How much does camping cost at Bear River Developed Camp Sites?

Camping fees at Bear River Developed Camp Sites range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Bear River Developed Camp Sites first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear River Developed Camp Sites operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up only; no reservation system in place.

What is the best time to visit Bear River Developed Camp Sites?

Bear River Developed Camp Sites is open Peak season likely aligns with summer months (June through August), though specific dates are not stated.. 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 Developed Camp Sites?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bear River Developed Camp Sites?

Fire policies at Bear River Developed Camp Sites: Permanent fire grates are provided at each site for safe campfire use.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear River Developed Camp Sites have?

Bear River Developed Camp Sites has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear River Developed Camp Sites?

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

What activities can I do at Bear River Developed Camp Sites?

Popular activities at Bear River Developed Camp Sites include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear River Developed Camp Sites

4.11

36 reviews

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open mid-June throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open mid-June throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear River Developed Camp Sites

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground fee is $10 per night, payable only via exact cash or check at fee stations. Credit cards are not accepted.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

Not provided.Not provided.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Bear River Developed Camp Sites

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Nearby places

Yampa - approximately 10 miles / 20 minutes drive.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies including groceries and basic camping essentials can be found in Yampa, approximately 10 miles or 20 minutes away.

Driving directionsDirections from Yampa, CO, take County Rd 7, behind Montgomery's Grocery store, for approximately 7 miles. At mile 7, the road becomes gravel and turns into Forest Service Road 900. Follow for another 3 miles where you will see a fee station. The campsites are indicated by number signposts at various locations along FSR 900.

Road access is mixed; primarily paved for the first 7 miles from Yampa, then transitions into a gravel road with washboard conditions for the last 3 miles. Seasonal accessibility dependent on snow levels.

Weather at Bear River Developed Camp Sites

Best Time to Camp at Bear River Developed Camp Sites

Fall delivers the campground's best window. Mid-September through early October brings aspen and willow color, with daytime temps in the 40s to 60s and nights dipping to 20–35°F. Trails are less buggy than summer, and forest roads typically remain open for access. Winter temperatures drop to around 7°F with heavy snow. Summer warms to the low 70s but brings brutal mosquito infestations. Multiple visitors mention being unable to enjoy the environment due to bugs. Spring sees rain showers as snowmelt clears.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called the best window: aspen/willow color, cooler temps, trails less buggy.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely aligns with summer months (June through August), though specific dates are not stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-June through late October, dependent on snow levels.

About Bear River Developed Camp Sites

Bear River Developed Camp Sites sits at 9,200 feet along Forest Service Road 900, near the Flat Tops Wilderness. The campground has 30 numbered sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. Fees run $10 per night. Dispersed camping is prohibited along the access road. Visitors must use designated sites only.

Bear River Developed Camp Sites cater to tent and RV campers and offer moderately secluded sites along Forest Service Road 900.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the campground's best window. Mid-September through early October brings aspen and willow color, with daytime temps in the 40s to 60s and nights dipping to 20–35°F. Trails are less buggy than summer, and forest roads typically remain open for access. Winter temperatures drop to around 7°F with heavy snow. Summer warms to the low 70s but brings brutal mosquito infestations. Multiple visitors mention being unable to enjoy the environment due to bugs. Spring sees rain showers as snowmelt clears.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,200 feet above sea level, this high-altitude retreat offers crisp mountain air and spectacular vistas. Visitors should come prepared for the thinner atmosphere and cooler temperatures that accompany this lofty elevation, where the sky feels closer and the stars shine brighter.

Natural Features and SceneryThick conifer forest wraps around the sites, providing natural separation between neighbors. The trees create deep shade and a sense of seclusion, though they do compress the ground area at individual sites. Views open up to high-country greenery and mountain vistas typical of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The elevation puts the campground in Colorado's alpine zone, where meadows and evergreen stands define the landscape.

Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits at 9,200 feet within the majestic Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, a landscape defined by ancient geological forces that carved out high-altitude forests and pristine mountain meadows. Located near the renowned Flat Tops Wilderness, the area showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's high country, where alpine ecosystems thrive and mountain vistas stretch endlessly beneath azure skies.

Scenic ViewsSpectacular views include lush greenery and stunning forest landscapes typical of the Flat Tops Wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo on-site lodging or accommodations beyond camping are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site not available.

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites spread along Forest Service Road 900, each marked by a numbered post. The forest creates good privacy between spots, but the thick trees also make individual site footprints feel cramped. Sites are fairly level, with adequate space for standard tent and RV setups despite the confined ground area.

