Crooked Creek Horse Camp

Welcome to Crooked Creek Horse Camp, also widely known as Crooked Creek Horse Park, a dedicated equestrian and family-friendly camping destination located in Ford City, Pennsylvania. Operated by the Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association (FAHA), this unique facility stands out within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category by specifically catering to horse enthusiasts and providing comprehensive services for both riders and their equine companions. Beyond its equestrian focus, Crooked Creek Horse Park also offers a welcoming environment for general campers and families seeking outdoor recreation and a vibrant community atmosphere.

The environment at Crooked Creek Horse Camp spans over 150 acres, characterized by a blend of wooded areas, open fields, and designated equestrian facilities. The natural setting provides a picturesque backdrop for trail riding and camping, with a network of scenic trails winding through the property. The park is nestled in Armstrong County, known for its rolling hills and natural beauty, offering a refreshing escape into the Pennsylvania countryside. The grounds are meticulously maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association, ensuring a clean and safe environment for both campers and horses. The presence of multiple rings for horse shows, covered seating, and a concession stand contributes to a dynamic and active atmosphere, particularly during events. For general campers, the grassy sites provide a comfortable spot to set up camp, and the overall ambiance is one of camaraderie among fellow outdoor and horse lovers. The varied terrain and extensive trail system cater to different riding experiences, from leisurely strolls to more challenging routes with hills and creek crossings.

Crooked Creek Horse Camp offers a diverse range of services specifically designed to accommodate both campers and their horses. For human campers, the park provides:

• Campsites: A variety of camping options are available, including hookup sites (with electric and potentially water, though specific details on water at each site are not consistently provided but can be found in reviews referring to water bibs) and primitive sites. The hookup sites offer 30/50 amp electrical service to accommodate RVs of various sizes.
• Stall Rentals: A crucial service for equestrian visitors, stalls are available for rent on a nightly or weekend basis, ensuring horses have comfortable and secure accommodations. Stalls are assigned for FAHA events, often by specific coordinators.
• Restroom Facilities: The campground features flush toilets. While reviews mention flush toilets, some indicate the absence of showers at the main campground, suggesting a more basic amenity level in some areas, though other information implies bath/shower houses are available at some "Crooked Creek" locations. It's best to confirm this specific amenity with the Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association for Crooked Creek Horse Park.
• Tie-Out/Corral Fees: For those not renting a stall, tie-out or corral fees are available per night, offering flexibility for horse accommodation.
• Concession Stand: During events, a concession stand is typically open, offering food and beverages.
• On-Site Assistance: As a volunteer-run facility, there is often a strong community presence and willingness to assist visitors. Contact information (phone and email) is readily available for inquiries and coordination.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, though specific rules (e.g., leash policies) would apply.

The features of Crooked Creek Horse Camp are extensive and primarily cater to the equestrian community, while also offering general outdoor recreational opportunities.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts 35-40 miles of marked trails, with miles of open country riding. Trails vary in difficulty, including wooded forest trails, gravel roads, and challenging routes with hills and creek crossings. Specific trails mentioned include the Lollipop Loop (3.8 miles, wooded, creek crossings, steep sections), Cherry Run (4 miles, wooded, level with creek crossings), and longer connections like the Horse Park to Crooked Creek Boat Launch (9.2 miles out-and-back).
• Horse Show Facilities: The presence of multiple show rings, covered seating for spectators, and a concession stand highlights its role as a venue for equestrian events.
• Event Hosting: Crooked Creek Horse Park regularly hosts various equestrian events, including horse shows (Summer Series, Ranch Series), clinics, and rodeos. This provides both entertainment and participation opportunities.
• Camping for All: The availability of both hookup and primitive sites means it can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents, catering to a wide range of camping preferences.
• Community Focus: As a volunteer-run organization (Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association), the park fosters a strong sense of community, with members and volunteers actively maintaining the facilities and organizing events.
• Day-Use Parking: Day-use parking areas are available at the Horse Park parking lot and McAninch Trailhead for those coming just for trail riding or events.
• Educational Opportunities: The hosting of clinics suggests opportunities for learning and improving equestrian skills.
• Proximity to Crooked Creek Lake: The park is located near Crooked Creek Lake, which offers additional recreational opportunities such as a small beach area, kayaking, and fishing, expanding the activities beyond just horseback riding.

Promotional information and booking for Crooked Creek Horse Camp are primarily handled through the Fort Armstrong Horsemen's Association (FAHA) website and other regional camping/equestrian directories.

• Membership Benefits: FAHA actively promotes membership, as members typically receive discounted rates for camping and stalls. For example, a hookup site might be $35.00/night for members versus $50.00/night for non-members. Primitive sites are also cheaper for members ($20.00/night vs. $35.00/night).
• Online Reservations: Camping and stall rentals can be reserved online through their website, which requires a valid email address. Reservations are generally on a first-come, first-serve basis for sites and stalls, unless the entire park is rented for a third-party event.
• Event-Specific Booking: During FAHA-sponsored events like the Summer Series or Ranch Series, all camping and stall reservations must be coordinated directly with a designated event manager (e.g., Erica Croyle) to ensure proper assignment.
• Grounds Fees: A separate "Grounds Fee/Rig Fee" of $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members may apply for day use or during events.
• Calendar of Events: The FAHA website features a calendar highlighting upcoming events, including horse shows, clinics, and rodeos, as well as dates when the entire park is rented out (e.g., June 12-15, 2025, and August 7-10, 2025).
• Volunteer Opportunities: The park actively promotes volunteer opportunities, encouraging visitors to contribute to the maintenance and operation of the facility, often with "Volunteer Perks" programs.
• Contact Information: Direct contact via phone (724-859-5572) and email (crookedcreekhorsepark@gmail.com) is emphasized for inquiries and assistance.
• "Don't Move Firewood" Policy: While not directly promotional, adherence to guidelines like not moving firewood is implied for environmental protection, typical of outdoor recreational areas.