Willow Bay

PO Box 2395, 3451 Rt. 59
Bradford, PA 16701

Forest Order 09-19-17-09 Allegheny (Kinzua) Reservoir

At the Allegheny (Kinzua) Reservoir:

Camping is prohibited on the shores and within 1500 feet inland from the tree line around the reservoir.
Camping is prohibited within 1500 feet on either side of the center line of the Allegheny Reservoir Scenic Drive, including Longhouse Scenic Drive and portions of State Routes 59, 346, and 321, and the main access roads into Jakes Rocks Trails and Overlook and Rimrock Recreation Area.
It is prohibited to go into or be upon the shoreline and area near the Riverview-Corydon Cemetery, Elk Township, Warren County, Pennsylvania for the protections of objects and area of historical interest.

Campgrounds on National Forest land in the area where overnight camping is permitted include: Willow Bay, Dewdrop, Red Bridge, Kiasutha, Morrison, Pine Grove, Hopewell, Handsome Lake, and Hooks Brook.

Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551) and the Secretary of Agriculture's regulation 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, Allegheny Reservoir Shoreline, located within Warren and McKean Counties, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Camping is prohibited on the shores and within 1500 feet inland from the tree line around the Allegheny Reservoir. SEE EXHIBIT [36 CFR 261.58(e)]
Camping is prohibited within 1500 feet on either side of the center line of the Allegheny Reservoir Scenic Drive (includes Longhouse Scenic Drive and portions of State Routes 59, 346, and 321) and the main access roads into Jakes Rocks and Rimrock Recreation Area. SEE EXHIBIT [36 CFR 261.58(e)]
It is prohibited to go into or be upon the shoreline and area near the Riverview-Corydon Cemetery, Elk Twp., Warren County, Pennsylvania for the protection of objects and area of historical interest. SEE EXHIBIT [36 CFR 261.53(c)]

THIS RESTRICITION IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261. THE PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Persons camping at designated campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers or the Forest Service or one of its contractors.

Violation of any of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both, under authority of Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.

Justification for Order

The puprose of this order is to minimize impacts along the shores of the Allegheny Reservoir and specifically within the Corydon Riverview Heritage area. It is also intended to provide for a natural touring experience on the National Scenic Byway and to limit off-road motor vehicle use throughout a popular and heavily-used area.

This order is an updated and revised edition stemming from a previously existing and in effect order from 2008.

This update is to ensure that consistent and accurate information is being portrayed to the public and also to reflect the recent change in Forest leadership staffing.

Enforcement Plan

This order will be enforced by law enforcement officers as well as forest protection officers. The primary method of enforcement will be through regular patrols via boat or foot. All policies regarding the use of vessels shall be strictly adhered to. These patrols may or may not include other law enforcement agencies.

Overview

Willow Bay is located within the Allegheny National Recreation Area, about 16 miles from Bradford, in northwestern Pennsylvania. It is primarily an accessible family campground that also offers rustic cabins available by reservation year-round. The facility offers modern amenities, including flush toilets and showers, but also provides access to great outdoor recreation opportunities.

Most of campsites and cabins can be accessed by vehicle, some campsites are walk-to. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy water sports, including boating, water skiing, swimming, and sailing on the 12,080-acre, man-made Allegheny Reservoir. Anglers can find walleye, bass, and musky.

A courtesy dock is provided at the boat launch for easier loading and unloading during the summer season. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available on site, first come, first serve basis.

The North Country Trail is part of the National Scenic Trail system and can be accessed from the campground and cabin area. It is open to hikers only; no bicycles of any kind, no riding or pack stock, and no motorized travel. The historic trail stretches across seven states and 12 national forests, wandering 4,600 miles through America’s rugged northern heartlands. The area offers excellent wildlife viewing, as well as birding and photography opportunities.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of campsites available for tent or RV camping. It is comprised of four loops, some of which have walk-to tent campsites and others have back-in RV sites with electric hookups. Each site offers a table and a campfire ring with grill. Accessible flush and vault toilets, as well as showers and drinking water are provided. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each one-room, 10ft x 12ft cabin contains a double bed and a set of bunks, with mattresses, to sleep up to four or six guests. The cabins have electricity and heat, but there is no running water and no kitchen or bathroom inside. Guests use the campground facilities.

Cabins also have access to an outdoor table, campfire ring, and pedestal grill. Each cabin has a covered front porch with a porch swing.

Guests staying at the cabin will need to bring their own bedding, including blankets, pillows and/or sleeping bags, as well as their own cooking and eating supplies, food, and other camping equipment. Firewood and ice are available for purchase on-site during Peak Season, April - October.

Shower houses and water are on 4/1 to 10/30. To confirm late season call 814-363.9090 or go to www.alleghenysite.com. Updates on Facebook

Natural Features

Built in the 1960s by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the campground has an open appearance unlike other Forest Service facilities in the area. The campground was recently renovated and cabins were erected at the site between 2003 and 2011, offering a different kind of experience for visitors to the area.

The campground and cabins are situated on the shore of Willow Bay, off the Allegheny Reservoir, which is also called Kinzua Reservoir. The facility is in forested hills, at an elevation of 1,400 feet. Campsites vary from being on grass with no shade, to being nestled in small stands of mature Hemlock trees (location within the campground is mentioned on the site list). Cabins are nestled in the surrounding forest.

Nearby Attractions

The Seneca-Iroquois Indian Museum and the Salamanca Rail Museum are popular historic sites that are located just over the state line, in Salamanca, New York. It is about a half-hour drive from the campground and cabin area. The Zippo/Case Museum, located in nearby Bradford, PA, showcases the history and products of the Zippo, Case, and Ronson Companies. It is open 7 days a week except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, and admission is free.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (814) 362-4613.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations or changes must be made on line at Recreation.gov

Camp site features

Across 98 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 27 of 98 sites
Fire pit: 2 of 98 sites
Picnic table: 11 of 98 sites
Pets allowed: all 98 sites
ADA accessible: 17 of 98 sites
Longest RV: 60 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Bradford, travel west on PA-346 for 16 miles. Willow Bay is located just south of the Pennsylvania-New York border. Follow signs to the Allegheny Reservoir and the campground. From the south, take PA-321 North to PA-346 and turn left. Continue to the campground on the left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

423 reviews

5 stars

279

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Gerald R

Loop:Aspe

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

We love Willow Bay. Spacious sites, well maintained. Plenty of space to walk the dog.

Bruce K

Loop:Aspe

Site:

Reviewed 15 days ago

Nice and quiet location. Campground host was very helpful. Answered questions.

Rick N

Loop:Heml

Site:

Reviewed 15 days ago

Surprised the water had been lowered since our previous visit a few weeks before. Otgherwise the campground was as I like it, simple and neat,

Edward T

Loop:Deer

Site:

Reviewed 17 days ago

nice and peaceful place

Holly C

Loop:Heml

Site:

Reviewed 19 days ago

Lovely weather, the sight was beautiful. I will be coming back here happily. We got to see a bald eagle pretty much every day. It was so peaceful and grounding. If you get the chance to camp here, do it.

Kevin B

Loop:Heml

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

Our family loves it here. Quiet, peaceful. Spacious sites.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve