Boat, swim, water ski, and fish on the warm waters of Willard Bay. Camp under tall cottonwood trees that frame the night sky. During winter months, Willard Bay is a wildlife watching area for nesting eagles. Two areas, North and South Marinas, offer all the amenities for a weekend at the Bay.
DISCOVER
Willard Bay is a freshwater reservoir located 12 miles northwest of Ogden on the flood plains of the Great Salt Lake. An earth filled dike and natural shoreline make up the 20-mile enclosures. The dike is officially named the Arthur V. Watkins Dam, for a former U.S. Senator from Utah who was essential in getting the Weber Basin Project passed through congress in 1949. The area had a need for a reservoir to store surplus water from the Ogden and Weber rivers that could later be pumped out and used on farmlands.
Design and construction of the dam was completed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The reservoir is operated by the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District and recreation activities are administered by the Utah State Parks and Recreation.
Willard Bay State Park consists of two separate marinas next to Willard Bay. Recently renovated, the park offers state-of-the-art day-use and camping facilities, boat launch ramps, and group-use areas.
Opened to the public as a state park in 1966.
Park Elevation: 4,200 feet
Park only in designated areas. Campground areas are for individuals paying the appropriate camping fee. Day Use and Fishing patrons are to park only in the day use areas. If you would like to occupy a campsite for the day please inform the gate staff upon entering so that the appropriate fee can be accessed.
Stop The Quagga: Please help us prevent invasive mussels from entering the reservoir. Boaters are required to certify their boat is mussel free every time they launch their boat. If you have been to an infected water (Lake Powell and Deer Creek are currently on the list) you must decontaminate your vessel. The two options to do this are professional decontamination or self decontaminating your boat. To self decontaminate follow the steps below:
Clean all plants, fish, mussels, and mud off of your boat
Drain all water from ballast tanks, bilge, live wells, motor, and all other water storing methods
Dry your boat and equipment for 7 days in summer, 18 days spring and fall, 30 days in winter, 3 days winterized or freezing
