How much does camping cost at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Camping fees at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) are $115 - $145/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) before I book?

Yes! Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) is open June 19 to September 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) have?

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Pets are not allowed at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Popular activities at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Fire policies at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca): Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.62

48 reviews

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST, PIONEER, CA 95666, USA

Top 15% in CASummer

B+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$115 - $145/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: June 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$115 - $145/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season: June 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

$115.00 - $145.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC- Site 1: $145.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $115.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$115.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-295-4360

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST, PIONEER, CA 95666, USA

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST, PIONEER, CA 95666, USA

Nearby places

Jackson (39 miles, approximately 1 hour), Pioneer (close proximity), Sacramento (approximately 88 miles, 2 hours)

Weather at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Current alerts(6)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
For more information on Eldorado National Forest, click here
Forest Order No. 19-15-01: Prohibits camping for a combined total of no more than 14 days during a calendar year (January-December), forest-wide. Visitors may book campsites annually but the maximum stay may not exceed a total of 14 days each calendar year (January-December)

Best Time to Camp at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs typically mid-60s to low-80s°F, nights from the mid-30s to low-50s°F at 6,000 ft) and full access to the campground (open June 20–Sept 26). Water-based activities — boating, fishing, and swimming — are at their peak once the reservoir has warmed (usually July–August), and forested group sites provide pleasant shade and cool evenings. Expect higher use on summer weekends and holidays, so reserve early; weekdays are much quieter. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season: warm, dry, full access; peak season June 19–Sept 26.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 19 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: June 20 - September 26 annually. Closed season: September 27 - June 19.

About Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Bear River Group Campground sits in mid-elevation Eldorado National Forest near Pioneer, California, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. The forested group sites offer access to hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and bear-proof storage. Reviewers consistently praise the helpful camp host and well-maintained cooking facilities.

The Bear River Group Campground caters exclusively to tent camping, with group sites designed to accommodate larger numbers of people. The campground is ideal for family reunions, school groups, or other large gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs typically mid-60s to low-80s°F, nights from the mid-30s to low-50s°F at 6,000 ft) and full access to the campground (open June 20–Sept 26). Water-based activities — boating, fishing, and swimming — are at their peak once the reservoir has warmed (usually July–August), and forested group sites provide pleasant shade and cool evenings. Expect higher use on summer weekends and holidays, so reserve early; weekdays are much quieter. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed pine forest covers the campground and surrounding slopes, shading the sites and perfuming the air. Lower Bear River Reservoir sits just below, with Upper Bear River Reservoir extending the water access further upstream. The Pardoe Trail climbs from the area to Squaw Ridge above 9,000 feet, where views open across the central Sierra Nevada ridges. At 6,000 feet, the campground catches cooler air than the valleys while staying below true alpine elevations.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at Bear River Group Campground; it is strictly a tent-camping facility.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Site-specific guest limits vary, with Site 1 accommodating up to 50 people and Sites 2-4 accommodating up to 25 people each.

Groups

Campsite 1 accommodates up to 50 people, while sites 2, 3, and 4 each accommodate up to 25 people. Multiple user reviews praised the spacious and well-separated group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, either online, through the app, or by calling the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeGroup campsites vary in size: Campsite 1 accommodates up to 50 people, while the other three sites have a maximum capacity of 25 persons each.

PrivacyUsers frequently highlighted the privacy of individual campsites, with descriptions such as 'great separation from other sites,' 'secluded,' and 'far away from everyone.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 1 is ideal for large groups due to its capacity and separation from other sites. Site 4 is recommended for sun-seekers. Visitors to Chipmunk or Junco sites highlight their privacy and shade.

Best CampsitesSite 1 (Kokanee) gets the most praise for privacy, space, and proximity to both the creek and reservoir. It's the largest at 50 people. Site 4 (Smokey) offers a sunnier location than the others. Reviewers note strong separation between all sites.

Need help booking Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Bear River Group Campground offers a range of amenities tailored for group camping. The facilities include piped drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings, and a group cooking area. Each group campsite is equipped with bear-proof storage containers. Vault toilets are available and have been described in user reviews as 'clean' and 'well-maintained,' although one review noted occasional unpleasant odors. Water access is provided through water spigots. Food preparation is facilitated by built-in grills and flat tops, along with a large prep table ideal for buffet-style serving.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around the nearby Lower Bear River Reservoir and the surrounding Sierra Nevada forest. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking. Fishing is a highlight, with abundant rainbow trout as well as smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout. Hiking trails include the Pardoe Trail, which leads to the Mokelumne Wilderness and Squaw Ridge, offering panoramic views from elevations above 9,000 feet. Wildlife viewing opportunities are also available, although bears reportedly frequent the area.

Hiking4.0/5

Near Pardoe Trail to Squaw Ridge (above 9,000 ft) with notable views of the Mokelumne.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Boating and canoeing are popular on Lower Bear River Reservoir; facilities support boating access.

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoeing/boating are popular on the reservoir—conditions suitable for kayaking.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming available in the reservoir but water is typically cool; not a primary draw.

Biking3.0/5

Biking is mentioned but not detailed; likely suitable for casual/forest riding.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Reservoir, pine slopes, ridge views to the Mokelumne create strong photo opportunities.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Opportunities to observe wildlife (including bears); campground uses bear‑proof storage.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThe campground features only vault toilets, which have been described by users as 'clean' but occasionally odorous.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each site, designed to protect food from bears.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details on trash and recycling facilities are provided. General campground practices may apply.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials, nor reviewed by users.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.6

48 reviews

Top-Rated

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground’s suitability for group camping, emphasizing its spacious sites, clean facilities, and helpful camp host. Privacy and proximity to natural attractions like the reservoir and hiking trails are frequently mentioned as standout features.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, ample picnic tables, bear-proof storage containers, well-maintained cooking facilities, and scenic locations. Users often praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the camp...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Distance from the reservoir (approximately 20 minutes on foot), occasional odors from vault toilets, mosquitoes, and instances of low water levels in the reservoir. Wasps were noted as a nuisance in...

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 (Kokanee) received praise for roominess and privacy: 'Site 1 had plenty of room for all of us, great separation from the other sites.' Site 4 (Smokey) was noted for its sunny location. The...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes; pack warm clothing for cooler water temperatures in early summer; use bear-proof storage containers; and drive to the swimming area instead of walking if...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with cooler water temperatures in early summer and occasional insect activity. Winters are cold and wet due to the area’s Mediterranean climate, and camping is not...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great group campground: lots of flat spots, roomy, shade. Great infrastructure.' 2. 'Stayed in group site Smokey. Really nice flat group site. Really liked how sunny the spot was.' 3. 'The trip...

Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or authoritative sources.

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not specifically mentioned in reviews or authoritative sources.

Based on 48 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

$115.00 - $145.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC- Site 1: $145.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $115.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$115.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-295-4360

Go if

You want a group site with water activities and appreciate attentive on-site management in a shaded forest setting.

Skip if

You need individual sites or want campsites directly on the water rather than a short walk away.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(73)

South Shore Campground

ELDORAD N.F.

South Shore Campground sits at 5,900 feet in Eldorado National Forest, operated by Royal Elk Park Management with direct access to a reservoir for swimming, boating, and fishing. The small campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and an on-site camp store. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and helpful hosts, though some note noise from neighboring sites and challenging terrain on steeper spots.

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Campground Map

Weather at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Planning Tips

About Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Overview

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, Ca)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews