Bear Canyon

Star4.25
45 reviews
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salt Creek Canyon Road, Nephi, UT 84648

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$15 - $143/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Utah Recreation Company site

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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
Bear Canyon
$15.00 - $143.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 for picnicking (day use) in a campground site, $103 for tent-only group site C with a capacity of 50 people, and $143 for group...
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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$143.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 45 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom I-15, take Nephi exit 225. Travel about 5 miles east on Highway 132 to the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Turn left onto the byway and travel 3.5 miles to the Bear Canyon turnoff. Turn left. Bear Canyon Campground is located at the end of the road, just past Ponderosa Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located at the end of a road with paved parking spurs and walking paths within the site. Seasonal accessibility depends on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Nephi (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including food and fuel, can be acquired in nearby Nephi, UT, which is approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Canyon

From May through October, Bear Canyon transforms with the seasons, offering warm, sun-drenched days perfect for summer adventures and crisp autumn mornings that paint the aspens in brilliant gold. While summer brings reliably dry conditions ideal for outdoor activities, savvy visitors planning late-season escapes should pack layers for cooler mountain evenings. As winter approaches, the surrounding peaks often wear caps of snow, creating a dramatic backdrop for fall camping adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with warm days and trails, but limited shade and rocky tent pads noted by reviewers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens turn brilliant gold and crisp mornings make fall especially scenic and pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (open from May 16) can be pleasant, but creek levels and facilities vary early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Oct 18; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to October 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 16 to October 18 (reservable from June 24).
  • Current Alerts: Vault toilets are operational, but flush toilets are closed. Campers must bring their own water as spigots have been removed.

About Bear Canyon

Nestled at the gateway to Mount Nebo Wilderness Area, Bear Canyon Campground offers an exclusive group camping experience where adventure meets tranquility. This secluded retreat features smooth paved roads winding through a picturesque landscape where towering aspens and fragrant fir trees frame expansive grassy meadows. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort while maintaining the authentic outdoor experience that groups seek for their gatherings under the stars.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 6 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Bear Canyon Trail, accessible from the campground entrance, supports hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail is noted for its scenic views.
FishingSalt Creek runs along the campground, offering opportunities for rainbow trout fishing. However, water levels may vary seasonally.
BikingBiking is permitted on the Bear Canyon Trail, which starts at the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe area boasts abundant wildlife, a key attraction for visitors. Bears are present, emphasizing the importance of secure food storage.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a potential hazard, and campers must store food securely to prevent attracting wildlife. The area is also home to deer and cows.
Active AlertsVault toilets are operational, but flush toilets are closed. Campers must bring their own water as spigots have been removed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bear Canyon

Reviews

4.3
45 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bear Canyon is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, proximity to trails, and large group site capacities are frequently praised by users.
Based on 45 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 45 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 45 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 45 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...
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Based on 45 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 45 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 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with leash restrictions, but no reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 45 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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