The best camping near Bear Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bear Lake State Park adventure.

Swim in crystalline waters, without leaving the Rockies, in blue-hued Bear Lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bear Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bear Lake State Park

Bear Lake Campground

157 sites · RVs, Tents In Bear Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Lake State Park

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Secret Canyon Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

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Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

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Rasmussen Ridge

12 sites · RVs1 acre · Mantua, UT

Located in Mantua, UT, a small mountain valley in Cache National Forest on the Wasatchback of the Rocky Mountains of Utah. A ten minute walk to Mantua Reservoir for ice fishing in the winter, kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing in Spring, Summer, & Fall. Pickleball courts and Sydney's Grill are a 10 minute walk away. Mountain biking, four wheeling, side-by-side adventure right outside your RV door to Willard Peak and the beautiful Northern Wasatchback. Use of my huge lawn (next to the field where you park) for lawn games (provided for a small fee), and my in-ground fire pit are available for your enjoyment. Friendly dogs are very welcome - my white Lab is always looking for new friends! 3 miles down Box Elder Canyon to two large grocery stores, Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and gyms. One hour to skiing at Snow Basin (home of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain to the south and Beaver Mountain to the north. World's largest game bird refuge and museum 10 minutes west down the canyon. Utah State University 30 minutes to the north and Weber State University 30 minutes to the south. Box Elder Creek is a 5 minute walk into Box Elder Campground, the poppy hill (2 weeks in June), and wonderful hiking opportunities. The valley was settled by Danish immigrants in 1862, and the property you will be on is owned by a descendent of the original settlers. See more info about Mantua in the link below.

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Lazy 6-T Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Montpelier, ID

This is our Family owned cattle ranch. Our cattle love this place and we are sure that you will too! Come enjoy some time in the countryside away from the rat race. Only a short drive from Bear Lake where you can relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine or enjoy all types of water sports with your friends and family.

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Dogwood Shangri La

1 site · RV1 acre · Bear River City, UT

A beautiful garden spot in a rural neighborhood. Dogwood Shangri La lies in the heart of the town of Bear River. A park, river-walk and candy store are an easy stroll. There is a pull-thru gravel driveway suitable for RV's with power & water. For those desiring a roof there is also a clean 5'x8' wooden-floor, uninsulated camping cabin in a dogwood enclosure. A block to the north is a little candy store (8am-8pm), post office (closes mid-day) and church. A block to the east is a shady park with horseshoes, volleyball, ball field, slides, merry-go-round, fire pit, restrooms (summer) and arena. To the south is the cemetery and to the west is a school playground. Explore the town with ease on foot or bicycle (we have some to loan). There are a few snakes and toads but chances you'll step on one are slithering remote. The gardens pose a risk of toppling over only as rain storms transform them into treacherous mud-slips. There is a rooster on the block as well as some dogs but things are generally quite peaceful... barnyard peaceful. A sewage dump is available. The Town of Corinne is 3 miles to the south and features: Corinne Short Stop: 3878 West Hwy UT-13, weekdays 4:30am to 10pm, weekends 9am to 10 pm, 435-744-2603 Bear River Coop Hardware: 2780 N 4800 W, Corinne, UT 84307 C-Store Hours 5am-10pm, Hardware Closes at 5 or 6 pm, 435-744-2211 I-15 is about four miles to the north and has two gas stations, a couple fast food venders and plenty of other travel-plaza type supplies.

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Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Preston, ID

Learn more about this land: This property offers a pavilion that measures 16x20, and a picnic table that can seat 10-12 people. We have extended our tent pad to be able to add up to 4 big tents measuring roughly 40x17-18. Please be honest about the number of guests that are coming max is 20, if you want more than that don't hesitate to get in touch with me separately. Mostly cause I clean and want to ensure it's clean for the next camper. This tent site is PACK IN PACK OUT. I don’t have city services, If you need trash services It's $7.50 per TRASH BAG that I need to take out. Outhouse is a pit toilet but I make sure it does not stink and is extremely clean. I only have it listed as 1 place so you can have a family reunion or just come as a family. When you come to our place we have an accenting driveway, and a large boulder retaining wall with a gray gate to keep the camp secured and keep range cows out. This property is a working homestead. YOU WILL SEE ANIMALS and US working especially if you hike up the main road where we live. WE HAVE separation however we are still needing to manage the land and the animals. The campsite we don't enter, but we have to access the main road to run errands or go to work. We do our own thing and the campers do their own thing. If you are curious about the farm and operations we are happy to show you around and you are welcome to explore but you WILL RUN INTO us :) we don't mind as long as you don't mind. If you want to see more of the property and all the projects we do a YouTube channel @mountainmapleranch to see all the updates. Bring your toys, such as bikes, 4-wheelers, and ATVs we have some fun trails close by that go to the back of Worm Creek Basin that goes on for miles of beautiful trails.