Reservation PlatformsReservation not available; first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservation system in place.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not specified.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in either official sources or user reviews.

Site SizeUser reviews suggest decent-sized sites that are fairly level, providing adequate space for standard camping setups.

PrivacyI would definitely recommend this campground to anyone that enjoys some seclusion and privacy" suggests that sites are well-separated. However, Michelle Croskey states "The camp sites are beautiful and thick with trees so you don't see your neighbors much but it does make the ground area of the sites a little cramped.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for privacy and cooler temperatures; the thick forest minimizes visibility between neighbors.

Amenities available

Bear River Developed Camp Sites provide basic amenities for campers seeking a nature-focused experience. Each campsite has a picnic table and a permanent fire grate, but potable water is unavailable, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Restrooms are present, though specific details on their type and cleanliness are absent from official sources. User reviews did not address restroom facilities comprehensively.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Bear River Developed Camp Sites include fishing and non-motorized boating. The surrounding area offers trails for hiking and ATV riding.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a significant problem during summer, described in reviews as "clouds and hordes and plagues of mosquitos." The gravel road's washboard condition might pose challenges for vehicles.

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

Fire PolicyPermanent fire grates are provided at each site for safe campfire use.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Yampa, including a grocery store and police station. For medical emergencies, nearest hospital is in Steamboat Springs, approximately 40 miles away.

Water FeaturesNearby features include Bear Lake Picnic Area, Yamcolo Reservoir, and several trails leading to lakes and streams.

Camp HostUser review mentions a helpful host on site: "Clean bathrooms and helpful host."

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not detailed in either authoritative sources or user reviews.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

36 reviews

Satisfactory

Bear River Developed Camp Sites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews express a mix of positive sentiments about the scenic beauty and privacy of the sites, and significant complaints about rough roads and excessive mosquitoes.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as "absolutely gorgeous, stunning views and greenery." Sites are "fairly level" and "thick with trees," providing good separation from neighbors. The setting is praised as...

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a major issue, with descriptions such as "clouds and hordes and plagues of mosquitos." Roads leading to the campground are rough and exhibit washboarding, as stated in multiple reviews.

Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are not provided, but users mention the campground has "good separation between sites" and "most of them are really good sites."

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, as mosquitoes are brutal. Drive carefully as the last couple of miles of road are very rough and washboarded.

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquito complaints and road conditions dominate reviews, suggesting peak discomfort in warmer months. Positive aspects such as scenic beauty remain constant.

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are brutal!" "The camp sites are beautiful and thick with trees so you don't see your neighbors much." "The setting is gorgeous! Sites have good...

Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not mentioned in reviews.

Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not mentioned in reviews.

Based on 36 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall campers get the best version of this place: September color, cooler temps, fewer bugs, and trails like Mandall Lakes and Bear River still open. First-come-first-served at $10 cash keeps crowds light. Pack your own water, there's none on site.

Skip if

Summer visits are a gamble against mosquito swarms that drove multiple reviewers out early. The last few miles on Forest Service Road 900 are rough washboard that punishes low-clearance vehicles, so factor that in before you load up.

Nearby Campgrounds

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Bear Lake Campground sits at 9,500 feet in Routt National Forest, offering 43 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Fees run $20-40 per night. Dense mixed conifers create natural privacy screens between sites, which include single, double, and triple configurations. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, bear lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables. Pets are welcome on leash.

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Horseshoe Campground sits at 10,100 feet in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, a quiet 7-site basecamp for exploring the Flat Tops Wilderness. The small loop campground costs $20/night and accommodates tents and RVs up to 25 feet. Sites are spaced among trees for privacy, and the campground stays accessible and comfortable throughout summer.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

4.0

(17)

Cold Springs Campground

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Cold Springs Campground sits high in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near Yampa, Colorado, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This very small alpine campground serves as a staging point for the Devil's Causeway trail and offers scenic views across high-country terrain. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Crosho Lake Recreation Area

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

Crosho Lake Recreation Area sits at 8,881 feet in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near Yampa, offering free dispersed camping for paddlers and backcountry anglers. The area is sometimes called Simon Lake Campsites by locals. One vault toilet is the only facility. Bring all your own water and gear for a primitive experience.

Tents

Primitive

12.778 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(15)

Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

Sheriff Reservoir Campground sits at 9,700 feet on the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, offering five tent-only sites in a tight spruce forest loop. Sites run $14/night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There's no potable water or cell service. First-come, first-served.

