WILLARD BAY
STATE PARK
F
ish, camp, picnic, and bird watch at
Willard Bay State Park, built alongside the
Arthur Watkins Reservoir, one of the state’s
most popular destinations for water recreation.
The wide, open country surrounding Willard Bay
provides for panoramic views of Utah’s majestic
mountains and Great Salt Lake.
TH I NGS TO DO
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
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Winter day-use facilities are open for visitors viewing nesting eagles or ice-fishing on Watkins Reservoir. Cottonwood Campground remains open with
full utilities for hearty campers. From Thanksgiving
through New Year’s Day, enjoy the annual Fantasy at
the Bay holiday light display. Adults and children alike
enjoy this spectacular holiday light festival.
PARK HISTORY
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illard Bay is a freshwater reservoir built
on the flood plain of Great Salt Lake.
A 15.5-mile rock dike surrounds the reservoir,
separating the two water bodies. The reservoir
was developed by the Bureau of Reclamation
to provide irrigation water to farmers, but also
provides recreation for more than 200,000 visitors annually. Construction of the dike, which
is named after Utah Senator Arthur V. Watkins,
began in the early 1950s and was completed
in 1964. Willard Bay was established as a state
park in 1966.
ottonwood, Russian olive, and willow trees
provide shade and beauty, and a variety of
native brushes and grasses fill the landscape. Watch
eagles, hawks, herons, and owls, which are just a few
of the 200 species of birds that live in or near the
park. Some species are long-term residents while
others rest briefly during their migration. In addition
to birds and waterfowl, wildlife watchers may also
view a variety of different animals including deer,
fox, muskrat, and squirrels.
illow and Cottonwood campgrounds, two
marinas, several day-use areas, and wide
sandy beaches provide opportunities to enjoy the
sun and water during warmer months. More than
10,000 surface acres of water provide for boating,
waterskiing, and sailing. At an elevation of 4,200
feet, the reservoir is one of the state’s best warmwater fisheries with walleye, crappie, catfish, wipers
and some smallmouth bass.
GUIDELINES
Please observe these regulations to ensure that
everyone’s visit is pleasant:
other natural features in state parks are protected.
It is unlawful to remove, alter, or destroy them.
Camping - Camp only in designated areas. Each
permit covers one vehicle and any attached recreational
equipment. Up to eight people are allowed
in a campsite. Boat ramp and picnic areas are for
day-use only.
Firearms - Possession or use of firearms, traps or
other devices capable of launching projectiles that
can immobilize, injure, or kill a person or animal, or
damage property is prohibited unless the weapon or
device is 1) unloaded and packed away to prevent its
use, 2) being used in the legal pursuit of wildlife or 3)
being used by authorized enforcement officers in the
performance of official duties.
Off-highway vehicles (OHV) - Contact park
personnel for nearby riding opportunities. OHV
riding is not permitted in the park.
Fires - Campfires may be built in designated areas. All
campsites provide fire pits and grills. Firewood is not
available at the park. Picnickers and campers should
bring appropriate fuel.
Pets - Pets are allowed in most Utah state parks, but
must be kept on a maximum six-foot leash. Only service
animals are admitted in park buildings. Pets are not
permitted on Eagle Beach. Please keep your pets under
control, and be sure to pick up after them.
Plants and animals - All plants, animals, minerals, and
Fireworks - Explosives, fireworks or firecrackers
are strictly prohibited.
Vandalism - It is unlawful to mutilate or deface any
natural or constructed feature or structure. Please
help keep our park beautiful.
Waste water - It is unlawful to dump or to drain
water from campers or trailers onto the ground or
into lakes or streams. Most developed parks provide
sanitary disposal stations.
Quiet hours - 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
RESERVATIONS
Group-use reservations may be made up to 11
months in advance. Individual campsite reservations
are accepted a minimum of two days in advance of
arrival date and up to 18 weeks in advance from park
check-out date. To make a reservation, call (801)
322-3770 within Salt Lake City or toll-free 1 (800)
322-3770, or online at www.stateparks.utah.gov.
Reservations are always recommended. Unreserved
sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
USER FEES
Day-use and camping fees are charged. An additional
fee is charged for reservations.
Utah State Parks
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Exit 357
Fee Station
Willow Creek &
Cottonwood Campground
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Utah State Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 146001
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6001
(801) 538-7220
(877) UT-PARKS
(801) 538-7458 (TTY)
Exit 351
For area information and attractions, please visit
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www.boxelder.org. To view Willard Bay State Park North
Marina, visit www.utahlakeview.com
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South Marina
Utah State Parks mission . . .
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Willard Bay
Upland Game
Management Area
South Marina
South Marina, located off I-15 at Exit 351, is generally open from April 1 to October 30, weather
permitting. The Marina offers easy access for boat
launching, picnic area with pavilion, and campground with restrooms and showers.
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Provide opportunities to improve the quality of life in Utah
through parks, programs and employees serving the public.
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Information contained in this brochure was accurate at time
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North Marina
Spend a day or camp under the stars at North
Marina, located off I-15 at Exit 357 near Willard
City. Pelican Beach, Wiper Cove, and Eagle Beach
day-use areas feature sheltered picnic tables and
barbeque grills. Popular Eagle Beach Group Site,
which accommodates 125 people, may be reserved
in advance. North Marina campgrounds provide
restrooms with showers, picnic tables, fire rings
and grills. Cottonwood Campground offers full
hook-ups, while Willow Campground is ideal for
tent camping. Pelican Beach Overnight Group
Site can accommodate 200 campers and must be
reserved in advance. Wi-Fi access is also available
at North Marina.
Willard Bay State Park
900 West 650 North #A
Willard, UT 84430-9999
(435) 734-9494
(800) 322-3770 Camping reservations
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North and South marinas offer boat ramps,
courtesy docks, fish cleaning stations, modern
restrooms, and picnic and camping areas.
Address inquiries to:
WILLARD BAY STATE PARK
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FACILITIES
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of printing. Policies, facilities, fees, hours and regulations, etc.
change as mandated. For updated information, please contact
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the park.
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The Utah Department of Natural Resources receives federal
Harold S. Crane
Waterfowl
Management Area
aid and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex,
age, national origin or disability. For information or complaints
regarding discrimination, contact Executive Director, Utah
Map Legend
Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 145610, Salt Lake
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RV Camping
City, UT 84114-5610 or Equal Employment Opportunity
No Dogs
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RV Dump
Commission, 1801 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20507-0001.
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Office/Information
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Wildlife Watching
Day Use
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Picnicking
Dogs on Leash
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Restrooms
Anchoring
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Fee Station
Boat Launch
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Camping
Printed on recycled paper
Design: Anne Wolfer Design
Will ard Bay
State Park
