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Facilities

Dispersed Camping

Willow Lake

Willow Lake, near Pinedale, Wyoming, is a rugged spot that offers a unique camping experience for those who appreciate the great outdoors. This area is known for its stunning lake views and the chance to escape the crowds, making it a favorite for those seeking solitude.

The campground is pretty basic, with a few picnic tables and fire rings scattered around, but it’s all about the natural beauty here. Visitors have found that the lake is perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and the peaceful surroundings make it a great place to unwind. As one camper put it, “The lake is beautiful and great for kayaking or SUP.”

While amenities are limited—there's only one restroom and no water or trash services—many campers enjoy the raw, unrefined nature of the location. The access road can be a bit rough, but those who make the trek are rewarded with a serene environment and clear waters. Just be prepared for some bugs; a little bug spray goes a long way.

If you’re up for an adventure, there are hiking trails nearby that lead to more secluded spots around the lake. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, Willow Lake is a solid choice for those looking to connect with nature in a less commercialized setting.

Description

National Forest

Bridger-Teton National Forest

This campground is located on the south shore of Willow Lake, 14 miles north of Pinedale on a dirt road. This is an undeveloped campground and receives minimal levels of maintenance. Few sites within the camp area provide picnic tables and fire rings. A boat launch and a vault toilet service the entire dispersed area. This lake has great views of the Wind River Range and is popular for its boating and fishing. Please remember proper Food Storage is required.

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Location

Willow Lake is located in Wyoming

Detail location of campground

Directions

Starting 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.

Coordinates

42.99136257 N
109.9003544 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Willow Lake needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Small packed camping area

This lake is stunning, however the campground is not. Not really an organized campground, no numbered sites, limited area to spread out. One restroom. Looks like a new boat ramp and dock was installed recently. Camping is free as of 6-2021 but a notice on the kiosk board notes a proposed fee of $10 in future. No tables, fire rings, water or trash. Note that the access road is very very steep narrow last 1 mile to get o er the final lateral moraine ridge so pulling a big trailer is a bit of a risk....however there were about 15 large treats there when I visited, but no vehicles, no people no camps setup...seems the locals just stash and leave their trailers up there to hold down their spot..for how long is unclear.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Greg L., June 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Greg L., June 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Greg L., June 25, 2021
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2021

Rough & Rustic

This is a nice campground if you don’t need anything. The water was too high to use the picnic tables, fire pits and bear boxes. There’s only one hole toilet for the entire lake; no water or dumpsters. It didn’t seem like the bathroom had been cleaned in months. The bugs were unbearable and we found human feces in the bushes in our short walk around.

I wouldn’t be comfortable letting my grandkids play here. The road was also very rough and slow coming in, we found out everything that wasn’t tied down on the floor of our camper. There’s also no cell service at all.

SiteBy the road
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Suzy S., June 23, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Amazing

This place is amazing. We took the aide road off the main campsites and found the second site on the road and it’s amazing. We could pass the road in our vehicle and it’s a large site with a private beach. You can also hike down the road to sites impassable by car. Can access by ATV, horse, foot, watercraft. Water is clear but cold and super quiet during the week. We are the only people here right now. So amazing. Be prepared for bugs tho. You need deet, torches, and keep a fire on low wind. Other than that perfect.

  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Carla K., July 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Carla K., July 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Carla K., July 7, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 5, 2020

One of the best spot

I love this spot because it is less populated than others. Camp spots are spread out so you aren’t on top of each other. The lake is beautiful and great for kayaking or sup.

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2019

Raw

Hardly could be called a campground,  a few lakeside (if Lake not high) picnic tables, a few fire rings.  A little shade at lakes edge from Aspens.  Sage country typ.  Very little use,  Willow lake at times can be great from boat, for nice Macs and some bows. 

Use extreme lower end, flooded prairie for bows, and occ. Browns. Use subsurface bars, (cut thru glacial terminal moraines for Macs). 

NO dock but good sandy beach areas right at campsites for mooring.  A long, typical area glacial cut fiord type lake. 

Very little pressure.  A short shelf road, cimbs up to lake and down again to the lake.  Take it easy this is a 1 track road. Cross your fingers and hope nobody tearing up from the other side. 

Very peaceful, quiet, clean lake water.  Not terribly windy.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Willow Lake by Joe  J., August 13, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Willow Lake?

    Willow Lake allows vehicles up to 23 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Willow Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Willow Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Willow Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.