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Bear Lake Basecamp!

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Liberty, ID

This has become a great place for our family to go to get away for the weekends. The nights are absolutely beautiful and you can see the stars. You can hear the coyotes off in the distance chipping and howling. My kids love to ride their ATV on the trails and we go for hikes and just relax. There is one fire pit for use at each camp spot (2 spots), just please go into the trees and find some wood to re-stack what you have used and ensure it is out with water and dirt. I fight wildfires during the summer and don’t want to have to fight one up there. Plus I may be hard to reach depending on where I’m located. Learn more about this land: Our Bear Lake Bascamp is perfect for boondocking or pitch a tent and camp in our 5 acres meadow or find a small shady spot in the 5 acres of quakies and pine trees! Off grid camping! OHV trails (ride from camp), bring your mountain bikes or even just go for a hike. Located at the edge of the Caribou-Targhe National Forest, Montpelier Ranger District, Idaho. The sunrises are amazing and in the evening you can listen to the coyotes off in the distance. It is open in the winter for snowshoeing or snowmobiling in with wood ready for the fire pit! Recommend, that when you first arrive, build a small fire in the fire pit and the smoke will get rid of any of the bugs around. We get up there about 1 time a month and mow/trim the path, parking and work on the trails in the pines. Turn left at the smile face....When you see it, you'll know what I mean ;) Please be respectful of others who have property in the area as well. Don't climb over anyone's fences.

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Bear Lake Aquatics Base

33 sites · Tents300 acres · Laketown, UT

Bear Lake Aquatics Base is owned and operated by the Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. It is used for Scout events and campsite rentals during the summer season. There aren’t many places inland that you can say you really feel like you’re at the ocean. Bear Lake just happens to be one of them! With one mile of beach-front property, you will enjoy a beach-front camp like you’ve never dreamed of! All campsites are located between the highway and Bear Lake. Each campsite has potable water, a picnic table, campfire pit, and restrooms/showers a short walk away. No alcohol, drugs, or fireworks on property per Scouting America policies. Bear Lake Aquatics Base is conveniently located north of Laketown and nearby many local attractions - Bear Lake State Park, Logan Canyon, Minnetonka Cave and the National Oregon Trail Museum. Explore neighboring Laketown to experience the local flavor, maybe even a raspberry shake.

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Retro Star Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Huntsville, UT

Retro Star Ranch is big and secluded. Aside from a few trailers that dot the hills in the distance you are pretty much on your own. We have 25 acres of land at the end of a private road in a secret hidden valley not far from SLC, Ogden and Eden Utah. This land is pristine and connected to over 5000 acres of undeveloped open space. The property is part of a recreational property subdivision. You might see some fellow campers on quads, occasionally you might hear gunfire, but you're more likely to see deer, fox, grouse, birds of prey, moose and possibly elk. Not far from Causey Reservoir and the South Fork of the Ogden River both of which have great water for floating and fishing. You could easily get here in a sedan when dry but not recommended for sports or low clearance vehicles. If you have 4x4 that is better, especially if you want to venture to our last campsite or pull a trailer here. We've pulled a 30' foot trailer but the road is skinny in places and the turns are tight, bumpy from cobbles and ruts and often have puddles. There is about 2 miles of that climbs over a ridge. If you're adventurous and a confident driver on dirt roads you will have no problem. If it's you're first time pulling a trailer or if you have a low clearance then this might not be the spot for you. However, if you're looking for something peaceful and secluded that is not that far from town, this is it. We can also accommodate larger groups or multiple vehicles if desired. Please contact us with any special requests or questions. The Knoll site is better for trailers and larger groups. It has a loop through driveway and can accommodate a few trailers. Please be aware that this is wilderness camping and there are wild animals throughout the woods. It is best to stay on trail or at the site and be alert for snakes, big cats, moose and deer.

