How much does camping cost at Bear Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Lake Campground range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Bear Lake Campground?

Bear Lake Campground is open Mid-June to early-mid October.. 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 Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bear Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Lake Campground: Campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear Lake Campground have?

Bear Lake Campground has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bear Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Bear Lake Campground?

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

Bear Lake Campground

Q: Is Bear Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 43 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is recommended, especially during peak season.

4.33

36 reviews

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Summer Destination

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

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Bear Lake Campground

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake Campground

Early fall delivers brilliant aspen color and quieter trails. Daytime highs sit in the 45-60°F range, with nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. The elk rut peaks during this window. Crowds thin after summer, though early freezes are possible after sunset. Summer brings cooler temperatures at this elevation but also heavy mosquito populations that make quality insect repellent mandatory.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 17% in CO

Open into October; fall offers hunting, cooler temps, fewer mosquitoes and alpine colors.

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

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.

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.

Historical Significance

The campground borders the Flat Tops Wilderness, known for generations of hunting heritage. Early settlers and indigenous peoples recognized the area's abundant wildlife.

Weather and SeasonsEarly fall delivers brilliant aspen color and quieter trails. Daytime highs sit in the 45-60°F range, with nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. The elk rut peaks during this window. Crowds thin after summer, though early freezes are possible after sunset. Summer brings cooler temperatures at this elevation but also heavy mosquito populations that make quality insect repellent mandatory.

ElevationPerched at 9,500 feet above sea level, Bear Lake Campground offers the authentic high-country experience. This elevation brings crisp, clean air and noticeably cooler temperatures - a blessing on hot summer days but requiring warm layers even in July. First-time high-altitude visitors should take it easy their first day, staying hydrated and allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinner air. The elevation rewards adapters with stunning vistas, pristine air quality, and access to true alpine ecosystems.

Natural Features and SceneryEngelmann spruce and subalpine fir dominate the canopy, with bright patches of aspen and lodgepole pine scattered throughout. The aspen glows golden in fall. Bear Lake and Yamcolo Reservoir provide water access nearby. The terrain reflects ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving. The thick forest creates seclusion at individual sites while keeping recreational areas within reach. Mosquitoes thrive here during summer months, often thick enough to require serious repellent.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent Routt National Forest, Bear Lake Campground occupies a prime location where dense mixed conifer forests meet the dramatic landscapes of the nearby Flat Tops Wilderness. This unique geological position creates a diverse ecosystem where Engelmann spruce and Subalpine fir dominate the canopy, interspersed with bright patches of Aspen that glow golden in fall and resilient Lodgepole pines that speak to the forest's fire-adapted history. The surrounding terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving that shaped these mountains into today's recreational paradise.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site: 8

Groups

No information provided about group campsites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree overlapping loops wind through dense tree cover. Sites are level with dirt parking aprons. The forest provides good separation between spots. The access road is rough and washboarded. Trailers over 30 feet may find dispersed sites outside the campground easier to navigate.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations can be made in advance; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 43 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is recommended, especially during peak season.

AccessibilityThe campground has no information provided about accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates trailers up to 30 feet in length, and specific sites are described as decently sized and level. The parking aprons are dirt.

PrivacyThe sites are surrounded by trees which provide good separation and privacy between the campsites.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure the best sites with privacy and scenic views. Bring effective mosquito repellents.

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire grates.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital and police services are located in Steamboat Springs, approximately 30 miles west. Ranger services are available within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are provided on-site. Campers are reminded to use bear-proof storage techniques for food.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Bear Lake and near Stillwater and Yamcolo Reservoirs. Bear Lake allows non-motorized boating and trout fishing.

Camp HostHosts are reported to be helpful and restrooms are maintained clean as per user reviews.

Weather at Bear Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

36 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

Based on 36 reviews