Is Little Bear first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Bear 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.

Are there showers at Little Bear?

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

How many campsites does Little Bear have?

Little Bear has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Bear?

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

What amenities are available at Little Bear?

Little Bear offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Little Bear

4.50

58 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison#2

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

10,279 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,279 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Little Bear

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Little Bear

39.0346, -107.9979

Weather at Little Bear

Best Time to Camp at Little Bear

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most pleasant weather at this high-elevation lake: daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s °F with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Island Lake is fully ice‑free and ideal for fishing, paddling and day hikes; wildflowers and alpine meadows peak in late June–July. Expect moderate weekend crowds at the campground but far fewer people than valley destinations, and plan for afternoon thunderstorms and chilly evenings. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Reliable summer window; lake ice gone by late June, pleasant highs and peak wildflowers; most popular season.

Planning Tips

About Little Bear

Little Bear sits at high elevation in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering direct access to Island Lake for fishing and paddling. This small campground operated by Recreation.gov features lakeside tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Summer brings wildflower-filled alpine meadows, reliable lake access, and cool mountain nights.

Little Bear Campground provides a mix of camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and groups. Some sites are located directly on the lake for enhanced scenic views.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most pleasant weather at this high-elevation lake: daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s °F with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Island Lake is fully ice‑free and ideal for fishing, paddling and day hikes; wildflowers and alpine meadows peak in late June–July. Expect moderate weekend crowds at the campground but far fewer people than valley destinations, and plan for afternoon thunderstorms and chilly evenings. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation10279 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryIsland Lake dominates the landscape here, its surface reflecting the surrounding alpine terrain. At this elevation, the scenery is classic high country: sparse timber, rocky shoreline, and open views across the water. The lake itself is the main draw for fishing and boating. Temperature swings are dramatic. Summer afternoons might hit the low 70s while nights drop into the 30s and 40s, a sharp contrast to valley floors that can reach 98°F on the same day. One June visitor described it simply as "a beautiful area right next to a lake."

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

"Stay limits are not clearly stated in the authoritative content."

Guests Allowed Per Site

"No authoritative guideline on guest limits per site."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations possible through Recreation.gov mobile app via Scan & Pay feature.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating both RVs and tents. Detailed user feedback states that some sites are better suited to specific camping styles, e.g., some are large enough for RVs, while others are better for tents.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is variable. Some reviewers appreciated the spacing of tent sites, while others noted that the sites are too close together, affecting privacy.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 18 is near restrooms, the lake, and the host." - User review July 2024.

Best CampsitesSite 18 gets consistent praise. One July camper called it "possibly the best spot in the area," likely due to its lakeside position. Arriving early improves your chances at the better lakeside sites, which fill quickly on summer weekends.

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

The Little Bear Campground offers a variety of basic amenities, making it suitable for campers looking for a modest camping experience. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, and clean bathroom facilities. Campers have noted the availability of firewood for purchase on-site for $10 per bundle, though some commented this is double the price of firewood in town. The bathrooms are widely praised for being well-maintained and clean, with one reviewer stating, 'The bathrooms were extremely clean all 5 days we were there, I was so thankful.' However, there are some complaints about campsite conditions; one user noted 'muddy campsites' and potholes in the roads, while another mentioned big rocks in campsites as a hazard.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Little Bear Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests, including fishing, hiking, and water-based recreation. The lake is a central draw, providing opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Reviewers consistently praised the fishing, with one stating, 'Kids were catching fish faster than I could bait their hooks!' Wildlife observation is also highlighted, with chipmunks frequently mentioned as a delight for children. Visitors also noted the scenic views and the quiet, natural setting as a significant draw.

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

58 reviews

Recommended

Little Bear is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Little Bear Campground are generally positive, highlighting the scenic beauty of the lake, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Fishing and proximity to the lake are frequently mentioned as standout features. However, some concerns were raised about campsite spacing, muddy conditions, and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

The well-maintained restroom facilities, friendly hosts, and access to the lake for fishing and boating were commonly praised. Reviews frequently mentioned the picturesque setting and the convenience...

Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints centered on the close proximity of campsites, which affected privacy, and the muddy conditions of some sites and roads. One reviewer noted 'big rocks in campsites' as a safety hazard,...

Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight campsite 18 as a top choice due to its proximity to restrooms, the lake, and other amenities. Other lakeside sites are praised for their views.

Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure the best lakeside sites, such as campsite 18, which one reviewer described as 'possibly the best spot in the entire area.' Visitors are advised to bring all...

Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors appreciating the cooler temperatures compared to the valley below. However, some noted that water facilities may be shut off after Labor Day, and...

Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were extremely clean all 5 days we were there.' 2. 'Fishing is good, and kids were catching fish faster than I could bait their hooks!' 3. 'The camp host is especially nice and...

Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly detailed in user reviews.

Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer noted bringing a pet, stating, 'Kitty had a good time too,' but no detailed information about pet policies or amenities is provided.

Based on 58 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation lake access for fishing and paddling with maintained facilities and friendly hosts.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or prefer campgrounds with gravel pads instead of potentially muddy ground.

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Campgrounds

Little Bear

From the U.S. Forest Service

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

Overview

<p>This campground is at 10,200-foot elevation; and has 36 campsites, 2 of which are handicapped-accessible. Maximum spur length is 49 ft.  The campground is composed of two loops along the shore of Island Lake with some sites along the shore of the lake. It is heavily wooded with spruce trees. There is a wheelchair friendly area with a fish cleaning station adjacent to the Island Lake Boat Ramp.</p><p>The campground is convenient to several of the Mesa's 300 lakes, the visitor center and Crag Crest Trailhead. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent.</p>

Open Season: June 14 – Sept. 2