South Shore Campground

Star4.08
73 reviews
ELDORAD N.F.
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$36 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from June 6 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
South Shore Campground
$36.00 - $108.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by season and site type: $36 for tent-only nonelectric sites, $72-$108 for standard nonelectric sites.
Standard Site Fee$36.00
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

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Provider
209-295-4360
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 73 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"Most users praise the campground for its clean facilities, scenic lake views, and engaging hosts. However, some complaints highlight challenging terrain, steep sites, and noise disturbances."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

ELDORAD N.F.

South Shore Campground

ELDORAD N.F.

Driving directionsFrom Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 21.9 miles to Bear River Lake Resort sign. Turn left at the sign and go 3.4 miles to campground on right side of the road.
The campground is accessed via paved roads but driving directions provided in reservations may be incorrect, per reviews.
Nearby supplies
A general store is approximately one mile away near the northern part of the reservoir.

Best Time to Camp at South Shore Campground

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless outdoor play and crisp winter nights transform the landscape into a peaceful wonderland. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing streams, while autumn paints the forest in golden hues.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season June–Aug; water activities, clean facilities and hosts praised in summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open early Sept FCFS; likely quieter with good weather, but fewer services noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 6; spring access/operations not indicated.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter usability not reported; main season is June–Sept.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 6 to August 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 6 to August 31 (reservable), first-come-first-served from September 1 to September 21.

About South Shore Campground

Perched on the pristine shores of Lower Bear River Reservoir, South Shore Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water recreation and forest serenity. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, taking an afternoon swim in crystal-clear waters, or paddling across the glassy surface at sunset, this lakeside retreat offers endless adventures. Well-appointed sites feature picnic tables and grills for memorable outdoor meals, while modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort during your stay.
South Shore Campground supports tent and RV camping, as well as group camping sites. Primitive camping could be inferred but isn't explicitly stated.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites held until noon the day following arrival.
Check-out
Check-out time at noon.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

South Shore Campground provides ample recreational activities including fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and picnicking. Hiking opportunities are available nearby.
HikingThe Pardoe Trail is accessible a short distance past Upper Bear River Reservoir, bordering Mokelumne Wilderness. Specific trail difficulties and lengths are not detailed.
FishingFishing opportunities include catching rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout. User feedback also highlights, 'Fishing and kayaking was great for the kids and adults.'
SwimmingSwimming is permitted. User reviews describe the water as 'cold nice water to swim and fish for,' and 'Access to water was fairly easy and the water temperature was perfect for swimming.'
BikingMountain bike riding is an option for outdoor recreation, as noted in user reviews.
BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp available within a mile of the campground. Types of boats allowed are unspecified.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities exist, with user reviews referencing encounters with bees and furry critters. 'By nightfall, the bees will disappear instantly, then your 4-legged crawlers including an occasional large furry critter will definitely entertain you walking leisurely around your campsite.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are common; meat bees reported in user reviews. Steep terrain increases potential for falls.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at South Shore Campground

Reviews

4.1
73 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
South Shore Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most users praise the campground for its clean facilities, scenic lake views, and engaging hosts. However, some complaints highlight challenging terrain, steep sites, and noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews often mention clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and enjoyable activities such as fishing and kayaking. 'Bathrooms were kept clean and neat,' and 'Camp hosts were very friendly and...
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Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include steep terrain for campsites, noise from other campers, and the absence of easy water access. 'No views to the lake,' 'sites weren’t level,' and 'Meat bees were all around...
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Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including propane tanks due to fire restrictions, and avoiding steep sites for younger children. 'You’ll have almost the whole place to yourselves...
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Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's popularity, but also note the challenges of steep terrain and noise. Winter usability is not reported.
Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Vault toilets and grounds very clean.' 2. 'Friendly hosts, private and quiet campsites.' 3. 'Bathrooms were kept clean and neat. Will be back next year for sure.' 4. 'Fishing and kayaking was...
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Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific insights include: 'Campsite 007 is uphill and not level but offers privacy.' 'Campsite 011 is noisy due to nearby campers.' 'Campsite 019 is close to clean restrooms with easy trailer...
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Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

One accessible campsite and vault toilet exist. Specific accessibility concerns aren't detailed.
Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed but must be leashed at all times. User reviews mention unleashed dogs being problematic, 'Unleashed dogs in the camp ground were annoying.'
Based on 73 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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