How much does camping cost at Willow Lake?

Camping fees at Willow Lake range from $7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Willow Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Willow Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Willow Lake before I book?

Yes! Willow Lake has 30 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Willow Lake?

Willow Lake is open June 06 to November 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Willow Lake?

Willow Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Willow Lake?

Fire policies at Willow Lake: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Willow Lake have?

Willow Lake has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Willow Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Willow Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Willow Lake?

Willow Lake offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Willow Lake?

Popular activities at Willow Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Willow Lake

4.15

19 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,640 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,640 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Willow Lake

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-$3: $7.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $7.00; Scan & Pay Double: $7.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-384-2372

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Ferron (25 miles), Mayfield (27 miles)

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.

Weather at Willow Lake

Current alerts(6)

Click here for information on the Arapeen OHV Trail System
Click here for more information on the Manti-La Sal National Forest
Drinking water is not available at the campground
Garbage service is not available at the campground

Best Time to Camp at Willow Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable alpine weather — daytime highs typically range from about 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–7°C). This is when hiking, boating, fishing and mountain biking are at their peak, the lake is open for non-motorized boating, and wildflowers are at their height in the surrounding meadows. Expect moderate crowds for a small campground (only 10 sites) and a predictable pattern of afternoon clouds/storms, so an Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with reliable access, comfortable temps, hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 06 to November 01. 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.

About Willow Lake

Willow Lake sits at high elevation in the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Ferron, offering free or very low-cost alpine camping managed by the US Forest Service. This very small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and basic amenities alongside a mountain lake where visitors fish, launch non-motorized boats, hike surrounding trails, and watch for wildlife. The remote setting attracts campers seeking solitude during the summer season when access is most reliable and wildflowers bloom in nearby meadows.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable alpine weather — daytime highs typically range from about 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–7°C). This is when hiking, boating, fishing and mountain biking are at their peak, the lake is open for non-motorized boating, and wildflowers are at their height in the surrounding meadows. Expect moderate crowds for a small campground (only 10 sites) and a predictable pattern of afternoon clouds/storms, so an Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9640 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient glaciers carved this alpine basin where dense spruce, fir, and aspen forests meet rolling grasslands. The lake reflects surrounding peaks and shoreline vegetation creates distinct microclimates. Southern and eastern shores hold the heaviest tree cover, while northern and western shores open into meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer. Deer appear at dawn and dusk. Aspens turn gold in autumn, mirroring themselves in the lake's surface.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or cabin accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesSites #3 and #5 get mentions in reviews for lake proximity and tree shade.

Need help booking Willow Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Vault toilets are provided, but there is no water or garbage service.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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