How much does camping cost at Bear Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Bear Lake State Park range from $20-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Bear Lake State Park has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Lake State Park?

Bear Lake State Park is open Peak season is during summer months from late May to early September.. 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 State Park?

Yes, Bear Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Bear Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Bear Lake State Park: Campfires are restricted during dry seasons and must be contained within designated fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Bear Lake State Park?

Cell phone service at Bear Lake State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bear Lake State Park have?

Bear Lake State Park has 357 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Lake State Park. 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 State Park?

Bear Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bear Lake State Park

3.86

53 reviews

BOX 184, GARDEN CITY, Utah, 84028-0184, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,923 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

357 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsUp to 30 ftShowers

Book on Utah State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,923 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

357 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsUp to 30 ftShowers

Book on Utah State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Lake State Park

$20.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 per site for primitive camping up to $200 for premium group-use sites. Additional vehicle fees apply per site. Reservations may...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$45.00

Group Site Fee$200.00

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4359463343.

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Campground Map

BOX 184, GARDEN CITY, Utah, 84028-0184, United States

Bear Lake State Park

BOX 184, GARDEN CITY, Utah, 84028-0184, United States

Nearby places

Garden City, UT (~5 miles, ~10 minutes)

Laketown, UT (~7 miles, ~15 minutes)

Logan, UT (~44 miles, ~1 hour)

Montpelier, ID (~29 miles, ~35 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Closest grocery, camping supplies, and fuel services are in Garden City, UT, approximately 5 miles away. Limited supplies may also be available in Laketown, UT. Rendezvous Beach Rentals offer boating and fishing supplies, accessories, and food services.

Driving directionsBear Lake State Park is accessible via multiple park facilities located around Bear Lake. Rendezvous Beach is situated at 1220 North Bear Lake Boulevard (UT State Road 30) Laketown, Utah 84038, while the Marina and Park Offices are at 940 North Bear Lake Boulevard (US Highway 89), Garden City, UT 84028. Additional camping areas, such as Cisco Beach, North Eden, Rainbow Cove, and South Eden, are located along Cisco Road and are marked with GPS coordinates. Visitors should note that Cisco Road junction serves as a key landmark when navigating to Eastside Areas.

Routes to Bear Lake State Park are primarily paved and accessible year-round. Seasonal closures may apply to some facilities. Cisco Road to Eastside campgrounds like Cisco Beach and North Eden is unpaved but manageable, offering direct access to primitive camping areas.

Weather at Bear Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake State Park

Summer brings temperatures in the 70s–85°F during the day with cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s. Water temperatures reach the 60s–70s by mid-summer, warm enough for swimming and water sports. July and August see the largest crowds and require advance reservations. Winter lasts November through March, with snow cover transforming the area for cold-weather activities. Reviewers warn about high summer temperatures and recommend bringing shade equipment, as many sites lack natural cover.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best time for swimming/boating; warm days (70s–85°F) but can be crowded and lacking shade.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is during summer months from late May to early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round access, but Eastside primitive campgrounds (Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, North Eden) are first-come, first-served outside of reservation season.

About Bear Lake State Park

Bear Lake State Park sits at 5,923 feet along the Utah-Idaho border, where the lake's famous turquoise water draws visitors to 357 campsites ranging from primitive sites to full-hookup RV spots. Fees run $20–$200 per night depending on site type. The park's turquoise color comes from suspended calcium carbonate particles, a geological signature that gives the Rocky Mountain lake its Caribbean appearance.

Bear Lake State Park provides diverse camping options, ranging from modern RV sites with full hookups to primitive campsites on the Eastside areas.

Historical Significance

Explorer Donald Mackenzie reached the lake in 1819 and named it Black Bear Lake. The shoreline hosted Mountain Man Rendezvous gatherings in the 1820s, where trappers met to trade goods and stories.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings temperatures in the 70s–85°F during the day with cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s. Water temperatures reach the 60s–70s by mid-summer, warm enough for swimming and water sports. July and August see the largest crowds and require advance reservations. Winter lasts November through March, with snow cover transforming the area for cold-weather activities. Reviewers warn about high summer temperatures and recommend bringing shade equipment, as many sites lack natural cover.

ElevationPerched at 5,923 feet above sea level, Bear Lake State Park offers a refreshing escape from summer heat while treating visitors to breathtaking panoramic vistas. This mile-high paradise provides crisp mountain air and spectacular viewing opportunities that stretch across the valley and beyond.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated steps from the shore of Bear Lake in Garden City, Utah, with direct access to the lake's turquoise waters and boating ramps. The campground offers a front-row seat to the lake, ideal for lake enthusiasts and families[1].

