The best camping near Bear Lake State Park ID

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bear Lake State Park ID adventure.

88% (6 reviews)

Discover Bear Lake State Park: A Haven for Water Enthusiasts and Campers.

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Stay at a public campground in Bear Lake State Park ID

88%

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Bear Lake Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Bear Lake State Park ID

Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Lake State Park ID

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Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

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(74)

Lazy 6-T Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Montpelier, ID

This is our Family owned cattle ranch. Our cattle love this place and we are sure that you will too! Come enjoy some time in the countryside away from the rat race. Only a short drive from Bear Lake where you can relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine or enjoy all types of water sports with your friends and family.

96%

(35)

Monte Cristo Recreation Mecca

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Avon, UT

We grew up recreating in this area. Our family still has the annual tradition of snowmobiling from Monte Cristo, stopping for lunch at Hardware Ranch, and continuing on to Bear Lake. The trails are endless in these mountains and the solitude abundant. Our property is smack in the middle between Monte Cristo parking lot and Hardware Ranch. It is the perfect location to set up camp and be ready hit the trails first thing in the morning. Learn more about this land: Private land camping between Hardware Ranch and Monte Cristo with fabulous views and stunning sunsets. This area is a recreation mecca with access to miles and miles of national forest trails less than a mile away! Dirt biking, riding ATVs, horse back riding, and hiking are all very popular and very accessible. You can't beat this location if you love the outdoors, enjoy solitude, and crave backcountry recreation!

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Bear Lake Basecamp!

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Liberty, ID

This has become a great place for our family to go to get away for the weekends. The nights are absolutely beautiful and you can see the stars. You can hear the coyotes off in the distance chipping and howling. My kids love to ride their ATV on the trails and we go for hikes and just relax. There is one fire pit for use at each camp spot (2 spots), just please go into the trees and find some wood to re-stack what you have used and ensure it is out with water and dirt. I fight wildfires during the summer and don’t want to have to fight one up there. Plus I may be hard to reach depending on where I’m located. Learn more about this land: Our Bear Lake Bascamp is perfect for boondocking or pitch a tent and camp in our 5 acres meadow or find a small shady spot in the 5 acres of quakies and pine trees! Off grid camping! OHV trails (ride from camp), bring your mountain bikes or even just go for a hike. Located at the edge of the Caribou-Targhe National Forest, Montpelier Ranger District, Idaho. The sunrises are amazing and in the evening you can listen to the coyotes off in the distance. It is open in the winter for snowshoeing or snowmobiling in with wood ready for the fire pit! Recommend, that when you first arrive, build a small fire in the fire pit and the smoke will get rid of any of the bugs around. We get up there about 1 time a month and mow/trim the path, parking and work on the trails in the pines. Turn left at the smile face....When you see it, you'll know what I mean ;) Please be respectful of others who have property in the area as well. Don't climb over anyone's fences.

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Mountain Maple Ranch 🍁

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Preston, ID

Learn more about this land: This property offers a pavilion that measures 16x20, and a picnic table that can seat 10-12 people. We have extended our tent pad to be able to add up to 4 big tents measuring roughly 40x17-18. Please be honest about the number of guests that are coming max is 20, if you want more than that don't hesitate to get in touch with me separately. Mostly cause I clean and want to ensure it's clean for the next camper. This tent site is PACK IN PACK OUT. I don’t have city services, If you need trash services It's $7.50 per TRASH BAG that I need to take out. Outhouse is a pit toilet but I make sure it does not stink and is extremely clean. I only have it listed as 1 place so you can have a family reunion or just come as a family. When you come to our place we have an accenting driveway, and a large boulder retaining wall with a gray gate to keep the camp secured and keep range cows out. This property is a working homestead. YOU WILL SEE ANIMALS and US working especially if you hike up the main road where we live. WE HAVE separation however we are still needing to manage the land and the animals. The campsite we don't enter, but we have to access the main road to run errands or go to work. We do our own thing and the campers do their own thing. If you are curious about the farm and operations we are happy to show you around and you are welcome to explore but you WILL RUN INTO us :) we don't mind as long as you don't mind. If you want to see more of the property and all the projects we do a YouTube channel @mountainmapleranch to see all the updates. Bring your toys, such as bikes, 4-wheelers, and ATVs we have some fun trails close by that go to the back of Worm Creek Basin that goes on for miles of beautiful trails.

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Bear Lake Aquatics Base

33 sites · Tents300 acres · Laketown, UT

Bear Lake Aquatics Base is owned and operated by the Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. It is used for Scout events and campsite rentals during the summer season. There aren’t many places inland that you can say you really feel like you’re at the ocean. Bear Lake just happens to be one of them! With one mile of beach-front property, you will enjoy a beach-front camp like you’ve never dreamed of! All campsites are located between the highway and Bear Lake. Each campsite has potable water, a picnic table, campfire pit, and restrooms/showers a short walk away. No alcohol, drugs, or fireworks on property per Scouting America policies. Bear Lake Aquatics Base is conveniently located north of Laketown and nearby many local attractions - Bear Lake State Park, Logan Canyon, Minnetonka Cave and the National Oregon Trail Museum. Explore neighboring Laketown to experience the local flavor, maybe even a raspberry shake.

