Willow Flat Campground
4.27110 reviewsAUD & DI CAMPGROUNDS HC-82 BOX 1158
Willow Flat Campground
$20.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary depending on site type and season. Individual sites range from $20-$34 per night during peak season. Group sites range from $50-$120 per night. Additional $6 fee for extra vehicles. Discounts available for Interagency pass holders, but only applicable to individual campsites.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of southeastern Idaho's wilderness, Willow Flat Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with the gentle murmur of the Cub River and endless adventure at your doorstep. Whether you're casting a line for native trout in crystal-clear waters or setting off on scenic mountain trails, this riverside retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Idaho adventure. Choose from intimate single-family sites or spacious group camping areas, all equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh drinking water to ensure your comfort in the wild.
The campground accommodates various camping preferences, offering single-family sites, tent-only sites, RV sites, and group camping areas.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full palette throughout the seasons at Willow Flat. Summer days bring refreshing mountain temperatures between 15-30°C, with towering conifers providing natural air conditioning and dappled shade. Spring arrives dramatically, sometimes with lingering snow and rushing waters that transform the landscape into a wild wonderland. As autumn approaches, the campground becomes a photographer's dream as hardwoods burst into brilliant golds and crimsons against the evergreen backdrop.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 6,300 feet above sea level, Willow Flat offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. Here, crisp mountain air fills your lungs with each breath, stars shine brilliantly in the thin atmosphere, and cool evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings under expansive Idaho skies.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering pines and spruce create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, interspersed with deciduous trees that dance in the mountain breeze. The campground's namesake willows line the riverbanks in thick, verdant stands, creating natural corridors where majestic moose often browse in the early morning mist. Keep your camera ready – graceful deer and magnificent elk regularly emerge from the forest shadows, adding to the magic of this pristine mountain sanctuary. The Cub River weaves through it all, its sparkling waters providing both a stunning backdrop and a constant, soothing soundtrack to your stay.
Geological RegionWillow Flat Campground sits proudly in the scenic Cub River Valley, a geological gem in southeastern Idaho's mountain country. This diverse ecosystem showcases nature's architectural prowess, where ancient geological forces have created a perfect haven for mixed coniferous forests. Majestic pines and spruce share the landscape with hardy hardwoods, while the river corridor's distinctive willow thickets create vital wildlife habitat. Here, lucky visitors might glimpse browsing moose in their element, while deer and elk traverse time-worn paths between valley floor and surrounding peaks, continuing patterns established over countless generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGroup site G03 features an amphitheater with bleacher seating and cement walkways, suitable for activities and gatherings.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with group campsites accommodating up to 100 people and single-family sites being roomy enough for tents and trailers.
Sites PrivacySites offer moderate privacy. Some are next to the road or are clustered, while others are well-shaded and secluded.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites away from the road for less dust and noise from ATVs. Sites near the Cub River provide scenic views but require caution with water levels.
Best CampsitesGroup site G03 is highly rated for its amphitheater and facilities. Sites near the river offer scenic views but may have flooding concerns during early season.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group sites can accommodate up to 100 guests, single-family sites vary.
Groups
Group sites are spacious, accommodating up to 100 people. Site G03 includes picnic shelters, an amphitheater, and bleacher seating.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of loops and areas designed for single-family and group camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season typically runs late May - early September. Reservable period typically starts one month after the campground opens.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityBoth reservable and first-come-first-served sites available. Walk-up sites have been controversial due to backdoor reservations reported in some user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled anytime before arrival. The $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations. Late cancellation applies from midnight one day prior to scheduled check-in.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides diverse recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and trail exploration. Reviews highlight the beauty of trails leading to springs and lakes, and activities like ATV riding and horseback riding on multi-use trails.
