Willow Bay
4.43318 reviews4001 West Washington St.
Quick Facts
1,400 ftPrice
$20 - $100/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
130 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
1,400 ftPrice
$20 - $100/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
130 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsWillow Bay
$20.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range depending on site type. Standard electric sites cost $25-$29 per night, standard nonelectric $20-$24, walk-to tent sites $20-$24, group...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$119.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider814-363-9090
What Campers Say
4.43
Recommended
Based on 318 reviews
213 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanstafffriendly
Some mention
noisecell service
"User reviews for Willow Bay are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the clean facilities, scenic views, and range of activities. Common concerns include the presence of wildlife (especially bears), noise from other campers, and occasional staff unavailability."
Fees & Passes at Willow Bay
$20 - $100/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay duration is 14 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled online with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 1 day for campsite...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Allegheny Site Management website.
Best Time to Camp at Willow Bay
Summer days at Willow Bay are perfectly pleasant, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 79°F that's ideal for swimming and boating, while evenings cool to the 50s—perfect for campfire storytelling. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests explode into a masterpiece of gold, crimson, and orange, with crisp temperatures that make hiking pure joy. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, and while most facilities close, hardy adventurers can still enjoy self-service camping amid the peaceful, snow-dusted forest.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: March 31 - October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Peak season: March 31 - October 31 annually. Facility offers year-round reservations for cabins.
- Current Alerts: No current alerts reported.
About Willow Bay
Nestled along the sparkling waters of the Allegheny Reservoir, Willow Bay Campground welcomes families and adventurers to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering hemlocks, settling into your RV with convenient electric hookups, or gathering friends in one of our cozy rustic cabins, you'll find your ideal basecamp here. From April through October, enjoy the convenience of flush toilets, hot showers, and fresh drinking water as you explore endless recreational opportunities. Cast a line into the reservoir's abundant waters, launch your boat for a day of exploration, traverse scenic hiking trails, or simply relax as you spot deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife that call these forests home.
Willow Bay caters to a variety of campers, offering tent sites, RV sites, and rustic cabins. Walk-to tent sites provide a more primitive experience, while RV sites include electric hookups.
Historical SignificanceWhen the U.S. Corps of Engineers created this recreational haven in the 1960s, they envisioned a place where families could connect with nature along the newly formed Allegheny Reservoir. That vision has only grown richer over time, with thoughtful upgrades between 2003 and 2011 adding charming rustic cabins that blend seamlessly into the forest setting. Beyond the campground, discover the region's fascinating heritage at the nearby Zippo/Case Museum, where American craftsmanship comes alive, or explore centuries of indigenous culture at the Seneca-Iroquois Indian Museum, connecting you to the ancient stories of this land.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Willow Bay are perfectly pleasant, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 79°F that's ideal for swimming and boating, while evenings cool to the 50s—perfect for campfire storytelling. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests explode into a masterpiece of gold, crimson, and orange, with crisp temperatures that make hiking pure joy. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, and while most facilities close, hardy adventurers can still enjoy self-service camping amid the peaceful, snow-dusted forest.
ElevationPerched at 1,400 feet above sea level, Willow Bay occupies a sweet spot in the forested hills where cool mountain breezes sweep across the water and the air feels refreshingly crisp even on summer days. This elevated position offers stunning vistas and a refreshing escape from valley heat.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic hemlock trees stand like ancient guardians throughout Willow Bay, their evergreen canopies creating a natural cathedral above your campsite. Choose between sun-dappled grassy spots perfect for stargazing or shaded sites where filtered sunlight creates a peaceful ambiance. The jewel of the campground is its prime location along Willow Bay's tranquil shores, where morning mist rises from the water and sunset paints the reservoir in shades of gold and pink. The surrounding forested hills create an amphitheater of green, alive with birdsong and the rustle of wildlife, offering both scenic beauty and a sense of seclusion.
Geological RegionWillow Bay Campground claims one of the most enviable locations in the Allegheny National Recreation Area, where ancient forested hills meet the expansive waters of the Allegheny Reservoir (locally beloved as Kinzua Reservoir). At 1,400 feet elevation, the campground rests on the gentle shores of Willow Bay, a peaceful inlet that provides protected waters perfect for kayaking and fishing. This unique geological setting, where Appalachian foothills cradle a vast man-made lake, creates diverse ecosystems that support everything from towering hemlocks to delicate wildflowers, making every walk a discovery.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible flush and vault toilets, and some cabins have been designed for wheelchair access. There are no specifics regarding trails or other accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate a range of setups, from small tents to large RVs. Cabin sizes are 10ft x 12ft.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some sites are well-separated, while others are described as close together. Walk-to tent sites offer more seclusion, especially near the water.
