How much does camping cost at Bear Canyon?

Camping fees at Bear Canyon are $91.78 - $143/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Canyon first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Canyon 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 Canyon before I book?

Yes! Bear Canyon has 4 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 Canyon?

Bear Canyon is open April 17 to October 18. 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 Canyon?

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

How many campsites does Bear Canyon have?

Bear Canyon has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Canyon?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Canyon. 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 Canyon?

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

What activities can I do at Bear Canyon?

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

Bear Canyon

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear Canyon?

Fire policies at Bear Canyon: Extra Vehicle - $10 per vehicle, per day (paid on-site at Ponderosa Uinta Campground by cash/check) Firewood - $9 (available at Ponderosa Uinta Campground). Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.32

65 reviews

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salt Creek Canyon Road, Nephi, UT 84648

Top 19% in UTFall

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$91.78 - $143/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$91.78 - $143/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Canyon

$91.78 - $143.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (A & B): $127.43; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC - Group C (small): $91.78; S&P Group Standard: $143.00; S&P Group Tent:...

Group Site Fee$143.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

SPANISH FORK RANGER DISTRICT 801-798-3571 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100comments@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salt Creek Canyon Road, Nephi, UT 84648

Bear Canyon

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salt Creek Canyon Road, Nephi, UT 84648

Nearby places

Nephi (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes drive)

Weather at Bear Canyon

Current alerts(15)

Advance Reservations: Reservations are required and must be made at least 5 days in advance Walk-ins/first come first serve not available for these sites
Campground Etiquette and Rules Gates open at 7am, Gates close at 10pm Quiet Hours are 10pm-6am No generators after 10pm Camping is allowed only within the designated space provided.
Check-in at Ponderosa Uinta Campground
Click here for more info about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest -For more information, please call Spanish Fork Ranger District at 801-798-3571 or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100 -Visit our website gocamputah.com or Facebook facebook.com/letsgocamputah To reserve a…

Best Time to Camp at Bear Canyon

Best season: fall. Visiting in fall puts you in the middle of the aspen color change and crisp, clear mountain weather—ideal for photography, long hikes, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–70°F in September dropping to 40–55°F in early October, with chilly mornings that can dip near freezing; this brings the meadows and aspens into vivid golds and reds. Crowds are lighter than midsummer, giving group campers a quieter experience, but note the campground closes October 18 so plan for late-SEP to Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in UT

Listed as best season—aspens in color, crisp clear mountain weather ideal for visits and photos.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to October 18 (reservable from June 24).

About Bear Canyon

Bear Canyon sits in mid-elevation forest near Nephi in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, operated by Utah Recreation Company. This very small campground offers group camping alongside individual sites, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing, with reviewers praising scenic views and proximity to trails despite rocky tent sites and limited shade.

Bear Canyon Campground is exclusively suited for group camping, offering three group campsites. Primitive camping features are minimal as the sites are intended for organized groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visiting in fall puts you in the middle of the aspen color change and crisp, clear mountain weather—ideal for photography, long hikes, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–70°F in September dropping to 40–55°F in early October, with chilly mornings that can dip near freezing; this brings the meadows and aspens into vivid golds and reds. Crowds are lighter than midsummer, giving group campers a quieter experience, but note the campground closes October 18 so plan for late-SEP to Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground centers on an expansive grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and fir forests, with the Wasatch Range rising on all sides. At 6,800 feet, the terrain shows dramatic elevation changes between surrounding peaks and the gentle valley floor. Tree coverage is sparse in the camping area itself, leaving sites exposed to sun and open to mountain views. The meadow functions as a natural gathering space, while the forests at the edges provide some visual definition without much shade.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations are available in Bear Canyon Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the provided data.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 6 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate 50 to 75 people depending on site.

Groups

Site A and B accommodate 75 people and roughly 15 vehicles each
Site C accommodates 50 people and 10 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov and the mobile app or via phone at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground has paved roads, parking spurs, and walking paths. However, no specific accessibility features for disabled visitors are detailed.

Site SizeThe group sites are large: Sites A and B can accommodate up to 75 people each, while Site C can hold up to 50 people.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the open grassy meadow setting and sparse tree coverage.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose site C for smaller groups and proximity to shared vault toilets.

Best CampsitesSite C accommodates up to 50 people and offers slightly more privacy than the larger Sites A and B, which hold up to 75 each. Reviewers note that tent stakes can be difficult to place due to rocky ground, so hammocks work better if you're in the forested edges.

Need help booking Bear Canyon?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water is available at this campground, water can be obtained at Ponderosa Campground filling station.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Bear Canyon

Visitors to Bear Canyon Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Salt Creek and trails like Bear Canyon Trail offer significant recreational opportunities.

Hiking4.0/5

Bear Canyon Trail starts at the campground and is noted for scenic views and multi-use access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Fishing3.5/5

Salt Creek runs along the campground with rainbow trout fishing; flows and levels vary seasonally.

Biking3.5/5

Bear Canyon Trail is multi-use and biking is permitted from the campground.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Mid-elevation meadow in national forest suggests low light and tranquility, favorable for stars.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are non-operational and locked, as noted by multiple user reviews.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyExtra Vehicle - $10 per vehicle, per day (paid on-site at Ponderosa Uinta Campground by cash/check) Firewood - $9 (available at Ponderosa Uinta Campground)

Trash & RecyclingTrash must be stored in vehicles or bear-proof containers. Unclean campsites and leaving trash outside can result in fines up to $5,000.

Cell CoverageNo details about cell phone service availability or quality are provided.

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

4.3

65 reviews

Recommended

Bear Canyon is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the area's stunning natural beauty and tranquility but express dissatisfaction with maintenance issues such as locked restrooms and deteriorating facilities. The group sites are particularly appreciated for gatherings.

Review Summaries

Based on 65 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, proximity to trails, and large group site capacities are frequently praised by users.

Based on 65 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include locked flush toilets, limited shade, poor maintenance of facilities (e.g., picnic tables, fire pits), and rocky tent spots.

Based on 65 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site C is noted for being hard to accommodate the full capacity of 50 people comfortably, especially for parking. Site A reviewers complain about the dangerous condition of picnic tables.

Based on 65 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as there is none on-site. Consider hammocks if tent stakes are hard to use. Exercise caution with food storage due to bear activity.

Based on 65 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews caution about limited shade and rocky tent grounds. Off-season comments focus on the lack of operational facilities.

Based on 65 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Gorgeous view. Not enough shade for tent camping and terrible traffic of others trying to park to go hiking near the campground.' - AnnaBelle Taylor. 'The group sites are better and closer to the...

Based on 65 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific comments on accessibility features from users, though frustrations with vault toilets being the only option might pose issues for some.

Based on 65 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with leash restrictions, but no reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.

Based on 65 reviews

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Bear Canyon

$91.78 - $143.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (A & B): $127.43; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC - Group C (small): $91.78; S&P Group Standard: $143.00; S&P Group Tent:...

Group Site Fee$143.00