How much does camping cost at Bear Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Bear Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Creek Campground has 6 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 Creek Campground?

Bear Creek Campground is open "Open seasonally.". 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 Creek Campground?

Bear Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear Creek Campground have?

Bear Creek Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bear Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bear Creek Campground?

Bear Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Bear Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Creek Campground

3.25

16 reviews

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

"Open seasonally."

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

"Open seasonally."

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"No Fees are required for this site."

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bear Creek Campground

39.3198, -122.8399

Driving directions"In Upper Lake, CA, at intersection of Main St. and State Rt. 20, take Main St. north 0.25 miles to 2nd St. Turn right on 2nd St. and go 0.1 miles to Middle Creek Rd. Turn left onto Middle Creek Rd. and go 0.4 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. Turn right onto Elk Mountain Rd. and go 14.6 miles to Bear Creek Rd. (Forest Rt. 10/18N01). Bear right onto Bear Creek Rd. and go 7.5 miles to Forest Rt. 17N33. Continue straight on Rt. 17N33 for 0.6 miles to campground on right."

"Several spots on the road to this campground are narrow, passable only with high-clearance 4WD."

Weather at Bear Creek Campground

Current alerts(2)

Not accessible via Elk Mountain Road (CR 301) or M10 Road due to storm damage (multiple slides, hillslope failure) on both roads. Campground is currently accessible through Potter Valley (Mendocino County Rd 240 / Lake County Rd 301) or via Sam Alley (Forest Roads 16N01 and…
Access to this campground may be blocked due to water level at Bear Creek / Rice Fork crossing. From West: crossing at Rice Fork is passable in a high clearance 4WD vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground

Summer brings daytime highs between 75–95°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. The creek flows strong, fishing is good, and long daylight hours work well for exploring the national forest. Late summer can bring fire restrictions and smoke from regional wildfires. Access is easier during dry weather. High clearance and four-wheel drive help, especially after rain.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer favored: creek strong, fishing good, easier access and pleasant temps with cool nights.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: "Open seasonally."

About Bear Creek Campground

Bear Creek Campground offers 16 primitive tent sites along a year-round flowing creek in Mendocino National Forest. The linear layout provides decent spacing even on busy weekends, and the location sits at 2,000 feet elevation near Upper Lake. Sites include cement picnic benches and fire rings, but vault toilets have ongoing maintenance problems.

Bear Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, primarily for tent campers. RV camping and other modern accommodations are not supported due to the lack of facilities and challenging access roads.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs between 75–95°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. The creek flows strong, fishing is good, and long daylight hours work well for exploring the national forest. Late summer can bring fire restrictions and smoke from regional wildfires. Access is easier during dry weather. High clearance and four-wheel drive help, especially after rain.

ElevationAt 2,000 feet above sea level, you'll find yourself in the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid harsh alpine conditions. This ideal elevation creates a perfect balance for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfortable camping conditions across multiple seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryBear Creek runs through the campground year-round, creating pools and attracting wildlife along its banks. The surrounding forest mixes conifers and hardwoods typical of Northern California's mid-elevation zones. At 2,000 feet, the campground sits in terrain shaped by old geological activity, with medium-sized sites set among the trees. The creek's reliable flow supports riparian vegetation that stays green through summer.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Mendocino National Forest, this campground sits amidst a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. The surrounding forest showcases the region's characteristic mixed conifer and hardwood ecosystems, providing a stunning backdrop of towering trees and diverse plant life that exemplifies Northern California's natural beauty.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

"14 days"

Groups

Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites run in a line along the creek. Medium-sized spots fit standard tents but not RVs or trailers.

AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not explicitly stated.

Site SizeSites are medium-sized, accommodating standard tents but not RVs or trailers.

PrivacyThe campground is laid out in a linear fashion, providing some level of privacy for campers, even during busy periods.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Amenities available

Bear Creek Campground in Mendocino National Forest offers basic amenities suitable for primitive camping. It has two vault toilets, cement picnic benches, and fire rings at most campsites. However, the vault toilets have been reported by an authoritative source to be full, which may affect the camping experience. Potable water is not provided, but visitors have noted the availability of a running creek nearby for water filtration.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Creek Campground provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Visitors often highlight the creek as a feature, which is suitable for filtering water and adds to the outdoor experience. Hunting and shooting are also mentioned as allowed activities within the area.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"It is necessary to ford three creeks to access the campground and is not accessible when water is running high."

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; guests must rely on two vault toilets located at opposite ends of the campground. User reviews generally appreciate their availability but note maintenance issues, such as being full.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bear Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe Bear Creek Campground as a primitive camping location with basic amenities. Many visitors appreciate the creek flowing year-round and the site's linear layout. While picnic tables and fire rings are available and appreciated, the vault toilets have maintenance issues that detract from the experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the year-round flowing creek, cement picnic benches, fire rings, and the campground's quiet, linear layout, which minimizes overcrowding.

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the vault toilets being full and the challenging access roads that require high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. The lack of potable water and maintenance of...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers highlighted in reviews.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips recommend bringing a water filtration system to utilize the nearby creek and ensuring vehicles have high clearance and four-wheel drive for accessing the site. Campers suggest planning...

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Dry seasons are favored due to easier accessibility. During wet seasons, creek crossings and muddy roads make the site challenging to reach.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is laid out in a line so you won't have too many other campers near you even if the campground is busy." "Nice little campground next to a the small Bear creek that usually flows all...

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically mention accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific mention of pet policies or pet-friendly features.

Based on 16 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers with a high-clearance 4WD who don't mind hauling a water filter will find a quiet, free creekside camp at 2,000 feet. Summer is the sweet spot: cool nights in the 40s-50s, flowing water, and good fishing in Bear Creek.

Skip if

The access roads are currently down to one narrow, 4WD-only route through Potter Valley after storm damage closed both Elk Mountain Road and M10. No trailer, no RV, no low-clearance rig will make it. Add full vault toilets and no potable water, and comfort campers should look els

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Campgrounds

Mendocino National Forest

Bear Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bear Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Has two vault toilets.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 2,000 ft. NOTE: Low-water bridge flooded - authors unable to survey campground; skeletal information provided below. It is necessary to ford three creeks to access campground and is not accessible when water is running high. Call Ranger District Office for additional information.

Directions

In Upper Lake, CA, at intersection of Main St. and State Rt. 20, take Main St. north 0.25 miles to 2nd St. Turn right on 2nd St. and go 0.1 miles to Middle Creek Rd. Turn left onto Middle Creek Rd. and go 0.4 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. Turn right onto Elk Mountain Rd. and go 14.6 miles to Bear Creek Rd. (Forest Rt. 10/18N01). Bear right onto Bear Creek Rd. and go 7.5 miles to Forest Rt. 17N33. Continue straight on Rt. 17N33 for 0.6 miles to campground on right.

National Forest: Mendocino National Forest
Ranger District: Upper Lake
Elevation: 2,000
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 14