Bear Valley Campground
4.4413 reviewsnull
Bear Valley Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This campground is completely free to use according to both official sources and user reviews.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Bear Valley Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 secluded campsites welcoming both tent campers and RV adventurers. This hidden gem has become a beloved basecamp for off-road enthusiasts, with direct access to the thrilling Bear Valley OHV area just moments away. Despite its popularity with the adventure crowd, visitors consistently praise the campground's pristine condition and peaceful atmosphere. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and access to well-maintained restroom facilities—providing the perfect balance of wilderness immersion and basic comfort.
Bear Valley Campground supports a variety of camping styles, including sites for tents and RVs, and is particularly favored by OHV enthusiasts. The campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsBear Valley transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different adventures throughout the year. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a magical wonderland that beckons brave souls to experience the serene beauty of snow camping—as one adventurer noted, 'We decided to make our adventure during the winter seasons and try out our 1st snow camping.' Spring brings melting snow and muddy trails that can challenge access but reward the persistent with solitude and emerging wildflowers. Summer unveils warm, dry days perfect for exploring the surrounding trails, while autumn paints the forest in golden hues. Be prepared for dramatic weather shifts and pack accordingly—Mother Nature rules this high-country retreat.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,700 feet above sea level, Bear Valley Campground offers true high-altitude camping in the crisp mountain air. This elevation brings refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while winter visitors should prepare for significant snowfall and freezing conditions. The thin air at this altitude may be noticeable to sea-level dwellers, so take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated as you acclimate to this mountain paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Valley captivates visitors with its stunning natural amphitheater—a peaceful clearing embraced by towering conifers that provide both shade and shelter. As one enchanted camper observed, this is a 'beautiful camping site with a clearing and a lot of trees,' while another praised how 'the landscapes around the area are stunning.' The interplay of open meadows and dense forest creates perfect microclimates for wildlife watching, stargazing, and finding that ideal tent spot beneath ancient pines. Morning mist often drifts through the valley, while evening light filters through the canopy, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley Campground sits at the crossroads of adventure and tranquility. This remote mountain landscape has been sculpted by millennia of geological forces, creating a playground of ridges, valleys, and natural corridors perfect for OHV exploration and mountain biking. The surrounding forest showcases the Sierra Nevada's characteristic granite formations and volcanic history, while a network of trails radiates outward, inviting exploration of this rugged backcountry terrain. Here, the raw beauty of Northern California's mountains reveals itself to those willing to venture beyond the beaten path.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground's remote location and rough access roads may pose challenges for individuals with certain disabilities. Specific accessibility features are not described.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates both tents and RVs, but no detailed size specifications are available.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are generally described as spacious with plenty of trees, offering a level of privacy.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"Its on a first come, first serve basis." - User review
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Valley Campground is particularly popular among OHV enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Bear Valley OHV area. Visitors also enjoy mountain biking and exploring the natural surroundings.
Biking
Mountain biking is listed as an activity in the recreational opportunities for this campground, though no specific trails are described.Winter Activities
One user mentioned snow camping during the winter season, which suggests potential for winter recreation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "There are currently no campfires allowed." - User review
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions are noted as a major hazard, particularly during snow and mud seasons. "Only drive if you are confident in your snow/mud abilities and gear." Another hazard mentioned was the frequent sound of gunshots: "Next day while camping in Sierraville, we heard gun shots for almost an hour coming from the area. They weren’t hunting shots, they were repetitive."
Active alertsCampfires currently prohibited.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingUsers note the importance of packing out all trash as no specific trash or recycling services are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsRoad access difficulty due to winding roads and potholes, especially for large RVs or during snow/mud conditions. Lack of cell coverage was frequently mentioned in user reviews: "There was absolutely no signal on Verizon."
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Sierraville: Drive 11 miles south on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit. Drive 6 miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road. From Truckee: Drive 17 miles north on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit. Drive 6 miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road.
The road access is described as challenging by user reviews. "Getting to the campground is rough. Coming from the north the road is very winding and I suspect that people with large RVs or towing trailers will have a great deal of difficulty going around the turns." Another user noted, "The road to it from the southerly direction is a nightmare of potholes and ruts." Additionally, another review mentioned issues during snow and mud conditions: "I got stuck in mud not too far along the road getting here. Only drive if you are confident in your snow/mud abilities and gear."Nearby places
Sierraville (11 miles south), Truckee (17 miles north)
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Bear Valley Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Bear Valley Campground as a clean, well-maintained, and spacious campground with a remote and quiet setting. While its proximity to the OHV area is appreciated, the rough access roads, lack of cell service, and occasional noisy gunshots are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cleanliness of the campground, the spaciousness and privacy of campsites, the free access, and the availability of fire pits and tables. Visitors...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the rough and winding access roads, the lack of cell service, and reports of gunfire in the area. One user mentioned muddy conditions during certain seasons, making access...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing sufficient drinking water as there is no potable water on-site, being prepared for rough roads with appropriate vehicles, and packing out all trash. Winter visitors...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews emphasize the campground’s remoteness and quiet atmosphere, while winter reviews highlight the solitude and challenges of snow camping. Spring reviews mention potential muddy...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful Campground. Clean, well-maintained, plenty of space at each campsite." - One Outlander. "Beautiful camping site with a clearing and a lot of trees, completely free, with little to no...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or distinctions between sites are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025