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Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Crooked Creek Lake, Pennsylvania

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As of September 2026, Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area is a campground in Pennsylvania with 4 campsites. Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area is located at 40.7157° N, 79.5055° W.

people allowed on each site: 100

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Group 4
Accessible 4
Hookups 4

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Lake.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, photography, horse riding, water sports.

All sites at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups	Access
Constitution AM	Group	100	Electric	Accessible
Constitution PM	Group	100	Electric	Accessible
Freedom AM	Group	100	Electric	Accessible
Freedom PM	Group	100	Electric	Accessible

About Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Overview

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.

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 also six picnic shelters with picnic tables and grills.

Facilities

Both Constitution and Freedom Pavilion are located in the Spillway Recreation Area. The Spillway Recreation area features a playground (closest to Constitution) two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a basketball court and a ball field. Between the pavilions is a restroom facility with flush toilets and running water.

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 Environmental Learning 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/

Rules and notices at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations governs the public use of Crooked Creek Lake administered by the US Army Corps of Engineer. 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 Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area please call the Ranger Station, 724-763-3161

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!

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area have?

Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area has 4 campsites.

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