Willow Lake

4.15

19 reviews

US FOREST SERVICE, 115 WEST CANYON RD, PO BOX 310, FERRON, UT 84523, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,640 ft

Price

$7 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,640 ft

Price

$7 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Willow Lake

$7.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees are $10.00 per night during peak season and $7.00 per night during the first-come, first-served season (Sept 23-Nov 1)....

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

435-384-2372

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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 19 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlake

"User reviews for Willow Lake Campground are mixed, with positive highlights focused on the scenic beauty and peaceful environment, while criticism revolves around maintenance issues and missing amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

US FOREST SERVICE, 115 WEST CANYON RD, PO BOX 310, FERRON, UT 84523, USA

Willow Lake

US FOREST SERVICE, 115 WEST CANYON RD, PO BOX 310, FERRON, UT 84523, USA

Driving directionsFrom Ferron, Utah: Willow Lake is located approximately 25 miles up Ferron Canyon, on Forest Road 022. From Mayfield, Utah: Willow Lake is located approximately 27 miles from Mayfield. Head East from up Forest Road 022, turn left on Skyline Drive at 12 Mile Campground then follow signage towards Ferron Reservoir. Willow Lake is located approximately 4 miles east of Ferron Reservoir.

Roads leading to Willow Lake are dirt and gravel. Reviews indicate that the drive can be challenging, taking up to two hours on narrow, dirt roads. One user noted, 'Took the back loop on the way home into Ferron and the dirt road was significantly better and a shorter distance until paved road.'

Nearby places

Ferron (25 miles), Mayfield (27 miles)

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies and groceries can be acquired in Ferron, Utah, located 25 miles away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Willow Lake

At nearly 10,000 feet, summer arrives as a gentle whisper, bringing comfortable days perfect for outdoor adventures and cool nights that invite cozy campfires. The alpine climate creates its own microworld of weather patterns, where afternoon clouds might roll through like clockwork before clearing to reveal spectacular sunsets. When winter descends, the entire landscape undergoes a magical transformation, becoming a powder-covered playground that draws snowmobilers from across the region to explore its snow-laden trails and frozen vistas.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers comfortable days, fishing, hiking and boating; campground open for reservations.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens along shores imply strong fall color and quieter shoulder-season camping.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Spring visits affected by heavy snow and delayed fish stocking; reservation season begins in June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter snowmobiling is popular but heavy snow can limit access and services at this high elevation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 6, 2025 - September 22, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 6 to September 22. First-come, first-served season runs from September 23 to November 1.
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Willow Lake

Nestled in a pristine alpine basin at 9,640 feet, Willow Lake Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of mountain wilderness. This hidden gem features just 10 thoughtfully positioned campsites, where most mornings begin with breathtaking views across the shimmering lake. Each site comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table and campfire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. The gravel roads wind gently through the landscape, maintaining the area's natural charm. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics philosophy with vault toilets and no running water or garbage services, this 'pack it in, pack it out' approach helps preserve the pristine environment. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the crystal-clear waters, paddle across the glassy lake surface, spot elk and deer in their natural habitat, or explore the network of trails that beckon from every direction.

This campground primarily caters to single-family campers with options for tent camping and small camper trailers.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this alpine sanctuary remains quietly tucked away in the mountains themselves, the land speaks its own timeless story through ancient trees and weathered rocks that have witnessed countless seasons pass.

Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 10,000 feet, summer arrives as a gentle whisper, bringing comfortable days perfect for outdoor adventures and cool nights that invite cozy campfires. The alpine climate creates its own microworld of weather patterns, where afternoon clouds might roll through like clockwork before clearing to reveal spectacular sunsets. When winter descends, the entire landscape undergoes a magical transformation, becoming a powder-covered playground that draws snowmobilers from across the region to explore its snow-laden trails and frozen vistas.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,640 feet above sea level, the campground sits in rarified air where the sky seems closer and the stars shine brighter. This lofty elevation creates a unique alpine environment where temperatures stay refreshingly cool even during summer's peak, and the panoramic vistas stretch endlessly across mountain ridges and valleys below.

