Description

Willard Bay is a freshwater reservoir located 12 miles northwest of Ogden on the flood plains of the Great Salt Lake. An earthfilled 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.

Geography:

Willard Bay rests atop the Great Salt Lake flood plain in northern Utah

Recreation:

Its 9,900 acres of fresh water provide boating, waterskiing and year-round fishing for crappie, walleye, wiper and catfish. Two state-owned facilities at the North and South marinas are available to recreationists.

Facilities:

The North Marina is 15 miles north of Ogden, just off Interstate 15. The newly renovated facility offers campsites, modern restrooms, hot showers, sewage disposal station, seasonal/transient boat slip rentals and sandy beaches.
The South Marina is eight miles north of Ogden. It is open April through October and provides boat launching, seasonal boat slip rentals, modern restrooms. This 24 site area is available to be reserved as a Group site for 2013, or if unreserved can be opened for first come first serve camping.

Nearby Attractions:

Club Rec at Willard Bay State Park offers boat and personal watercraft rentals. (801) 614-0500 www.clubrecnorth.com