Hiking
Numerous hiking trails originate within the campground, including the 0.5-mile nature trail to Sam Parkinson Spring. Trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of the forest and Cub River.Fishing
The Cub River offers excellent fishing opportunities for wild cutthroat and hatchery rainbow trout. User reviews praise the fishing quality but note variability based on experience.Biking
The Cub River Trail supports mountain and dirt biking. Reviews mention the enjoyment of trail riding as a key activity for visitors.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to local moose, deer, elk, and hummingbirds. Dense willow stands along the Cub River attract wildlife, providing excellent viewing opportunities.Winter Activities
Although winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, reviews imply the campground's scenic setting could be suitable for winter recreation.Water Sports
ATV and off-road vehicle trails are popular, connecting to nearby springs and lakes for adventure enthusiasts.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits only. Restrictions may apply during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsCampsite proximity to Cub River poses risks for unattended small children. Flooding during early season has been noted. Free-roaming cattle have been reported entering campsites, causing safety concerns.
Active alertsSeasonal flooding and cattle presence have been ongoing concerns. Washouts on roads during spring may impact usability.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Franklin County Medical Center (Preston, Idaho, approximately 15 minutes). Police services: Franklin County Sheriff's Office in Preston, Idaho. Ranger station: Cache National Forest Ranger Station, approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May - Early September
Trash and recyclingReviews mention trash issues around the campground, attributed to large crowds and poor management. No explicit recycling facilities were noted.
Proximity to water featuresNestled along the Cub River with easy access to streams and natural springs.
Common complaintsUser complaints highlight problematic camp host interactions, maintenance issues, and cows roaming freely. Dust and noise from 4-wheelers and ATVs have also been frequently cited.
HostMixed reviews regarding camp hosts ranging from friendly and informative (Brandi and Ryan) to hostile and overly strict.
Campground Map
AUD & DI CAMPGROUNDS HC-82 BOX 1158
Driving directionsFrom Preston, Idaho, head south on U.S. Highway 91 for approximately 3 miles. Turn east on the Cub River Road (Forest Road 406) and travel 3 miles past the Cache National Forest boundary to the intersection of Forest Road 406 and Forest Road 407. Bear right at the intersection, staying on Forest Road 406, and travel over a mile to the campground.
Roads leading to the campground transition from paved to gravel approximately 6 miles prior to arrival. Users have noted washboard conditions on gravel sections, advising caution and slow speeds. Seasonal flooding has occasionally impacted road usability, with deep ruts reported reducing accessibility for smaller vehicles. Larger vehicles like high-clearance SUVs or trucks are recommended during wet conditions.Nearby places
Preston, Idaho: 9 miles, approximately 15 minutes
Logan, Utah: 35.5 miles, approximately 50 minutes
Salt Lake City, Utah: 125 miles, approximately 2 hours.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Preston, Idaho, which is approximately 15 minutes from the campground. Larger retail options are available in Logan, Utah, about 50 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
110 reviews
Willow Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Willow Flat Campground are mixed, with users praising its natural beauty and abundant recreational activities while expressing concerns over maintenance, overcrowding, and problematic camp hosts. Positive experiences often highlight the quiet nights, clean bathrooms, and scenic trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 110 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews praise the campground's natural beauty, clean bathrooms, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities such as hiking and fishing. The Cub River is noted as a relaxing feature,...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include issues with camp host behavior, overcrowding, wandering cattle disrupting campsites, and maintenance concerns such as broken picnic tables and deteriorating structures....
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early in the week to avoid crowds, bringing your own water due to chlorine concerns, and choosing group sites for spacious settings. Avoid sites near the road to minimize...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews are highly mixed due to crowds and noise, while fall is favored for quieter stays and vibrant foliage displays. Spring can bring flooding and washed-out roads, making access difficult.
Based on 110 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Listening to the river all night is so relaxing.' - Val Wiser
2. 'Beautiful area, nice and clean!' - Mary Kay Hunsaker
3. 'Bathrooms were always very clean and smelled good!' - Miranda F
4. 'Lots...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes praise for group site G03's amphitheater and picnic shelters but notes its benches need repair. Site 048 is frequently disrupted by wandering cattle, and site 036 is...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility accommodations are limited to the amphitheater in group site G03. Some reviews note difficulties accessing campsites due to washed-out roads or overgrown vegetation.
Based on 110 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and visitors appreciate the pet-friendly trails. However, some reviews mention noisy dogs disrupting peaceful stays.
Based on 110 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025