The best camping near Willard Bay State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Willard Bay State Park adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Come on in, the water's great! Yup, you're so going to love the warm waters of this bay.  

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Community favorites near Willard Bay State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Willard Bay State Park

97%
(87)

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT
ENTRANCE TO OUR PROPERTY IS STRAIGHT NORTH AT THE END OF THE PAVEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT TURN LEFT ON SESSION LANE! We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground. We do not have Electrical Power or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. We have two tent areas and 1 RV spot. Sometimes we can accommodate more RV's on a exception basis **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time and call when you arrive. We will guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spots base on your type of camping. (Sleeping in trailers or van's versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.
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$45
 / night
89%
(164)

Second Chance Ranch

1 site · Tent1 acre · Morgan, UT
My husband Shaun and I fell into rescuing horses quite by accident.  We started a non-profit to promote the Rescue, Rehab, Retrain and Rehome method to get horses out of bad situations and into good homes. We are a small rescue and hope to be much bigger one day!  Please come visit, enjoy our beautiful property and support an amazing non-profit cause while you are at it! Learn more about this land:We are a non-profit horse rescue situated on one acre. The best description I can give of our property is that it's great for a convenient and quaint "Stop and Sleep".  This is because we are located right off of the old main highway and have two neighbors within eyesight from the house. This site is very convenient for quick stays since it is so CLOSE TO THE HIGHWAY this makes it convenient but may not be appropriate for very light sleepers or for extended stays.  The camping area is simple, with wild grass and a fire pit, bordered by the river on one side and the horse pasture on the other.  You can see and hear the river easily April-July. The river is seasonal and does dry up in mid July-August. Drinkable hose water is available near the house.  If you want a ranch-style camping experience with lots of interaction with your hosts and opportunity for adventure then you have chosen the right camping location! You are welcome to join in the daily choring activities or choose to be taken on a scenic trail ride or thrilling guided gallop on beautiful and well-trained rescue horses.PLEASE NOTE: The bathroom is located in our house and has a flushable toilet and shower with hot water. Bathroom hours are 8am-9pm.  Parking is located a few hundred feet from the campsite, just off of the road.  You must walk a few hundred feet to get to the campsite and you cannot pull your vehicle right up to it. While we do welcome car campers and pop-up trailers, just know you won't be parked at the campsite if you choose to sleep this way.  We look forward to having you camp with us! 
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$20
 / night
99%
(66)

Rasmussen Ridge

12 sites · RVs1 acre · Mantua, UT
Located in Mantua, UT, a small mountain valley in Cache National Forest on the Wasatchback of the Rocky Mountains of Utah. A ten minute walk to Mantua Reservoir for ice fishing in the winter, kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing in Spring, Summer, & Fall. Pickleball courts and Sydney's Grill are a 10 minute walk away. Mountain biking, four wheeling, side-by-side adventure right outside your RV door to Willard Peak and the beautiful Northern Wasatchback. Use of my huge lawn (next to the field where you park) for lawn games (provided for a small fee), and my in-ground fire pit are available for your enjoyment. Friendly dogs are very welcome - my white Lab is always looking for new friends! 3 miles down Box Elder Canyon to two large grocery stores, Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and gyms. One hour to skiing at Snow Basin (home of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain to the south and Beaver Mountain to the north. World's largest game bird refuge and museum 10 minutes west down the canyon. Utah State University 30 minutes to the north and Weber State University 30 minutes to the south. Box Elder Creek is a 5 minute walk into Box Elder Campground, the poppy hill (2 weeks in June), and wonderful hiking opportunities. The valley was settled by Danish immigrants in 1862, and the property you will be on is owned by a descendent of the original settlers. See more info about Mantua in the link below.
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from 
$35
 / night
96%
(35)

Monte Cristo Recreation Mecca

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Avon, UT
We grew up recreating in this area. Our family still has the annual tradition of snowmobiling from Monte Cristo, stopping for lunch at Hardware Ranch, and continuing on to Bear Lake. The trails are endless in these mountains and the solitude abundant. Our property is smack in the middle between Monte Cristo parking lot and Hardware Ranch. It is the perfect location to set up camp and be ready hit the trails first thing in the morning. Learn more about this land: Private land camping between Hardware Ranch and Monte Cristo with fabulous views and stunning sunsets. This area is a recreation mecca with access to miles and miles of national forest trails less than a mile away! Dirt biking, riding ATVs, horse back riding, and hiking are all very popular and very accessible. You can't beat this location if you love the outdoors, enjoy solitude, and crave backcountry recreation!
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$40.50
 / night
96%
(129)