Natural Features and SceneryA natural masterpiece unfolds around Willow Lake, where towering spruce and fir trees mingle with shimmering aspens along the southern and eastern shores, creating dappled shade patterns that dance across the forest floor. The northern and western shores open into expansive grasslands that burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers each summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, with deer often visible at dawn and dusk, while autumn transforms the aspen groves into corridors of gold that reflect brilliantly in the lake's mirror-like surface.

Geological RegionWillow Lake Campground crowns the majestic Wasatch Plateau, occupying a stunning alpine basin carved by ancient glaciers at 9,640 feet elevation. This geological wonderland showcases the dramatic interplay between forest and meadow, where dense stands of spruce, fir, and aspen give way to rolling grasslands dotted with seasonal wildflowers. The lake itself serves as the jewel centerpiece, its waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while the diverse shoreline environments create distinct microclimates that support an impressive variety of plant and animal life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out times are not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights year-round.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site information is not explicitly provided.

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned as an option.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has 10 single-family sites laid out along gravel roads and parking spurs. Most sites offer lake views.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability from September 23 to November 1.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. There is a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled within 24 hours of check-in. Modifications to dates outside the original booking incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned, though the gravel spurs and basic amenities may pose challenges for individuals with mobility concerns.

Site SizeSites are described as single-family, suitable for tents or small camper trailers.

PrivacySome sites are nestled in trees providing shade; others are more exposed. User reviews indicate some sites feel secluded while others are not as private.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites #2, 3, 7, 10, and 11 if a picnic table is a necessity. Sites #3 and #5 are recommended for shade and lake views.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Willow Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and access to off-road vehicle trails. During winter, snowmobiling is popular.

HikingThe campground provides access to trails around the lake, including a newly developed footpath with four stream crossings, two bridges, and fisherman access points. Additional trails in the surrounding Wasatch Plateau offer more hiking opportunities.

FishingFishing in Willow Lake is mentioned as a popular activity, though some reviews note the lake is occasionally not stocked with fish.

BikingMountain biking is a noted activity in the surrounding area, with trails catering to various skill levels.

BoatingCanoeing, kayaking, and non-motorized boating are popular activities on Willow Lake.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of the campground, with user reviews mentioning an abundance of wildlife and summer wildflowers.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCamping hazards include narrow dirt roads as noted frequently in reviews, absence of picnic tables at some sites, lack of water, and bugs such as flies and mosquitoes noted as being 'worse than I’ve seen before.'

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, and firewood stacks are available near fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not mentioned in the materials.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Ferron, Utah, approximately 25 miles away, which may include medical facilities, police, and fire services.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service available. Visitors must pack out all trash and recycling.

Water FeaturesSituated on the east shore of Willow Lake, accessible via a footpath. Nearby lakes include Ferron Reservoir, Duck Fork Reservoir, and Wrigley Reservoir.

Camp HostNo campground hosts are mentioned in the materials.

Weather at Willow Lake

Reviews

4.2

19 reviews

Satisfactory

Willow Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Willow Lake Campground are mixed, with positive highlights focused on the scenic beauty and peaceful environment, while criticism revolves around maintenance issues and missing amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews praise the beautiful lake views, peaceful and secluded environment, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. The campground is described as 'clean and nice,' and many...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include missing picnic tables at several sites (notably sites 2, 3, 7, 10, and 11), inconsistent stocking of toilet paper in vault toilets, and poor road conditions leading to the...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips include bringing toilet paper, bug spray, and a portable table for sites without picnic tables. Visitors suggest taking the shorter, better-maintained dirt road from Ferron for easier...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are popular for snowmobiling, while summer sees an influx of campers enjoying fishing and hiking. Heavy winter snow can delay fish stocking in the lake, impacting spring fishing...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Campsite 3 was very cute. Nestled in the trees providing our tent with shade all day.' - Lauren G 2. 'The area was beautiful! It appeared as though there had been a fire in the last few years so...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight that sites 2, 3, 7, 10, and 11 lack picnic tables. Site 3 is praised for its shade and proximity to the lake, though it also lacks a table.

Based on 19 reviews