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

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground 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.

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

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground is open Camping is available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December. Black Oak Camping loop begins closing annually by the second week of November for the Lights at the Lake setup. The Chestnut loop is open through October 31.. 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 Creek Lake State Park Campground?

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground: Campfires are allowed at all sites and equipped with fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground have?

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground?

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

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground offers: Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground?

Popular activities at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

4.52

179 reviews

Top 20% in VASummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Virginia Best Campgrounds Virginia

Quick Facts

371 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Camping is available...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial Hookups

Book on Virginia State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

371 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Camping is available...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial Hookups

Book on Virginia State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Virginia State Parks

Provider

8044924410

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

37.5320, -78.2732

Weather at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Summer delivers the full experience here. Highs reach the mid-80s to low-90s, nights cool to the 60s, and the beach, boat rentals, and snack bar all operate at full capacity. Expect crowds on holiday weekends and book early if you want a lakefront spot. Check for blue-green algae advisories before swimming. Off-season visits are quieter, with no beach services but easier access to trails and campsites. Bugs persist even with spray during warmer months, so plan accordingly.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in VA

Summer is peak: beach, boat rentals, snack bar operate; sites fill quickly on weekends.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping is available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December. Black Oak Camping loop begins closing annually by the second week of November for the Lights at the Lake setup. The Chestnut loop is open through October 31.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground sits on the shores of a 40-acre lake within Cumberland State Forest, about 60 miles west of Richmond. The campground has 6 sites split between electric/water hookups and tent-only spots, plus cabin rentals. Sites are small and close together, better suited for tents or small pop-up campers than large RVs. Reservations fill quickly on summer weekends when the sandy beach and boat launch see the most use.

Campground 1 offers a mix of camping options, including electric/water hookups for RVs and tents, as well as tent-only sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the full experience here. Highs reach the mid-80s to low-90s, nights cool to the 60s, and the beach, boat rentals, and snack bar all operate at full capacity. Expect crowds on holiday weekends and book early if you want a lakefront spot. Check for blue-green algae advisories before swimming. Off-season visits are quieter, with no beach services but easier access to trails and campsites. Bugs persist even with spray during warmer months, so plan accordingly.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a wooded shoreline on Bear Creek Lake, a quiet 40-acre impoundment surrounded by 16,000 acres of Cumberland State Forest. Tall hardwoods, ferns, mosses, and lichen cover the rolling Piedmont terrain at 371 feet elevation. The Acorn Loop offers direct lake views from several sites, including lakefront tent site A9. The beach is sandy but not always groomed, and the lake itself is small enough that some visitors describe it as pond-like. You'll see catfish in the shallows, birdwatchers spot eagles overhead, and animal droppings on the beach remind you this is active wildlife habitat. Black snakes are common.

Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp in the heart of Cumberland County, Virginia, where 16,000 acres of pristine Cumberland State Forest create one of the Mid-Atlantic's most impressive woodland expanses. This remarkable location places you within one of Virginia's largest state forests, a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The surrounding landscape tells the story of Virginia's Piedmont region, where rolling hills meet dense forests, creating diverse ecosystems that have thrived for centuries.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging accommodations at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

04:00 pm

Check-out

01:00 pm

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged close together with sharp gravel pads. Electric/water site A01 measures 30 by 40 feet, while tent-only A02 is just 20 by 23 feet. Bathhouses range from 59 to 332 feet depending on your site. Most sites have partial shade; A02 offers full shade.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, e.g., Electric/Water #A01 has a site length of 30 feet and width of 40 feet, while Tent Only-No Hookups #A02 has a site length of 20 feet and width of 23 feet.

PrivacyCampsites generally offer partial shade, with one tent-only site providing full shade for more privacy.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Best CampsitesAcorn Loop sites offer the best lake access and views. Tent site A9 sits right on the water with peaceful sightlines across the lake. These lakefront spots are small (site A02 measures just 20 by 23 feet) but worth the tight quarters if you prioritize scenery over space. The campground enforces a 20-foot vehicle length limit, so this is tent and small-camper territory.

Need help booking Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Virginia State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dump Station

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Things to do at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Visitors to Bear Creek Lake State Park can enjoy water-centric activities on the 40-acre lake, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Hiking trails provide additional opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails available throughout the 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest offering wide outdoor options.

Swimming4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Beach activities4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Fishing3.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake shore views, hardwood forest textures, and cabins offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome sites are located close to bathhouses (e.g., 65 feet away), while others are farther apart (e.g., 332 feet).

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsDetails on flush toilets are not included.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

179 reviews

Top-Rated

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews were provided for this campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 179 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities and lake; family-friendly with diverse visitors; friendly staff; peaceful atmosphere; beautiful lake views; well-maintained cabins with porches and full kitchens; great for swimming,...

Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints were mentioned due to the absence of user reviews.

Based on 179 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No user reviews are available to identify the best or worst campsites.

Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are small and close together with sharp gravel; bring mattress topper for firm cabin mattresses; use bug spray due to bugs; ideal for tents or small pull-behinds; friendly staff.

Based on 179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends can be analyzed as no user reviews are present.

Based on 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users exist in the data.

Based on 179 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are present.

Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews concerning pet policies or experiences.

Based on 179 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Virginia State Parks

Provider

8044924410

Go if

Tent campers or small pop-up owners who want a quiet lake within striking distance of Richmond. Site A02 gets full shade, the sandy beach is walkable, and non-motorized boat rentals keep the water calm enough for kayaks and fishing.

Skip if

Big RVs will find the sites too small and tight, sharp gravel pads complicate tent setup, and there are no showers or flush toilets. The lake reads more like a large pond and the beach isn't always groomed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(122)

Canoe-In Campsites Campground

Powhatan State Park

Canoe-in Campsites sit along the James River in Powhatan State Park, a 1,565-acre property 45 minutes west of Richmond. Nine primitive sites are accessible only by paddling in or hiking. No car access. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Planning Tips

About Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews