Pittsburgh District > Missions > Recreation > Lakes

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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 Lake provides flood protection for the lower Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The construction cost of over $4 million appears small when compared to the large savings which have resulted. Since its completion in 1940, the project has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $713 million.

Contact
Crooked Creek Lake Office:

(724) 763-3161

Daily Lake and Recreation Information:

(724) 763-2764
Location
Crooked Creek Lake

114 Park Main Road

Ford City, PA 16226-8815

Lake Information

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).

Master Plan

Click here to view Crooked Creek Lake's Master Plan Design Memorandum (1987).

Crooked Creek Lake News

Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24

9/20/2022

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will waive day-use fees typically charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of...

Corps recreation sites host Earth Day celebration events

4/20/2022

In recognition of Earth Day, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District will host events at several reservoirs across its multistate region. We invite the public to join us as we clean up...

Crooked Creek Lake seeks public input on master plan updates

11/13/2020

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is seeking public feedback regarding proposed changes to the Crooked Creek Lake Master Plan based on public input collected in November 2019. The...

Recreation

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.

The lake and its miles of scenic shoreline provide unlimited opportunities for waterbased recreation. Swimming is only allowed within the designated swim area on the Tunnelville Beach Peninsula during the summer months. A boat launch with ample trailer parking is available for boating and water-skiing. Crooked Creek Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake.

Pavilion & Campground Reservations

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.

Other Activities & Rules

Disc Golf Course
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.
Drones
Drones and other unmanned flying devices are not permitted over Corps of Engineers lands and waters
Fire Protection
The fire potential is generally high during the recreation season. Help prevent forest fires by obeying the No Open Fire regulation in effect. Fires are only permitted within the provided fire rings in the Family and Group Campgrounds.
Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association (FAHA)
The Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association (FAHA) maintains several miles of equestrian trails. In order to ride the trails, you need to bring your own horse as no horse rentals are available. Horses must remain on designed horse trails when on Corps of Engineers land. For more information about the Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association, Crooked Creek Horse Park, and the equestrian trail system, please contact the FAHA at crookedcreekhorsepark.com
Hunting
Hunting is permitted on Corps of Engineers property lake lands with the exception of developed recreation areas and posted areas.
Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing is prohibited on Crooked Creek Lake.
Metal Detecting
Metal Detecting is permitted on the sandy part of the swim beach only. Items found on Corps of Engineers property may not be removed.
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
Pet Restrictions
Leashed pets are permitted throughout the entirety of Crooked Creek Lake with the exception of the sandy part of the swim beach and designated swim area. Pets are permitted to swim outside of the designated swim area.
Volunteering
Volunteers play a valuable role in helping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers care for the environment and provide high quality recreation opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Park Office.

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.

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.

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).

Visitor Information 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.

Master Plan Progress Update

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District has revised the Crooked Creek Lake Master Plan.

Update (as of March 2021): With your help, we have completed our update of the Crooked Creek Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA). Thank you to everyone who participated during the scoping and public comment processes. Your input helped us to create a Master Plan that will now guide the use of government-owned and leased lands around the lake for the next 25 years.