Woodcock Creek Lake

Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962, Woodcock Creek Lake is one of 16 flood damage-reduction projects in the Pittsburgh District. The project provides flood protection for the French Creek system. The flood prevention benefits provided by the project since completion are estimated to be approximately $38.4 million.

  • Contact
    Woodcock Creek Lake Office:
    (814) 763-4422/4477
  • Location
    Woodcock Creek Lake
    22079 State Highway 198
    Saegertown, PA 16433-6213
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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).

Woodcock Creek Lake News Releases

Woodcock Creek Lake campgrounds closed for 2023 season
2/22/2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is announcing that the Woodcock Lake Park Campground at Woodcock Creek Lake will be closed for the 2023 recreation season.
Army Corps to collect Christmas trees at Woodcock Creek Lake
12/14/2022
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District will begin accepting live evergreen Christmas trees at Woodcock Creek Lake, which will be used for aquatic habitat improvement projects, beginning.
Corps to Temporarily Close Damsite Parking Area at Woodcock Creek Lake
11/4/2022
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District announced today that it will temporarily close the damsite parking area at Woodcock Creek Lake for necessary maintenance work, beginning Monday,.

Recreation

Placidly resting amidst gently rolling hills, Woodcock Creek Lake complements the tranquil rural countryside of central Crawford County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit the project and exchange the hectic sights and sounds of the city for the serene vistas and relaxed atmosphere of Woodcock Creek Lake.

Visitors will discover that Woodcock's pleasant surroundings are an ideal setting for outdoor and recreational opportunities. Many exceptional facilities are also provided by the Corps of Engineers which will enhance a visit to the lake.

An access roadway that traverses the top of the dam provides visitors with a novel opportunity. Nearly a mile in length, fitness buffs can enjoy a scenic walk, jog or run along the top of the dam.

The Bossard Nature Trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail in the National Trails System. Nature enthusiasts have the opportunity to make exciting discoveries on their own or to walk the self-guided nature trail and perhaps stop to observe nature from one of two observation blinds located along the trail. Approximately 1,000 feet of the trail’s pathway is paved and easily accessible.

An overlook on the north shore provides visitors with a scenic area to take photographs or just to relax and enjoy the day. A picnic area located downstream of the dam also offers a beautiful setting for picnicking, fishing, playground fun and relaxation.

A 111-site campground, developed swim beach, four reservable shelters and six-lane boat launch are located in the Woodcock Lake Park on the south shore. The campground is currently operating as primitive style only, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend, weekends and holidays only with no potable water, electric hookups, restrooms/shower houses, or dump stations available at this time. Reservations and payments for shelters and campsites alike can be made by visiting recreation.gov.

A 20HP limit is in effect for power boats at Woodcock Creek Lake. Boaters are reminded to have U.S. Coast Guard-approved boating safety devices with them when on project waters and to ensure compliance with all PA Fish and Boat Commission boating regulations. 

Woodcock Creek, above and below the dam, as well as the lake, provides exceptionally good fishing opportunities. The creek is a favored trout stream and muskie, bass, walleye and panfish await anglers in the calm waters of the lake.

Pennsylvania State Game Lands 435 is found at the eastern end of the project. This provides a public hunting area, as well as excellent wildlife habitat.

Facilities and Activities

Camping

The campground is currently operating as primitive style only, with no potable water, electric hookups, restrooms/shower houses, or dump stations available at this time. The 111 campsites will be available for advanced reservation and payment from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend, weekends and holidays only. Reservations and payments for shelters and campsites alike can be made by visiting recreation.gov. For additional questions on the campgrounds, please contact project personnel at 814-763-4422.

Interactive Reservoir Map

 

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