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Crooked Creek Lake

Recreation

Pittsburgh District
Published Jan. 10, 2024

Recreation Opportunities

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. Visitors will find they can pursue a variety of outdoor activities at the lake with its numerous, well-maintained facilities available for enjoyment. For those who enjoy the outdoors, a visit to Crooked Creek Lake can be a rewarding experience. 

Visitor Center

The Crooked Creek Lake Visitor Information Center was reopened to the public in May of 2017. The VIC boasts displays varying from the multiple missions of the Corps of Engineers to highlighting the local fish and wildlife found in Armstrong County. A pictorial history of the construction of the dam as well as the original lifting block are on display for public enjoyment. For seasonal operating hours or a group tour of the Visitor Information Center, please contact the Park Office.

Boating
A boat launch with ample trailer parking is available for boating and water-skiing. Crooked Creek Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake.

Camping
Pavilion and Campground reservations must be made through the National Recreation Reservation System. Reservations can no longer be made at the park office. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 or visit their website at www.recreation.gov.

Fishing
The great variety and abundance of fish found in the lake has lured many fishermen to its waters. Crooked Creek Lake has yielded many fine catches of bass, muskie, sunfish, and crappie. A handicap-accessible fishing pier is located in the Outflow Recreation Area.

Picnicking
Picnicking is also available at Crooked Creek Lake. There are several picnic areas maintained by the Corps that provide tables and charcoal grills. Additionally, six picnic shelters equipped with picnic tables and charcoal grills are located throughout the Park. Reservations for these shelters can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation One Stop (R1S).

Swimming
Swimming is only allowed within the designated swim area on the Tunnelville Beach Peninsula during the summer months.

Trails
Crooked Creek Lake maintains five local trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The long-distance hiker will enjoy the 141-mile Baker Trail, which crosses through Crooked Creek Lake on its course across western Pennsylvania. The Baker Trail is maintained by the Rachel Carson Conservancy.

Outdoor Discovery Center
The Outdoor Discovery Center, formerly the Environmental Learning Center, is operated by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning (ACCL). For more information on the Outdoor Discovery Center, please contact ACCL at Armstroncenter.org

Firearm / Firework Policy
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers DOES NOT honor State-issued concealed weapon permits, prohibits loaded concealed weapons, the possession of loaded firearms or ammunition on lands and waters administered by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers per Title 36, CFR 327.13{a).