Smokey Bear Campground

Star4.88
19 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,037 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Smokey Bear Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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

4.88

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"User reviews paint the Smokey Bear Campground as a picturesque and tranquil location with large campsites and lake views. However, some concerns include low privacy levels due to thin tree coverage."

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Campground Map

Smokey Bear Campground

43.9202, -114.8611


Best Time to Camp at Smokey Bear Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Warm months highlighted for swimming and beach use; reviewers note best in heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant outdoors but no specific reviews or activities noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildlife and lake views but no detailed spring-specific info given.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Seasonal notes favor warm months; winter activities and access not described.

Planning Tips

    About Smokey Bear Campground

    <h2>Overview</h2> <p>Embrace the spirit of adventure at this first-come, first-served wilderness retreat, where spontaneity meets the great outdoors. Your journey begins the moment you arrive at the campground, where you'll claim your perfect spot among nature's bounty – no advance reservations needed, just pure exploration.</p> <p>We've made settling in seamless with modern convenience. Once you've found your ideal campsite, simply scan the on-site QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app's innovative Scan and Pay feature to complete your stay registration right from your phone.</p> <p><strong>Pro tip for the prepared traveler:</strong> Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app at https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app before you hit the road. Cell service can be spotty in these pristine wilderness areas, so having the app ready ensures a smooth check-in process when you arrive at your outdoor sanctuary.</p>
    Smokey Bear Campground caters to campers using both tent and RV setups. It operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis, which requires visitors to physically claim a site.
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    Activities you can enjoy

    The Smokey Bear Campground offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy the scenic lake, with activities primarily centered around the lake environment. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, as noted by several reviews.
    Wildlife viewingThe campground is suitable for wildlife viewing. One user review mentioned, "Lots of wildlife," highlighting this as a key feature of the area.
    Beach activitiesOne reviewer described the lake's sandy shores as ideal for activities like sunbathing or beachcombing, especially during warmer weather. "Easy sandy shores would be great for swimming," they pointed out.
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    Policies & Safety


    Weather at Smokey Bear Campground

    Reviews

    4.9
    19 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Smokey Bear Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews paint the Smokey Bear Campground as a picturesque and tranquil location with large campsites and lake views. However, some concerns include low privacy levels due to thin tree coverage.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 19 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Positive feedback highlights the campground's scenic beauty, wildlife, and the accommodating campground host, Tammy. "Absolutely beautiful!" remarked one reviewer, while another said, "The lake is...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The main complaints revolve around the lack of privacy due to sparse tree cover. One user commented, "Trees were thin, so not much privacy anywhere."
    Based on 19 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Future visitors are advised to prepare for limited cell service and thin tree cover, which may affect privacy. Using the Recreation.gov app for payment should be planned in advance.
    Based on 19 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Reviews suggest the campground may be most enjoyable during warmer months, given the mentions of the lake's sandy shores and swimming potential. "Lake was crystal clear, and if it would’ve been hot...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Absolutely beautiful! The campground host Tammy was amazing!" - Eric Cole. "The lake is crystal clear, and if it would’ve been hot out, easy sandy shores would be great for swimming." - 82kellyjo....
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    The campsites are described as larger than other nearby campgrounds, offering a more spacious camping experience. "We loved it. The campgrounds were larger than other locations that we saw," stated...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    There is no specific information about accessibility features in user reviews.
    Based on 19 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No user reviews discuss experiences with pets or pet-related features.
    Based on 19 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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