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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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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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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Bear Lake Camping - Top Meadow

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fish Haven, ID

Secluded meadow located in beautiful Fish Haven, ID. This meadow offers tent and RV camping. This campsite offers the perfect balance of peace and tranquility, while still being close to all the outdoor activities that Bear Lake has to offer. This property is just up from the shorelines of Bear Lake, which is within a short walking distance. Spend your days swimming, fishing, boating, or hiking in the surrounding mountains. With crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife, Bear Lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. After a long day of exploring, relax around the campfire and enjoy the star-filled night sky. Our campsite is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. Amenities include: Secluded meadow setting Direct access to Bear Lake Fire pit Picnic table

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Bear Lake Camping- Lakefront

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fish Haven, ID

Secluded lake-front meadow camping, located in beautiful Fish Haven, ID. This meadow offers tent and RV camping. This campsite offers stunning views of Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. This site is the perfect balance of peace and tranquility, while still being close to all the outdoor activities that Bear Lake has to offer. Spend your days swimming, fishing, boating, or hiking in the surrounding mountains. With crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife, Bear Lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. After a long day of exploring, relax around the campfire and enjoy the star-filled night sky. Our campsite is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. Amenities include: * Secluded meadow setting * Direct lake access to Bear Lake * Fire pit * Picnic table

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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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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!

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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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Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Franklin, ID

This property was used by the Shoshone Indian tribe as a summer camp area. Later after the pioneers came they set up a dance floor and had parties here. The dance floor has since overgrown. This property has also been the host to never dams. It has been in our family for many years and we have enjoyed it.Learn more about this land:The campsites are located in a wooded area so lots of shade. 2 sites are creek side along maple creek and the other has a small stream and a pond. All sites have a fire pit available. All sites are carry in carry out. Easily accessible with a four wheel drive. You will need to cross maple creek to reach site 1. The road down to the river bottoms is a bit steep so 4 wheel drive is recommended. This area is ideal for tent camping.

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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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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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Sage Creek

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · WY

This property is located in a 'ghost town'. Abandoned around 1994 this land is located at the end of town. The property was originally a small railroad town. It is a short dirt road off the highway and surrounded by a forest of 5' sage brush and a small creek just down the trail. It was also referenced in 'Brokeback Mountain' as the birth place of Enes.

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.