Bear Lake State Park

Star4.21
34 reviews
PO Box 35, Saint Charles, Idaho, 83272-0035, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,253 ft

Price

$7 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Idaho State Parks site

Official Website
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Bear Lake State Park
$7.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A $7.00/$14.00 Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) is mandatory for each vehicle. Camping fees are $25 per vehicle for day visits, with additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 34 reviews

244 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswaterlake

"Reviews for Bear Lake State Park are mixed, with many praising the lake's beauty and water clarity but noting some maintenance issues. The park is highly regarded for its recreational options, particularly in summer, though some users highlight a lack of shade and crowded conditions."

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Campground Map

PO Box 35, Saint Charles, Idaho, 83272-0035, United States

Bear Lake State Park

PO Box 35, Saint Charles, Idaho, 83272-0035, United States

Driving directionsBear Lake State Park can be accessed from US 89 at St. Charles, Idaho via the North and East Beach roads. The park is 2 hours south of Pocatello, Idaho, and 3 hours north of Salt Lake City, UT.
The campground is easily accessible via US 89, with directions clearly leading to North and East Beach roads. Some user reviews report difficulties in finding the campground, suggesting reliance on direct GPS coordinates or ranger-provided physical addresses for navigation.
Nearby places
Pocatello, Idaho (approx. 2 hours) and Salt Lake City, Utah (approx. 3 hours).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as firewood, snacks, camping gear, and ice are available within 10 miles. Retail stores, motels, and golf courses are also nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake State Park

Each season paints Bear Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with brilliant sunshine and warm days perfect for swimming and water sports, though afternoon winds can bring welcome relief from the heat – savvy campers seek out shaded spots during peak season. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm campfires. Spring awakens the high desert with bursts of wildflowers, though gusty winds remind visitors to secure their gear. No matter when you visit, the mountain weather keeps things interesting with its quick changes and spectacular skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Summer is peak season: warm days, excellent swimming and water sports.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall reviews are limited; likely pleasant but less activity and visitor data.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring reviews note cold, windy conditions that limit enjoyment of water activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Open year-round but winter conditions noted as harsh; few winter activities described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months are ideal based on climate and visitor reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round with seasonal variations in weather and facilities.
  • Current Alerts: User reviews mention maintenance concerns such as overgrown weeds and garbage in fire pits.

About Bear Lake State Park

Nestled along the shores of a stunning turquoise lake, Bear Lake State Park invites campers to experience the perfect blend of mountain wilderness and beach paradise. Choose from well-appointed electric campsites for your RV or tent, or gather your crew for memorable nights at the spacious group camping areas. While the park maintains a rustic charm with vault toilets and clean restroom facilities (note: no showers or sewer hookups), you'll find everything you need for an authentic outdoor adventure. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – launch your boat into the crystalline waters, explore hiking trails that wind through sagebrush meadows, or simply sink your toes into the sandy beaches that have earned this gem its nickname as the 'Caribbean of the Rockies.'
Bear Lake State Park offers various camping options, including electric, group, and primitive camping.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Lake State Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Official amenities include swimming, hiking, biking, boating, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. The park is known for its clear turquoise waters, which offer excellent opportunities for swimming and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Fishing is also popular, with reviewers noting its availability. Visitors can also engage in beach activities, jet skiing, and stargazing.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, but specific trail details are not provided.
FishingFishing is available. Ted Wicks expressed interest in returning to the park for fishing.
SwimmingThe lake is ideal for swimming. Ana Garcia described the water as 'so clear!! Perfect for swimming.'
BikingBiking is listed among the activities, but specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingBoating is a prominent activity. Joey Redzich highlighted that Bear Lake is ideal for 'boating, surfing, skiing, boarding, paddling, swimming, or beaches.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is listed among the amenities, although specific species are not mentioned.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWeather hazards include strong winds, especially late in the day, and cold conditions in early spring. Wildlife concerns like large holes from animals and lack of tree coverage for shade were noted in reviews.
Active AlertsUser reviews mention maintenance concerns such as overgrown weeds and garbage in fire pits.

Weather at Bear Lake State Park

Reviews

4.2
34 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bear Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Bear Lake State Park are mixed, with many praising the lake's beauty and water clarity but noting some maintenance issues. The park is highly regarded for its recreational options, particularly in summer, though some users highlight a lack of shade and crowded conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the lake's 'beautiful turquoise water' and 'Caribbean-like' appearance. Others enjoyed the spacious group campsites and clean vault toilets. The park is noted as a great spot for...
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Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include a lack of trees and shade, as noted by multiple users. Gabriel W criticized the muddy North Beach and lack of water hookups at RV sites. Michelle Baker and others noted maintenance...
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Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing shade if camping in summer, as noted by Kathryn Olive. Early reservations are advised, particularly for weekends or group sites. Michelle Baker recommends checking...
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Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive, with the lake's water and recreational activities receiving praise. Spring reviews note cold and windy conditions, while fall reviews are limited. Winter...
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Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The water changes colors throughout the day in the most beautiful shades of turquoise. It really does look like Caribbean water.' - Courtney Roser. 2. 'If you like boating, surfing, skiing,...
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Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Courtney Roser praised site 40, calling it 'perfect... literally steps to what feels like your own private sandy beach.' Gabriel W noted issues with North Beach, calling it a 'mud beach.'
Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some group sites are ADA-accessible, but detailed reviews on accessibility are lacking.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some users noted issues with pets on the beach and in the campground. Sarah B stated, 'I wish they would enforce the dog rules; they are on the beach and in the campground unleashed.'
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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