Retro Star Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Huntsville, UT
Retro Star Ranch is big and secluded.  Aside from a few trailers that dot the hills in the distance you are pretty much on your own.  We have 25 acres of land at the end of a private road in a secret hidden valley not far from SLC, Ogden and Eden Utah.  This land is pristine and connected to over 5000 acres of undeveloped open space.   The property is part of a recreational property subdivision.  You might see some fellow campers on quads, occasionally you might hear gunfire,  but you're more likely to see deer, fox, grouse, birds of prey, moose and possibly elk.  Not far from Causey Reservoir and the South Fork of the Ogden River both of which have great water for floating and fishing.    You could easily get here in a sedan when dry but not recommended for sports or low clearance vehicles.  If you have 4x4 that is better, especially if you want to venture to our last campsite or pull a trailer here.   We've pulled a 30' foot trailer but the road is skinny in places and the turns are tight, bumpy from cobbles and ruts and often have puddles.  There is about 2 miles of that climbs over a ridge.  If you're adventurous and a confident driver on dirt roads you will have no problem.  If it's you're first time pulling a trailer or if you have a low clearance then this might not be the spot for you.   However, if you're looking for something peaceful and secluded that is not that far from town, this is it.  We can also accommodate larger groups or multiple vehicles if desired.  Please contact us with any special requests or questions.  The Knoll site is better for trailers and larger groups.  It has a loop through driveway and can accommodate a few trailers.  Please be aware that this is wilderness camping and there are wild animals throughout the woods.  It is best to stay on trail or at the site and be alert for snakes, big cats, moose and deer.
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from 
$50
 / night
100%
(11)

Dogwood Shangri La

1 site · RV1 acre · Bear River City, UT
A beautiful garden spot in a rural neighborhood. Dogwood Shangri La lies in the heart of the town of Bear River. A park, river-walk and candy store are an easy stroll. There is a pull-thru gravel driveway suitable for RV's with power & water. For those desiring a roof there is also a clean 5'x8' wooden-floor, uninsulated camping cabin in a dogwood enclosure. A block to the north is a little candy store (8am-8pm), post office (closes mid-day) and church. A block to the east is a shady park with horseshoes, volleyball, ball field, slides, merry-go-round, fire pit, restrooms (summer) and arena. To the south is the cemetery and to the west is a school playground. Explore the town with ease on foot or bicycle (we have some to loan). There are a few snakes and toads but chances you'll step on one are slithering remote. The gardens pose a risk of toppling over only as rain storms transform them into treacherous mud-slips. There is a rooster on the block as well as some dogs but things are generally quite peaceful... barnyard peaceful. A sewage dump is available. The Town of Corinne is 3 miles to the south and features: Corinne Short Stop: 3878 West Hwy UT-13, weekdays 4:30am to 10pm, weekends 9am to 10 pm, 435-744-2603 Bear River Coop Hardware: 2780 N 4800 W, Corinne, UT 84307 C-Store Hours 5am-10pm, Hardware Closes at 5 or 6 pm, 435-744-2211 I-15 is about four miles to the north and has two gas stations, a couple fast food venders and plenty of other travel-plaza type supplies.
Potable water
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from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Willard Bay State Park guide

Overview

About

The name "bay" is somewhat misleading. Willard Bay doesn't connect to the ocean. It is a freshwater reservoir located 12 miles northwest of Ogden. Fish on the warm water or lay on sandy beaches during the summer. You won't be alone, as area residents come here to cool off.

Two marinas have everything you need for a weekend getaway. Bring your own boat to put in at the boat ramp. Both marinas offer boat and jet ski rentals. Bring your fishing gear to snag dinner for later. Anglers go after walleye, crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill. Water skiers delight in the calm surface.

Wintertime brings a treat. Bald eagles nest in trees surrounding the lake. Watch these majestic birds as they peer out, fly, and hunt.

Two campgrounds contain 108 campsites and two cabins. Some sites are right near the water. All of them sit under the ubiquitous cottonwoods.

Notable campgrounds

  • Cottonwood Campground: Nestled among lush trees, offering a tranquil escape with easy access to the water.
  • Lakeside Campground: Wake up to the lapping waves and enjoy prime fishing spots right from your site.
  • Eagle Beach Campground: A family-friendly spot with playgrounds and sandy beaches, perfect for building sandcastles.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak summer weekends, as sites fill up quickly with eager campers and water enthusiasts.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back often for newly available sites.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during busy seasons.

When to go

The best time to visit Willard Bay State Park is during the summer months, when the water is warm and the days are long. However, early fall also offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds. Winter can be harsh, with limited access and amenities, making it less ideal for a visit.

Know before you go

  • Check weather conditions before your visit, as Willard Bay is known for its changing weather patterns.
  • Ensure you have a valid fishing license if you plan to fish, and be aware of local regulations.
  • Boat inspections are mandatory to prevent the spread of invasive species, so allow extra time upon arrival.
  • Accessibility options are available, but it's best to contact the park directly for specific needs.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and respect the park's natural beauty for future visitors.

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