Willow Bay

Location

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Policies

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Max stay

14 nights

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

Campfires

Allowed (per listing)

About

Willow Bay sits on the shore of Willow Bay off the 12,080-acre Allegheny Reservoir, about 16 miles west of Bradford and just south of the Pennsylvania New York line. The campground occupies forested hills at roughly 1,400 feet elevation and retains an open, mid-century Corps of Engineers look after renovations and the addition of cabins between 2003 and 2011. There are 98 total campsites across four loops (the ASPE loop has 28 sites and the OAK loop 19), including 53 sites configured for both RVs and tents, 32 tent-only sites, and 13 glamping sites. Most sites provide a picnic table and a campfire ring with grill; some loops offer back-in RV pads with electric hookups while others are walk-to tent spots or first-come, first-served. The campground's restroom buildings include accessible flush and vault toilets, showers and drinking water (typically available April 1 October 30; call (814) 363-9090 or check alleghenysite.com and the campground's Facebook page to confirm late-season availability). Most campsites and cabins are vehicle-accessible; guests are responsible for their own travel and should arrive with essentials the cabins lack bedding, cooking gear and food though cabins do have electricity, heat, a covered porch with a swing, an outdoor table, campfire ring and pedestal grill. Firewood and ice are sold on-site during peak season (April October), and cabin reservations and any cancellations or changes are handled through Recreation.gov. Recreation at Willow Bay centers on water: the reservoir supports boating, water skiing, sailing and swimming, and a courtesy dock at the boat launch makes loading and unloading easier in summer. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis, and anglers target walleye, bass and musky from shore or boat. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the campground and cabin area for hiking-only access (no bikes, stock or motorized travel), and the surrounding forest offers reliable opportunities for birding, wildlife viewing and photography. Beyond on-site activities you can use Willow Bay as a gateway to the broader Allegheny National Forest experience auto touring, biking, fishing, horseback riding, OHV riding, diving, visiting fire lookout cabins, picnicking and hunting are among the parkwide options and cultural stops like the Seneca-Iroquois Indian Museum and Salamanca Rail Museum in nearby Salamanca, NY (about a half-hour drive), or the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford are within easy reach. For facility-specific questions, call (814) 363-9090.