Total Campsites130 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers should choose waterfront sites for the best views. RV campers may prefer the Hemlock Loop for spacious sites with electric hookups.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Typically 4-6 guests per cabin
- campsites vary.
Groups
No specific details about group camping are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour loops with varying configurations: Hemlock (spacious RV sites), Deer Loop (waterfront tent sites), Oak Loop (cabins), and Aspen Loop (mixed sites).
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: March 31 - October 31 annually. Facility offers year-round reservations for cabins.
Reservation PlatformsBookings available via Recreation.gov website and app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 1 day for campsites, less than 14 days for cabins/group sites) incur forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Willow Bay offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, water sports, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The campground provides access to the Allegheny Reservoir for boating and kayaking and connects to the North Country Trail, a 4,600-mile National Scenic Trail.
Hiking
The campground connects directly to the North Country Trail, which is for hikers only and offers scenic views. Reviewers described the trail as 'beautiful and easy to access,' with opportunities for bird watching.Fishing
Anglers can fish in the Allegheny Reservoir, which is home to walleye, bass, and musky. Some reviewers noted the convenience of fishing directly from campsites near the water.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the reservoir, with some campsites featuring direct water access. One reviewer noted, 'I enjoyed an afternoon swim in the reservoir.'Boating
The campground features a courtesy dock for easy boat loading and unloading. Kayaks and canoes are available for rental on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many campers praised the accessibility of the reservoir for boating.Wildlife viewing
The area supports excellent wildlife viewing, including deer, raccoons, black bears, and various bird species like ospreys and bald eagles. Several reviewers emphasized the presence of bears and the need for proper food storage.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, with cabins available in winter. Some reviews highlight the peacefulness and beauty of camping in the snow.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular, with rentals available. One user said, 'Rented kayaks and had so much fun.'Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in provided rings. Outside firewood prohibited to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors must be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears and raccoons. Uneven terrain may pose challenges for mobility.
Active alertsNo current alerts reported.
Weather at Willow Bay
29
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford, PA (16 miles away); Police station in Bradford; Ranger station available on-site.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 31 - October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided throughout the campground, and guests are encouraged to use them and avoid burning trash to deter wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along Willow Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir. Offers access to boating and fishing.
Common complaintsNoise issues, insufficient privacy between sites, and lack of cell service.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, with clean facilities maintained regularly.
Campground Map
4001 West Washington St.
Driving directionsFrom Bradford, travel west on PA-346 for 16 miles. Willow Bay is located just south of the Pennsylvania-New York border. Follow signs to the Allegheny Reservoir and the campground. From the south, take PA-321 North to PA-346 and turn left. Continue to the campground on the left.
Accessible from PA-346 and PA-321. Roads to the campground are paved and suitable for most vehicles. Seasonal closures may affect some facilities, particularly from late fall through early spring.Nearby places
Bradford (16 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)
Salamanca, NY (30 miles, approximately 35-minute drive)
Warren, PA (Approximately 50 miles, roughly 1-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery store and gas station are in Bradford, PA (16 miles away). Firewood and ice are available for purchase on-site during peak season (April - October).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
318 reviews
Willow Bay is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Willow Bay are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the clean facilities, scenic views, and range of activities. Common concerns include the presence of wildlife (especially bears), noise from other campers, and occasional staff unavailability.
Review Summaries
Based on 318 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviewers highlight the campground's cleanliness, beautiful setting, and friendly staff. One user said, 'The bathrooms are exceptional even on the busiest weekends.' Another noted, 'The...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of cell service, noise from other campers, and issues with bears. Some mentioned inexperienced staff and difficulties with reservations.
Based on 318 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing bear-proof food storage, extra stakes for rocky tent sites, and planning for no cell service. Some suggest booking waterfront sites for the best experience.
Based on 318 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is highly praised in summer for water activities and in fall for foliage. Winter stays are noted for their quietness but come with limited facilities.
Based on 318 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Our favorite campground for decades! The reservoir is beautiful, and stargazing is amazing.' - Derrick Thornbury
2. 'Bathrooms very clean with hot showers.' - Linda Devlin
3. 'Absolutely...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site 29 (Aspen Loop): 'Nice, level site close to the river with electric hookups.' - Ronnie M.
2. Cabin 35: 'Just feet from a babbling brook, very relaxing.' - Bruce Clark
3. Site 56 (Hemlock...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Several reviews mention clean and accessible facilities, though specific accessibility features are not detailed. 'The bathrooms were spotless and accessible.' - Jamie R.
Based on 318 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some complaints about unattended dogs bothering other campers. 'We brought our dogs, and they loved it here.' - Aleasha B.
Based on 318 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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