator noise. No specific wildlife concerns are listed.
Active alertsNo current alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger station contact: 724-763-3161. Specific information about hospitals or police stations is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 12 to September 28, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but details on locations and pickup schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Crooked Creek Lake and offers access to swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Common complaintsReviews highlight issues such as loud generators, close proximity of sites, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, no showers, and disorganization in reservations.
HostNo specific details about campground hosts are provided.
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.
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.
Camper Reviews
4.1
48 reviews
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 48 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 48 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of showers, close proximity of campsites, noisy generators, and lax enforcement of quiet hours.
Based on 48 reviewsPro 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 48 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Weekdays were generally quieter, while weekends saw increased noise and overcrowding. Winter brought fewer visitors, making it more peaceful.
Based on 48 reviewsCamper 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 48 reviewsShow more
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 48 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not provide specific insights into accessibility features, though the campground has accessible toilets and picnic areas.
Based on 48 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 48 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025