Willow Lake Campground

4.32

25 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

7,717 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Pinedale Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,717 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Pinedale Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Willow Lake Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $12 per night for a single campsite. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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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USFS

Provider

307-367-4326null

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleansites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Willow Lake Campground. Positive comments focus on the scenic views, water activities, and the remote, clean setting. However, critiques highlight limited amenities, locals reserving spots by leaving trailers, and site flooding during certain seasons."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Willow Lake Campground

Driving directionsStarting from the Town of Pinedale, Wyoming, head west on United States Highway 191 (US-191) making a right turn on North Jackson Avenue which then changes name to Willow Lake Road/County Road-119, stay on Willow Lake Road for approximately 10 miles. Upon entering The Bridger-Teton National Forest the road junctions, take a left onto Willow Lake Road/Forest Service Road 370751 and follow it for 1 mile and Willow Lake Campground on the right. Approximate travel details from the Town of Pinedale: 11 miles, 20 minutes.

The campground is located on a dirt road approximately 14 miles north of Pinedale. Reviews indicate the access road is steep and narrow for the last mile, potentially challenging for large vehicles like trailers. A user review by Greg D. Lind states, "the access road is very very steep narrow last 1 mile to get over the final ridge, so pulling a big trailer is a bit of a risk," although some locals seem to leave trailers parked there for extended periods.

Nearby places

Town of Pinedale - 11 miles, approximately 20 minutes.

Nearby supplies

The nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are in Pinedale, which is 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Willow Lake Campground

Summer transforms Willow Lake into a warm and inviting destination, with comfortable temperatures climbing to the mid-70s°F, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. However, winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in deep snow and frigid temperatures that make camping impractical and dangerous. Visitors planning summer trips should come prepared for nature's smaller residents – mosquitoes are particularly active from June through early September, making insect repellent an essential addition to your packing list. The brief but beautiful summer season offers the ideal window to experience this mountain paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer mid‑70s°F, prime boating/fishing/swimming; mosquito issues noted June–early Sept.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Likely excellent for views and fewer bugs; open season extends into early Sept though exact close date unknown.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground closed until June 1; spring season not applicable for campsite use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground opens June 1; winter operations/access not described.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June - early September (based on mosquito activity noted by user reviews).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open starting June 1st. Information about closure dates is not provided.
Current Alerts: null

About Willow Lake Campground

Escape to the pristine shores of Willow Lake, where Willow Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Bridger-Teton National Forest. This intimate, undeveloped campground features nine peaceful sites along the lake's southern shoreline, each equipped with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and secure metal bear boxes to protect your provisions. Adventure seekers will appreciate the convenient boat launch that opens up endless possibilities for exploring the lake's crystal-clear waters, while anglers can cast their lines in pursuit of the day's catch. A well-maintained vault toilet ensures basic comfort during your stay at this serene lakeside retreat.

The campground is a primitive facility with no reservation system, offering camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Willow Lake into a warm and inviting destination, with comfortable temperatures climbing to the mid-70s°F, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. However, winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in deep snow and frigid temperatures that make camping impractical and dangerous. Visitors planning summer trips should come prepared for nature's smaller residents – mosquitoes are particularly active from June through early September, making insect repellent an essential addition to your packing list. The brief but beautiful summer season offers the ideal window to experience this mountain paradise.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Willow Lake, where the majestic Wind River Range creates a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure. The campground's forested setting provides a perfect blend of shade and scenery, with towering evergreens framing spectacular mountain vistas. The lake itself serves as the centerpiece of this natural wonderland, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and inviting visitors to explore by boat, kayak, or fishing rod. This harmonious combination of pristine water, dense forest, and dramatic mountain views creates an unforgettable setting that captures the essence of Wyoming's wild beauty.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Bridger-Teton National Forest, Willow Lake Campground occupies a spectacular position along the lake's southern shore, where water meets wilderness. This remarkable location offers front-row seats to the geological grandeur of the Wind River Range, one of Wyoming's most impressive mountain chains. The landscape tells a story of ancient forces, where glacial activity carved out the lake basin and sculpted the surrounding peaks. Dense forests of conifers blanket the hillsides, creating a rich tapestry of green that contrasts beautifully with the blue waters and granite peaks, offering visitors a true immersion in the diverse ecosystems of the Greater Yellowstone region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group camping areas or policies are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 9 sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. A vault toilet serves the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve as stated in authoritative content.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityAccessibility details for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe size of the camping sites is not specified, but user reviews mention they are decently spread out. Some sites are under water according to one reviewer.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate that sites are reasonably spread out, though privacy levels are not explicitly clarified.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Willow Lake Campground is noted for its recreational activities related to the lake. Boating—both motorized and non-motorized—is a highlight, and fishing is popular. Swimming is also mentioned among available activities.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at the lake, though details about fish species or fishing conditions are not specified.

SwimmingSwimming is noted as an activity, but there are no details about designated swimming areas or safety measures.

BoatingBoating is a key activity at Willow Lake, and both motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted. A recently installed boat ramp and dock support these activities.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are prevalent during June through early September. Narrow and steep access roads pose a challenge for towing large trailers.

Active Alertsnull

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

Food Storage RequiredMetal bear boxes are available at each campsite, and proper food storage is required.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings as per forest regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in the Town of Pinedale, approximately 11 miles from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials. User reviews also do not reference these amenities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly located on the south shore of Willow Lake, offering immediate access to the water.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Willow Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3

25 reviews

Recommended

Willow Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Willow Lake Campground. Positive comments focus on the scenic views, water activities, and the remote, clean setting. However, critiques highlight limited amenities, locals reserving spots by leaving trailers, and site flooding during certain seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include 'stunning views,' 'perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking,' 'clean, remote, decently spread out sites,' and a 'beautiful view and camping spots.'

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include 'not really an organized campground,' 'limited area to spread out,' 'locals leaving trailers all summer,' 'some sites are under water,' and 'mosquitos are bad June-early...

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent during the summer months. Be prepared for a steep, narrow road in the last mile to the campground. Bring your own water and trash disposal solutions as these are not provided.

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitos are particularly problematic from June to early September. Seasonal flooding can impact certain camp spots. Access to the campground can be challenging due to steep roads, which may be more...

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This lake is stunning, however the campground is not.' (Greg D. Lind, 2021) 2. 'This place is perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking.' (Ana Garcia, 2023) 3. 'Clean, remote, decently spread out...

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some reviews highlight that locals leave trailers in spots for extended periods, effectively reserving them even when not in use. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Based on 25 reviews