Willow Lake Campground
4.3210 reviews.
Willow Lake Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee is $12 per night for a single campsite. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Payment must be made in cash or check.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine shores of Willow Lake, where Willow Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Bridger-Teton National Forest. This intimate, undeveloped campground features nine peaceful sites along the lake's southern shoreline, each equipped with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and secure metal bear boxes to protect your provisions. Adventure seekers will appreciate the convenient boat launch that opens up endless possibilities for exploring the lake's crystal-clear waters, while anglers can cast their lines in pursuit of the day's catch. A well-maintained vault toilet ensures basic comfort during your stay at this serene lakeside retreat.
The campground is a primitive facility with no reservation system, offering camping on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Willow Lake into a warm and inviting destination, with comfortable temperatures climbing to the mid-70s°F, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. However, winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in deep snow and frigid temperatures that make camping impractical and dangerous. Visitors planning summer trips should come prepared for nature's smaller residents – mosquitoes are particularly active from June through early September, making insect repellent an essential addition to your packing list. The brief but beautiful summer season offers the ideal window to experience this mountain paradise.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Willow Lake, where the majestic Wind River Range creates a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure. The campground's forested setting provides a perfect blend of shade and scenery, with towering evergreens framing spectacular mountain vistas. The lake itself serves as the centerpiece of this natural wonderland, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and inviting visitors to explore by boat, kayak, or fishing rod. This harmonious combination of pristine water, dense forest, and dramatic mountain views creates an unforgettable setting that captures the essence of Wyoming's wild beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Bridger-Teton National Forest, Willow Lake Campground occupies a spectacular position along the lake's southern shore, where water meets wilderness. This remarkable location offers front-row seats to the geological grandeur of the Wind River Range, one of Wyoming's most impressive mountain chains. The landscape tells a story of ancient forces, where glacial activity carved out the lake basin and sculpted the surrounding peaks. Dense forests of conifers blanket the hillsides, creating a rich tapestry of green that contrasts beautifully with the blue waters and granite peaks, offering visitors a true immersion in the diverse ecosystems of the Greater Yellowstone region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe size of the camping sites is not specified, but user reviews mention they are decently spread out. Some sites are under water according to one reviewer.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate that sites are reasonably spread out, though privacy levels are not explicitly clarified.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping areas or policies are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 9 sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. A vault toilet serves the campground.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open starting June 1st. Information about closure dates is not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve as stated in authoritative content.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Willow Lake Campground is noted for its recreational activities related to the lake. Boating—both motorized and non-motorized—is a highlight, and fishing is popular. Swimming is also mentioned among available activities.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at the lake, though details about fish species or fishing conditions are not specified.Swimming
Swimming is noted as an activity, but there are no details about designated swimming areas or safety measures.Boating
Boating is a key activity at Willow Lake, and both motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted. A recently installed boat ramp and dock support these activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the source materials or user reviews.Water Sports
Water-based activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking are highlighted in user reviews. One user specifically describes the area as 'perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings as per forest regulations.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent during June through early September. Narrow and steep access roads pose a challenge for towing large trailers.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 20.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services are located in the Town of Pinedale, approximately 11 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune - early September (based on mosquito activity noted by user reviews).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials. User reviews also do not reference these amenities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly located on the south shore of Willow Lake, offering immediate access to the water.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention the steep and narrow access road and the limited number of campsites as concerns. Mosquitoes are also highlighted as a major seasonal issue.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsStarting 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.
The campground is located on a dirt road approximately 14 miles north of Pinedale. Reviews indicate the access road is steep and narrow for the last mile, potentially challenging for large vehicles like trailers. A user review by Greg D. Lind states, "the access road is very very steep narrow last 1 mile to get over the final ridge, so pulling a big trailer is a bit of a risk," although some locals seem to leave trailers parked there for extended periods.Nearby places
Town of Pinedale - 11 miles, approximately 20 minutes.
Nearby supplies
The nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are in Pinedale, which is 11 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Willow Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Willow Lake Campground. Positive comments focus on the scenic views, water activities, and the remote, clean setting. However, critiques highlight limited amenities, locals reserving spots by leaving trailers, and site flooding during certain seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include 'stunning views,' 'perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking,' 'clean, remote, decently spread out sites,' and a 'beautiful view and camping spots.'
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include 'not really an organized campground,' 'limited area to spread out,' 'locals leaving trailers all summer,' 'some sites are under water,' and 'mosquitos are bad June-early...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent during the summer months. Be prepared for a steep, narrow road in the last mile to the campground. Bring your own water and trash disposal solutions as these are not provided.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mosquitos are particularly problematic from June to early September. Seasonal flooding can impact certain camp spots. Access to the campground can be challenging due to steep roads, which may be more...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This lake is stunning, however the campground is not.' (Greg D. Lind, 2021)
2. 'This place is perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking.' (Ana Garcia, 2023)
3. 'Clean, remote, decently spread out...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviews highlight that locals leave trailers in spots for extended periods, effectively reserving them even when not in use. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews explicitly discuss pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025