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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.
View/Print Trail Brochure - pdf
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Reservations are accepted between 3/31/2023 - 10/31/2023. Limited spots are available for camping year-round. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Campground & Picnic Area - Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am Boat Launch open 24 hours. |
| Reservations: | Reservations are accepted for some single sites and all 11 cabins from May 1 - Oct. 28. First come, first served sites are also available. Reservation -
|
| Rentals & Guides: | Concessionaire rents canoes, rowboats and kayaks |
| Fees: | Fees:
|
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | 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 on-line or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest. Applicable Orders for this Site:
|
| Closest Towns: | Bradford, PA |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | Flush |
| Operated By: | Allegheny Site Management, Ed prince; Phone: 814-368-4158; Email: ecpalleghenysite@gmail.com |
| Information Center: | Bradford Ranger District Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701 Phone: 814-362-4613 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov |
General Information
Directions:From Bradford
- Travel on E. Washington St./Route 346 for 15.3 miles.
- Turn left onto Aspen Loop to enter the site.
Activities
Campground 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.
Amenities:
- electric (30 sites)
- picnic table
- fire ring
- tent pad
- flush toilets
- hot showers
- vault toilets
- pressurized water system
- trailer dump station
- paved roads and parking lots
- security lights at buildings and boat launch
- dumpsters
| No. of Sites |
|
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted as long as fires are maintained in a fire ring and fully extinguished when leaving. |
| No. of Accessible sites | Some |
| Sleeping Shelter | No |
RV Camping
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.
Amenities:
- electric (30 sites)
- picnic table
- fire ring
- tent pad
- flush toilets
- hot showers
- vault toilets
- pressurized water system
- trailer dump station
- paved roads and parking lots
- security lights at buildings and boat launch
- dumpsters
| No. of Sites |
|
| Pavement Type for Parking | hardened |
| Hookup - Water | No |
| Hookup - Sewer | No |
| Dump Stations | Yes |
| Hookups - Electric | some |
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted as long as fires are maintained in a fire ring and fully extinguished when leaving. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 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
| Reservation info: | Cabins rentals are available through national reservation system (877) 444-6777. |
|---|
Lake and Pond Fishing
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.
Ice Fishing
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.
Group Picnicking
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 | None |
| Group Shelter | No |
| Group Cooking Facilities | Grills |
| Hookups - Electric | No |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Boating - Motorized
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 very 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
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.
Windsurfing
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 very 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).