Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area
Crooked Creek Lake, Pennsylvania
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As of September 2026, Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area is a campground in Pennsylvania with 2 campsites. Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area is located at 40.7066° N, 79.5177° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 100
Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area reservations and next available dates
September 2026
Next Available Dates
2 sites open on Sep 30 at Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.
As of 30 September 2026, 06:28 UTC.
Stay and booking rules
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
- Military discount available
Published by Recreation.gov for Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area, read on September 29, 2026.
Campsites at Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area
- Group 2
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Lake.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, photography, horse riding, water sports.
All sites at Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty AM | Group | 100 |
| Liberty PM | Group | 100 |
About Hancock Bend Boat Launch and 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
Liberty pavilion is located in Hancock Bend recreation area near the park boat launch and offers a playground and horseshoe pits. Vault restrooms are located near the pavilion.
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 Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Hancock Bend Boat Launch and 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 Hancock Bend 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!
Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area?
Hancock Bend Boat Launch and 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 Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area?
Cancellations happen frequently at Hancock Bend Boat Launch and 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 Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area have?
Hancock Bend Boat Launch and Recreation Area has 2 campsites.
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