Bear Lake Campground

Star4.33
36 reviews
Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest site

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Bear Lake Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20/single site, $30/double site, $40/triple site per day. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Service Road 900 cost $10/day.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 36 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleansites

"User reviews of Bear Lake Campground praise the scenic surroundings, privacy, and affordability. However, the thick presence of mosquitoes and rough access roads are frequently mentioned as major drawbacks. Some guests highlight the seclusion and cleanliness of the facilities."

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Campground Map

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Bear Lake Campground

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Driving directionsFrom HWY 131, exit at Yampa on Moffat Street, next to the Sinclair Gas Station. Go a few blocks through downtown Yampa to Montgomery's General Store and Antlers Bar & Cafe, then follow CTY Rd 7 and signs towards Yamcolo Reservoir. Follow CTY Rd 7 for 7 miles, where the road turns to dirt, and becomes Forest Service Road 900, go past Yamcolo Reservoir to the Bear Lake Campground entrance.
Road access includes approximately 7 miles of rough washboard dirt road on Forest Service Road 900. Seasonal closures may occur depending on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Yampa (11 miles, approximately 30 minutes travel time)
Nearby supplies
Montgomery's General Store and Antlers Bar & Cafe in Yampa provide basic supplies and fuel. Additional camping and grocery supplies can be found in Steamboat Springs.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake Campground

Summer brings refreshingly cool mountain air to this high-altitude retreat, with temperatures that provide welcome relief from lower elevation heat. The alpine climate transforms dramatically with the seasons - from wildflower-dotted summers to snow-blanketed winter wonderlands. During peak summer months, the pristine mountain environment also hosts nature's less welcome guests - mosquitoes thrive in these conditions, making quality insect repellent as essential as your sleeping bag.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Cool temps but reviewers warn of 'clouds and hordes' of mosquitoes in summer months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Peak season into October; hunting season and fewer bugs make fall especially appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day; spring/early season access and bugs/weather can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closes Oct 1 (weather dependent); winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-June to early-mid October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through October 1, weather dependent.

About Bear Lake Campground

Nestled high in the Colorado wilderness at 9,500 feet, Bear Lake Campground offers 43 thoughtfully designed campsites where towering evergreens create natural privacy screens between neighbors. This mountain sanctuary features spacious single sites along with 3 double-sites and 1 triple-site perfect for group adventures. Three interconnected loops wind through the dense forest, each site equipped with picnic tables and surrounded by nature's own walls of spruce and fir. Modern vault toilets, fresh potable water, and regular trash services ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. While the campground welcomes trailers up to 30 feet, the intimate forest setting makes it equally appealing for tent campers seeking solitude. Four-legged companions are welcome on leash, and savvy visitors come prepared with insect repellent for the enthusiastic summer mosquito population.
Bear Lake Campground caters to campers with tents, trailers, and RVs, and offers single, double, and triple sites. There are also designated dispersed campsites outside the main campground along Forest Road 900.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Lake Campground offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It is also popular for big game hunting in the fall.
HikingThere are nearby hiking options including the Mandall Creek Trail #1121, Smith Lake Trailhead, and Stillwater Trailhead. These trails provide access to the Flat Tops Wilderness, with Mandall Creek Trail extending 5 miles for foot and horse traffic.
FishingFishing opportunities are available for brook and rainbow trout in Bear Lake and nearby reservoirs.
BoatingBoating is limited to non-motorized options such as kayaks, belly boats, and canoes. Boaters are cautioned to avoid the bridge at the dam due to safety concerns.
Wildlife viewingThe area is surrounded by dense trees and is likely to offer excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife, with the added attraction of scenic views of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito swarms are a significant concern during summer months as noted by user reviews. Potential wildlife encounters include bears. Road washboard conditions could pose challenges for vehicles.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available as this is bear country.

Weather at Bear Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3
36 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bear Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Bear Lake Campground praise the scenic surroundings, privacy, and affordability. However, the thick presence of mosquitoes and rough access roads are frequently mentioned as major drawbacks. Some guests highlight the seclusion and cleanliness of the facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the scenic beauty, privacy between campsites, and the reasonable pricing. The campground's proximity to recreational activities and clean bathroom facilities are also appreciated.
Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints include the extremely thick mosquitoes described as 'clouds and hordes,' the rough and washboard-like Forest Road 900 leading to the campground, and the cramped ground...
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Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring strong insect repellent. Those with longer trailers (over 30 feet) may find designated dispersed sites outside the campground more suitable. It's also recommended to...
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Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that during the mosquito season (likely summer), campers should be particularly prepared with repellents. The campground is more enjoyable during cooler months when mosquitoes are...
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Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp sites are beautiful and thick with trees, so you don't see your neighbors much.' 2. 'Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are brutal!' 3. 'The drive to the campground is...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews mention particular site numbers as best or worst, but users generally report that the sites have good separation and privacy.
Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information provided about pet-related experiences, though pets are allowed in the campground.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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