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Established Camping

Willow Bay Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Willow Bay Recreation Area, near Bradford, Pennsylvania, is a scenic campground that offers a peaceful escape right by the water. With sites that provide easy access to the Kinzua Reservoir, it’s a prime location for those who enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

The campground features spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the privacy of the sites, with many surrounded by trees, creating a cozy atmosphere. One camper mentioned, “Our site was right along the water,” highlighting the beautiful views you can expect.

For those who want to explore, there are hiking trails nearby, including the North Country Trail, which is less than a mile away. The area is also known for its clean facilities, with vault toilets available on the tent side and showers on the RV side, ensuring you can freshen up after a day of adventure. As one reviewer put it, “The bathrooms were very clean and didn’t smell.”

While there’s no cell service, that just means you can truly unplug and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or cabin, Willow Bay offers a relaxing retreat with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

Reservation Info

Open Year Round with water and shower house available April 10th to October.

Reservations taken through recreation.gov April 12th. to October 31st. Water is run through the reservation period, being shut down the last week in October and started early April. To confirm water is on in the fringe season check our facebook page or call 813-368-4158.

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Location

Willow Bay Recreation Area is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Bradford, travel west on PA-346 for 16 miles. Willow Bay is located just south of the Pennsylvania-New York border. Follow signs to the Allegheny Reservoir and the campground. From the south, take PA-321 North to PA-346 and turn left. Continue to the campground on the left.

Address

4001 West Washington St.
Bradford, PA 16701

Coordinates

41.9877778 N
78.9105556 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2023

Hidden gem

This place was recommended to us and we really did not know what to expect. Our site was right along the water. We have sites 76,77,78. Some sites were better than others. Some pros were water access, fire pits having grates, privacy. Some cons were the bathrooms were stinky porta potty things that never had toilet paper or lights at night and the hike to your car from your site. There is no service there so make sure everyone is on the same page. The camp offers ice and wood for a small fee which was convenient and there were nice bathrooms with showers about a min drive away.

Site77
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by emma , July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by emma , July 27, 2023
Reviewed May. 21, 2021

Beautiful Campground

This was our third trip here. One of the best campgrounds in the state, especially in the off season.

SiteCabin 94
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Jennifer V., May 21, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2021

Beautiful

Most beautiful and peaceful place to tent camp! Definitely a long drive for us but it was beautiful before we got the snow and even during (what we could see). One thing I didnt like was we have to drive to the hiking trails.

  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Kelsey B., April 9, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2020

Quiet nights, Easy days

Willow bay campground is run by the National Forest Service. The reservable lots are wide and numerous for a out of the way sight. The campground services tent sites, RV sites as well as small cabins with electricity. There is a central bathhouse near the oak loop. Closer to the boat ramp sites- most of which are tent ready, there are vault toilets. These sites are less than a mile from the North Country Trail. Other, smaller trails are here as well. The New York State lone is less than five miles away- providing access to Allegheny State Park. The closest town of note is Bradford, which is about 18 miles away. It has all you need to get your necessities. The cabins were small- one twin bed and a set of single bunks. You need to bring your own sheets. There is a small heater imbedded in the wall. It keeps things from getting too cold, as it was when I was there. Fire ring and picnic table provided. Charcoal grill as well. The only problem I had was with the wildlife. A mouse or something kep crawling in the space between the roof and ceiling. There is no cel service here, and you shouldn’t need it either. Places to visit are too numerous to mention, but I will give a shout out to the zippo case museum, absolutely a must.

  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Bill  G., September 26, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Willow Yay!