Geological RegionBear Lake stands as a testament to the Earth's incredible forces, carved into existence 28,000 years ago when tectonic plates shifted to create this 20-mile-long, 8-mile-wide alpine jewel. Cradled high in the Rocky Mountains along the Utah-Idaho border, the lake's famous turquoise waters owe their ethereal color to suspended calcium carbonate—a geological signature that transforms this mountain lake into something truly extraordinary. Each ripple tells the story of millennia, making every visit a journey through deep time.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic lake views with mountainous backdrops. Notable scenic spots include Rendezvous Beach and Cisco Beach.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options include cozy camper cabin rentals at Rendezvous Beach and Bear Lake Escape cabins offering scenic views.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are described in the materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

7:00 AM

Check-out

10:30 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum of 8 people, one RV and one tent or two tents per site.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Groups

Group campsites are available at Rendezvous Beach and Eastside areas. South Eden offers two group sites, while North Eden features a group site with specific RV hookups and parking stalls.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe park divides into loops and sections with individual and group-use areas. Eastside sections have a more primitive layout with open spacing. Sites vary in privacy depending on tree and grass cover, with some areas exposed to neighboring campers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at stateparks.utah.gov or via phone at 4359463343.

Walk-in AvailabilityPrimitive sites on the Eastside (Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove) are first-come, first-served. Other areas allow both reservations and walk-in availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.

AccessibilityThe park includes ADA-accessible restrooms and features, though specific details on site accessibility for disabled individuals are limited.

Site SizeCampsites vary from individual to group sizes, supporting RVs and tents with a capacity of 8 people per site in individual spaces.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across the park. Some campsites, particularly in the Eastside areas, lack trees and grass, leading to less privacy.

Total Campsites357 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with hookups at Birch and Big Creek are recommended for families. Primitive sites on the Eastside offer solitude and direct lake access.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations available; 45 sites with water, 30- and 50-amp electric, and sewer hookups noted, but full hookup combinations unconfirmed[1].

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Amenities available

Bear Lake State Park offers a blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. Facilities include flush and vault toilets, ADA-accessible features, hot showers, full utility hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. Wi-Fi is not mentioned in the official data. Multiple reviewers highlighted the cleanliness of amenities, such as showers and restrooms. "The restroom showers were accommodated with a bench and hangers," noted one user, while another appreciated "clean sandy beaches with shallow water for a hundred plus feet."

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Up to 30 ft vehicles

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Lake State Park caters to a wide range of recreational interests, including water sports, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing are available during winter.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSummer heat can be intense, particularly in areas without shade. Wildlife encounters are possible.

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted during dry seasons and must be contained within designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesGarden City, UT hosts the nearest emergency medical facilities, police stations, and ranger stations. Specific details about hospitals are not included.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are located at the front entrance. Reviews noted the limited number of dumpsters leading to improper trash disposal in some cases.

Water FeaturesDirect proximity to Bear Lake and beaches. Specific water features include Rendezvous Beach and Cisco Beach.

Camp HostFriendly and helpful hosts have been noted at Rendezvous Beach. Contact the Ranger Station for assistance.

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

3.9

53 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bear Lake State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Bear Lake State Park are a mix of praise for its natural beauty and amenities and criticism of staff behavior and site conditions. Common themes include the lake's stunning blue water, clean facilities, and family-friendly environment.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Front-row seat to Bear Lake's turquoise waters; perfect for lake enthusiasts and families[1].

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of shade at campsites, limited dumpsters leading to trash issues, and excessive enforcement of rules by park staff.

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Eastside areas received mixed reviews, with some noting the lack of organization and maintenance. Rendezvous Beach was praised for its proximity to the lake and amenities.

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reservations fill fast in peak summer; book ahead for Bear Lake weekends. Leash dogs at all times; open spaces near the lake allow responsible roaming[1].

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is less crowded and more peaceful in the off-season, as noted by visitors. Summer months can be busy and hot, with limited shade impacting comfort.

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Caribbean of the Rocky Mountains, such a great place to go camping and see the majestic Bear Lake.' 2. 'The water clarity - you can walk 100+ yards out and still feel the bottom and see your...

Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

A negative account highlighted a lack of sensitivity from staff towards visitors with disabilities, though no further accessibility-specific reviews were noted.

Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campgrounds but not on beach areas at Rendezvous Beach. Reviews generally view the park as dog-friendly.

Based on 53 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families who want a lake beach without a long hike to the water will do well here. Rendezvous Beach has seven boat launch lanes, shallow swimming that stays calm for 100-plus feet out, and rentals on-site. Book July and August months ahead.

Skip if

Exposed sites with no shade are the rule at many sections, not the exception, so bring a canopy or you'll roast. Reviewers also report unusually tense interactions with park staff around rule enforcement, and dogs are barred from the beach entirely.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.8

(113)

Big Creek Group Campground

null

Big Creek Group Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Utah, offering full-hookup sites for tents and RVs alongside group camping areas. The campground provides flush toilets, showers, and a dump station, with nearby beach access for swimming and water activities. Campers consistently praise the clean facilities and reliable utilities.