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(36)

Chapman Reservoir Campground

Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO

Chapman Reservoir Campground sits at 9,300 feet on Dunckley Pass in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, just outside Yampa, Colorado. The campground has 12 sites that accommodate trailers up to 22 feet and charges $20 per night. There's no potable water, so bring your own. The setting along the Flat Tops Byway puts you near Chapman Reservoir with access to fishing, hiking, and some of the darkest night skies in the region.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Less Visited

3.4

(7)

Trappers Lake / Horse Thief Campground

Horse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO

Horse Thief Campground sits at 9,724 feet in White River National Forest, offering five RV sites built specifically for horse campers. Each site includes a corral and long pull-through spurs for large trailers. Fees run $25 per night. This is a working trailhead camp for riders heading into the Flat Tops Wilderness, not a scenic overlook retreat.

5 campsites

RVs

19.97 km

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(5)

Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground

White River National Forest

Bucks Campground sits at 9,754 feet in White River National Forest with just 10 sites tucked into a dense fir forest near Trappers Lake. It's one of five campgrounds around the lake and sits right at the wilderness boundary, making it a practical basecamp for accessing the Flat Tops Wilderness trails. Expect zero cell service. Not even 911. So plug your route into GPS before you leave Meeker.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(7)

Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground

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Trapline Campground sits at 9,700 feet in White River National Forest, offering 11 sites in a single loop at the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness. The campground runs $20 per night and provides vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Sites are open and sunny rather than heavily wooded, with gravel parking aprons and flat, accessible terrain.

11 campsites

20.171 km

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(9)

Trappers Lake / Cutthroat Campground

White River National Forest

Cutthroat Campground sits at 9,770 feet near the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness, offering 14 RV sites close to Trappers Lake. The location provides direct access to the Wilderness boundary and Trappers Lake Outlet parking area. Expect a 30-mile gravel road approach that keeps crowds moderate and the setting quiet.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.6

(136)

Shepherds Rim Campground

NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND,COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO 81641, USA

Shepherds Rim Campground sits at 9,720 feet near Trappers Lake in White River National Forest, operated by Vista Recreation. The high-elevation alpine setting offers access to hiking trails and fishing, with aspen-lined sites that draw visitors for fall color and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise clean vault toilets, well-maintained sites, and friendly hosts, though summer mosquitoes can be intense.

$22.00 - $23.00 / night

Less Visited

3.9

(14)

Himes Peak Campground

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Himes Peak Campground sits at 9,500 feet in White River National Forest, offering 10 sites in a single loop near the Flat Tops Wilderness boundary. The campground runs $20-$22 per night and provides vault toilets, bear lockers, and access to Boulder Lake and surrounding trails. There's no potable water and zero cell service.

$20.00 - $22.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

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Sawmill Creek Campground

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

Sawmill Creek Campground is a single dispersed camping area at 9,715 feet in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near Craig, Colorado. This is primitive camping with no facilities, no designated sites, and no amenities. You'll need to bring everything, including water and a way to deal with waste. The solitude and high-elevation forest make up for what it lacks in infrastructure.

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Campgrounds

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

Bear River Developed Camp Sites

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bear River Developed Camp Sites sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p><img alt="Bear River Developed Camp Sites" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5183579.jpg" style="width: 30%; height: 30%; float: right;" /></p><p>These 30 designated sites are located outside of our campgrounds and spread out along Forest Service Road 900. Each site is designated by a numbered post and each has its own picnic table and permanent fire grate. These sites are $10 per night.</p><p><strong>Nearby amenities include:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recarea/?recid=23060">Bear Lake Picnic Area</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recarea/?recid=23028">Yamcolo Reservoir</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=34089&actid=50">Mandall Lakes Trail #1121 </a> </li><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=34100&actid=50">Smith Lake Trail #1194 </a></li><li>Stillwater Parking Area: Bear River Trail #1120 , North Derby Trail #1122, East Fork Trail #1119</li><li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=34096&actid=50">Sand Creek Trail #1123 </a></li><li>ATV Trail: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=23068&actid=50">Ute-Heart Lake Trail #1110 </a></li></ul><div class="usa-alert usa-alert--info usa-alert--slim"><div class="usa-alert__body"><p class="usa-alert__text">This site was approved for a fee change - <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/fire/?cid=FSEPRD1092198">Click here for more information</a></p></div></div>

Open Season: June 15th – Oct 1st