Surprised! First of all, the Hemlock loop has literally zero Verizon coverage. If you walk up to the entrance of the loop, you’ll get 2 bars. We’re staying at Willow Bay again in a few weeks, but in the Aspen Loop. We already drove by our future campsite and it registered 3 bars. Back to the review. We stayed at Hemlock #56. The fresh water spigot was at the end of our driveway, which is on a slight incline. A couple of extra tongue blocks would’ve been useful since the site slopes in the front and at the back. The site was surrounded by 20-25’ of woods, so a lot of privacy. We ran low on fresh water, so a 75’ hose was long enough to reach the fresh water spigot. The other campers used the spigot, but they toted water carriers. Electric was 50 & 30A. Nothing disappointing, just very quiet and private. The host had ice and firewood for sale. There were no sewer hookups at the sites, but if need fresh water, fill up at one of the spigots before you park. Also, my wife said the showers in the Hemlock look we’re VERY nice and clean. We saw the cleaning crew go in there a couple times a day to keep it up. The Reservoir is a very short drive away and our walkie talkies reach back to our campsite. Definitely worth a future visit.

  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Tim J., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Tim J., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Tim J., September 20, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Would be better for someone with a boat

We stayed at a site located next to a little creek. The kids enjoyed playing in it. I didn’t see a playground anywhere though. Could have just been the loop we were in. There is access to a boat launch which would be great if you had a boat or kayak. We did not so we were rather bored.

Reviewed May. 27, 2020

Willow Bay

The camp grounds were great. Staff was very helpful and nice. Camp sites were decently spaced out. Fire wood was priced fairly well but they don’t usually deliver($).and they sell worms at the gate along with ice.

The RVs had their own loop and tents and cabins were on the water down a wooded trail.

The reason this was 4/5 is because you have to unload the car then walk everything to the camp. There is no drive up access for tent camping. A wagon is highly encouraged

Additionally, vault toilets on the tent side and plumbing and showers on the RV side. Bathrooms were very clean and didn’t smell, the showers were hot.

I saw some boats anchored at sites which I thought was nice. I also got to peek into a cabin and it was pretty cozy.

  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Sean C., May 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Willow Bay Recreation Area by Sean C., May 27, 2020
Reviewed May. 15, 2018

Unplugged in the foreat

Gorgeous setting on the edge of the Kinzua Reservoir. The sites are spacious and cabins are also available to rent. Staff are friendly and helpful. You’ll get a chance to relax as there is no cell service or wifi available. the closest town is about 15 miles away so stock up before you get there. Don’t forget your bicycles because the campground and surrounding area is great for riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Willow Bay Campground?

Willow Bay Recreation Area offers spacious campsites with fire pits that include cooking grates. The campground features multiple loops including Hemlock, Aspen, and Oak loops, with the central bathhouse located near the Oak loop. Additional amenities include porta-potty style restrooms throughout the grounds, firewood available for purchase at reasonable prices, and ice and fishing worms sold at the entrance gate. There's no cell service or WiFi in some areas (particularly Hemlock loop), and limited coverage in others like Aspen loop. The nearest town is approximately 15 miles away, so it's advisable to stock up on supplies before arriving.

Where is Willow Bay Campground located in the Allegheny National Forest?

Willow Bay Recreation Area is situated on the edge of the Kinzua Reservoir within the Allegheny National Forest. The campground is set in a gorgeous woodland setting with waterfront access to the reservoir. While specific hiking trails aren't directly at the campground (requiring a short drive to reach them), the natural surroundings offer beautiful scenery. The campground's remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, being approximately 15 miles from the nearest town, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a serene forest and water experience.

What boating and water activities are available at Willow Bay?

Willow Bay Recreation Area offers excellent water access with a boat launch facility for visitors bringing their own watercraft. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent on-site for exploring the Kinzua Reservoir. Some campsites are situated right along the water's edge, providing convenient access for water activities. There's also a small creek running through portions of the campground where children can play. The waterfront location makes Willow Bay ideal for fishing, paddling, and general water recreation, serving as a primary attraction for visitors to this campground.

Are there cabin rentals available at Willow Bay Campground?

Yes, Willow Bay Recreation Area offers cabin rentals as an alternative to tent or RV camping. These small cabins come equipped with electricity and are managed by the National Forest Service. The cabins are situated among the various camping loops, with some positioned closer to the waterfront. This provides a comfortable option for visitors who prefer more shelter than tent camping while still enjoying the natural setting of the Allegheny National Forest.