Overview
WIllow Lake Campground is located on the east shore of Willow Lake, at an elevation of 9,640 feet. The small lake sits in an alpine basin high on the Wasatch Plateau. Spruce, fir and aspen trees dot the open landscape, providing partial shade in the campground. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are plentiful, and autumn leaves put on quite a show in the surrounding area. This campground contains 10 single-family sites with picnic tables and campfire rings. Most sites have lake views, though none have direct lake access. A footpath leads to the shore from the campground, and another trail with easy fishing access leads all the way around the lake. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no water or garbage service. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Visitor enjoy fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, and hiking to explore many of the surrounding trails. In winter, the area becomes a playground for snowobile enthusiasts.
Recreation
Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the lake. A trail leads to the lakeshore from the campground. Another recently developed footpath goes around the entire lake and features four stream crossings, two bridges, and fisherman access points on all sides of the lake.
The campground is a staging area for the expansive Arapeen OHV Trail System, with more than 350 miles of designated, maintained trails for all riding levels.
Facilities
The campground contains ten single-family campsites, most of which have lake views. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are provided at this location. This campground does not have water or garbage service so visitors will need to plan to "pack it in and pack it out". The main parking area for day use and lake access is located right next to the main road by the information kiosk and there are two additional parking areas farther west on Ferron Canyon Road. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel.
Natural Features
This small lake sits in an alpine basin high on the Wasatch Plateau. Spruce, fir and aspen trees dominate the landscape on the south and east sides of the lake, providing partial shade in the campground. The north and west sides of the lakeshore are covered in grasses and wildflowers, allowing easy access to fishing areas. Wildlife and summer flowers are plentiful, and autumn leaves put on quite a show in the surrounding area.
Nearby Attractions
Ferron Reservoir is a short drive west, offering additional fishing and canoeing opportunities. Other lakes in the area include Duck Fork Reservoir and Wrigley Reservoir.
Skyline Drive runs along the top of the Wasatch Plateau for more than 60 miles, rewarding visitors with beautiful mountain scenery, glacial cirques, spruce/fir/aspen forests, and access to numerous lakes and reservoirs.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area