About WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND
Overview Willow Flat is a popular campground, located on the banks of the Cub River, in southeastern Idaho. It sits in a pretty valley, surrounded by scenic mountain views, at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing the river and exploring numerous forested trails.Recreation The Cub River provides great fishing for wild cutthroat and hatchery rainbow trout. Numerous trails begin within the campground, including a 1/2-mile nature trail to Sam Parkinson Spring. The multi-use Cub River Trail also begins at the campground, offering great hiking, mountain and dirt biking, as well as off-road vehicle and horseback riding. The trail accesses the Highline Trail, the North Fork of St. Charles Creek and the Cub River Guard Station.Facilities This large campground contains six group campsites than can accommodate 24 to 100 people. Numerous single-family campsites are available at the campground as well. Some single and group sites have picnic shelters. A few single sites must be accessed via footbridges over the river from the parking spur. Amenities available at the campground include vault toilets and drinking water. An amphitheater with bleacher seating and a cement platform is located at group site G03. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel.Natural Features A mixed forest of pines, spruce and hardwoods provides partial shade and beautiful scenery. The banks of the Cub River are lined with dense stands of willow, a favorite food of local moose. Deer and elk are often seen in the area as well.
How to Get There
From Preston, Idaho, head south on U.S. Highway 91 for approximately 3 miles. Turn east on the Cub River Road (Forest Road 406) and travel 3 miles past the Cache National Forest boundary to the intersection of Forest Road 406 and Forest Road 407. Bear right at the intersection, staying on Forest Road 406, and travel over a mile to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND
Heading to WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233854) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND?
From Preston, Idaho, head south on U.S. Highway 91 for approximately 3 miles. Turn east on the Cub River Road (Forest Road 406) and travel 3 miles past the Cache National Forest boundary to the intersection of Forest Road 406 and Forest Road 407. Bear right at the intersection, staying on Forest Road 406, and travel over a mile to the campground.
How do I contact WILLOW FLAT CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-351-1182.
References & Official Resources
