Willow Bay Recreation Area
Willow Bay Recreation Area was built in the early 1960s by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. When completed, it was transferred to the USDA, Forest Service. Willow Bay Recreation Area is located 15 miles west of Bradford, PA, on State Route (SR) 346, just south of the New York State line. The area overlooks the south shore of Willow Bay, a small arm on the eastern side of the Allegheny Reservoir.
There are four camping loops - Oak, Aspen, Hemlock and Deer Grove. Campsites in Hemlock and Deer Grove Loops overlook Willow Bay while sites in Oak and Aspen loops back onto Willow Creek.
The North Country National Scenic Trail crosses near this campground and visitors can access the trail from State Route 346.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereReservations are accepted for some single sites and all 11 cabins from March 31 – October 31. First come, first served sites are also available.
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
- Visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
General Information
Camping
Deer Grove Loop is walk-to, tent-only. There are several cabins nestled in this area.
Aspen, Oak and Hemlock loops can accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles (RV).
- Aspen: The campsites in Aspen loop are on a grassy flat with little shade.
- Oak Loop: campsites have more shade and share the area with several of the cabins.
- Hemlock: The campsites in Hemlock loop enjoy ample shade and about half are located on a bluff above the lake. These sites do not have hook-ups.
No. of Sites: 101 singles
- electric: 30
- waterfront: 41
- tent only: 27
Fire Information: Campfires are permitted as long as fires are maintained in a fire ring and fully extinguished when leaving.
Accessible sites: Some
Sleeping Shelter: No
RV Camping
- Pavement Type for Parking: hardened
- Hookup - Water: No
- Hookup - Sewer: No
- Dump Stations: Yes
- Hookups - Electric: some
Cabin Rentals
There are 11 rustic cabins available at Willow Bay. The cabins measure 10-by-12-feet and each has a 6-foot porch.
Amenities:
- Porch swing
- metal fire pit
- pedestal grill
- picnic table
- 1 double bed
- 1 set bunk beds
- heat
- electric
Reservations are accepted between 04/01 - 10/31. Limited spots are available for camping year-round.
Campground & Picnic Area - Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Boat Launch open 24 hours/day.
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you online or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest.
Overnight Use:
Single Site (Electric): $20-39/night.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.*
Day Use: $5/vehicle/day.
Season Pass: $65
Concessionaire rents canoes, rowboats and kayaks
Address: 29 Forest Service Dr. Bradford, PA 16701
Phone: 814-362-4613
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 41.98888889
Longitude: -78.9175
Directions
From Bradford
- Travel on E. Washington St./Route 346 for 15.3 miles.
- Turn left onto Aspen Loop to enter the site.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
This is a relatively flat campground. Campsites are rough earth and may be uneven.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Drinking water is available from faucets.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Motorized Info
Four-lane concrete boat launch and 130-foot courtesy dock for loading and unloading. Parking for 120 tow-trailer/vehicles and 70 single spaces at boat launch.
Information you should know:
- No horsepower limit for motorized boats
- 12,080 surface acres at summer pool
- average width is 3/8 of a mile
- length is about 29 miles
- average depth is 48 feet
- 8 boat launches (including the marina).
Rules for use of the reservoir come from 3 different jurisdictions: the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State. There are reciprocal boating agreements. Rules may vary according to which portion of the reservoir you boat in.
To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Motorized boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).
Trailer Parking: Yes
Launch Ramps: Launch dock available during summer season
Type of Craft: Any size
Fuel availability: No
Marina/Mooring: No
Swimming Info
Visitors can swim at the picnic/boat launch area or at any of the waterfront sites. There is no designated swimming area and no lifeguards on duty, swimming is at your own risk.
To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Picnicking - Groups Info
There is a large grassy area to set-up games. Picnickers will also have a scenic view of Allegheny reservoir.
Amenities:
- vault restrooms
- covered pavilion - seats 50
- picnic tables
- grills
Reservation Info: Go to Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation
Group Shelter: No
Group Cooking Facilities: Grills
Hookups - Electric: No
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
There is a four-lane concrete boat launch with 130-foot courtesy dock, for loading and unloading only.
For information on fishing regulations and season visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
Fishing - Ice Info
The area is open year-round with minimal winter road maintenance. The area near State Route 346 is plowed for ice fishing access.
The Allegheny reservoir is a popular ice fishing area during winter months. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the reservoir ice during the winter. See Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for seasons, regulations and safety tips.
Recreation Groups
Lush green forest surrounds the 7,647-acre reservoir that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York.