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Crazy Cow Farm Adventures

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Malad City, ID

Crazy Cow Farm Adventures is located in a small quiet town called Samaria, Idaho. Our family has run this farm since, Samaria was first settled in the late 1800s. It is a working farm, and so you will see us feeding the baby calves, and lambs, irrigating the fields, harvesting and hauling hay as we go about our day. We work hard on the farm but we also know how to play hard. Crazy Cow Farm Adventures has a fun hay chopper wagon football game, peddle cart track (lots of fun for all ages), and farmyard laser tag. All of these fun activities can be purchased along with your night stay. Contact us for reservations and prices. The Crazy Cow Farm Adventures is the perfect place to unwind and become renewed. The Blue Goose is the old saloon that has been restored and turned into a little store, right here in Samaria just a few blocks from Crazy Cow Farm Adventures. Samaria is located near several reservoirs, where those that love to fish, can go enjoy the water. Yellowstone is just a few hours away, while Downata and Lava Hot Springs are both just a few minutes away. Malad City, Idaho is just a short ten minute drive and you can find the grocery store, pharmacy, hospital, and all the other comforts from home there.

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Monte Cristo Recreation Mecca

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Avon, UT

We grew up recreating in this area. Our family still has the annual tradition of snowmobiling from Monte Cristo, stopping for lunch at Hardware Ranch, and continuing on to Bear Lake. The trails are endless in these mountains and the solitude abundant. Our property is smack in the middle between Monte Cristo parking lot and Hardware Ranch. It is the perfect location to set up camp and be ready hit the trails first thing in the morning. Learn more about this land: Private land camping between Hardware Ranch and Monte Cristo with fabulous views and stunning sunsets. This area is a recreation mecca with access to miles and miles of national forest trails less than a mile away! Dirt biking, riding ATVs, horse back riding, and hiking are all very popular and very accessible. You can't beat this location if you love the outdoors, enjoy solitude, and crave backcountry recreation!

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Strong Arm Farm

1 site · RV, Tent64 acres · Clifton, ID

Strong Arm Farm is a large, secluded spot to enjoy nature and recreation. Whether you want to get into one of the local reservoirs, hot springs, or head up into the mountains, this location has it all at your fingertips. You’ll never know you’re close to the amenities in town because of how serene the area is. Deer, elk and many more varieties of wildlife frequent the farm. Another level of piece and quiet await you!

The best camping near Bear Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

The self-proclaimed "Caribbean of the Rockies," Bear Lake State Park—on the Utah-Idaho border—offers turquoise-hued waters that attract boaters, anglers, and even scuba divers to its shores summer after summer. Still, there’s nothing Caribbean-like about the winters here, when the lake’s blue waters freeze over and jet skis and swimsuits give way to winter coats and snowmobiles. Most Bear Lake camping takes place during the warmer months, with sites spread across a handful of lakeside campgrounds, all but two of which offer full hookups. You can even bring your own boat—just make sure to reserve a slip first.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a campsite or boat slip up to four months in advance through Utah State Parks, either online or over the phone.
Sites at Rainbow Cove are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
While most of the campsites accommodate RVs and have full hookups, there are 21 that are strictly for tents (at Cottonwood Campground), plus an additional 20 tent-only primitive sites at the South Eden campground.
If you can't secure a spot at Bear Lake State Park in Utah, there's another Bear Lake State Park in Idaho, on the opposite side of the lake, where you may have better luck.

When to go

Bear Lake State Park is open year-round, though camping is only available from May through October. Some areas of the park (notably North and South Eden) shut down for the November to April off-season. While summer is a popular time for swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and waterskiing, the cold winter months—when the lake freezes over—are prime for snowmobiling or ice fishing.

Know before you go

There are plenty of shops and cafes within a few minutes' drive of the park entrance in Garden City.
While leashed dogs are welcome in campgrounds, they are not permitted on the beach.
Multiple third-party rental concessionaires in the park offer everything from Seadoos to snowmobiles. Each concessionaire has separate boundaries for use of its equipment, with the exception of Bear Lake Funtime, which allows equipment to be used anywhere on the lake.
Birch, Cottonwood, and Big Creek Campgrounds have wheelchair-accessible campsites, and accessible showers are available at the Marina and at Rendezvous Beach. Bear Lake Funtime has a beach wheelchair for rent at their Rendezvous Beach branch.