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Strong Arm Farm

1 site · RV, Tent64 acres · Clifton, ID

Strong Arm Farm is a large, secluded spot to enjoy nature and recreation. Whether you want to get into one of the local reservoirs, hot springs, or head up into the mountains, this location has it all at your fingertips. You’ll never know you’re close to the amenities in town because of how serene the area is. Deer, elk and many more varieties of wildlife frequent the farm. Another level of piece and quiet await you!

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(97)

Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Franklin, ID

This property was used by the Shoshone Indian tribe as a summer camp area. Later after the pioneers came they set up a dance floor and had parties here. The dance floor has since overgrown. This property has also been the host to never dams. It has been in our family for many years and we have enjoyed it.Learn more about this land:The campsites are located in a wooded area so lots of shade. 2 sites are creek side along maple creek and the other has a small stream and a pond. All sites have a fire pit available. All sites are carry in carry out. Easily accessible with a four wheel drive. You will need to cross maple creek to reach site 1. The road down to the river bottoms is a bit steep so 4 wheel drive is recommended. This area is ideal for tent camping.

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Ranch View Hillside

1 site · RV, Tent17 acres · Fairview, WY

Come spend a relaxing time at the base of one of the mountain foothills in stunning Star Valley, WY with a view over a rippling creek below, ranches spread across the valley floor, and watch the sunrise over the mountains on the other side! As the only camper on our 17 acres surrounded by several larger ranches, you will be overlooking part of the old Oregon Trail in the valley below. Above and around you are a rocky hillside covered with wild berry bushes, many songbirds, and larger wildlife like deer, snowshoe hares, elk, foxes, and coyotes. A moose or bear might even wander by. The hillside rises steeply behind you, turning into more mountains as it climbs out of sight. It is generally a quiet rural area about 6 miles from a town with gas, groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, laundromat, camper showers, and other amenities available. There are many trailheads for hiking nearby as well as fishing access to the main river at multiple points across the valley. The Star Valley and Oregon Trail history museums in town provide a fascinating look into the history of this valley. And the largest intermittent spring in the world is a beautiful short hike from a nearby trailhead. In the summer you'll probably hear Red Winged Blackbirds singing in the willows along the creek below and spot brilliant Western Tanagers flitting among the bushes. Bring your binoculars and some patience and you will likely spot a huge variety of other birds as well! This hillside is tucked in the middle of many working ranches so you might see cowboys ride by on horseback, a herd of cows being moved from one pasture to another, or 4 wheelers moving around depending on the time of year. This is a boon-docking site with no water, power, or toilet available. Just lots of nature and views! Plan for pack it in/pack it out and help us keep this spot of nature a place where many people can enjoy the peace of time in the mountains. The parking spot its self is a flat graveled pad suitable for rigs up to a 26 feet in length or tent camping. A small sitting area with a pair of chairs is provided for you to enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise if you like. There is a gravel lane that comes up the hill from the paved county road below, and then the campsite sits off to the side of that tucked into a corner of the steep hillside. Family lives in a cabin further up the hillside, but out of both sight and earshot from the campsite. Sadly no campfires due to the danger of a wildfire. Camp stoves are just fine. We love our pets, and yours are welcome! But please keep them on a leash due to the high volume of wildlife in the area, some of which can easily kill a dog. Verizon phones usually have service in this particular spot, other carriers tend to be hit and miss. Plan to check in sometime after 3:00 p.m. on the day of your arrival and check out before 11:00 a.m. so we have a little bit of time in between guests to do any mowing or other maintenance to the site area.

The best camping near Bear Lake State Park ID guide

Overview

About

The sprawling azure blue waters and aquamarine ponds at Bear Lake will make you feel like you've stepped into a calendar shot. Whether you're down to boat around the lake, or fish for the perfect catch, this place is stock full of fun activities to fill your days. Find a secluded spot to splash around in your birthday suit, or just share a picnic at a serene spot. Trekkers will love all the hiking and mountain biking opportunities available, and you can't go wrong with some wildlife watching, either. With wifi at the visitor's center and snacks to munch on as well, you'll still be able to treat yourself to a taste of modern life on the side.

Notable campgrounds

North Beach Campground - A scenic spot with easy access to the lake's vibrant waters and ample space for group camping.
East Side Campground - Offers a tranquil setting for campers seeking a serene lakeside experience.
Bear Lake Campground - Provides panoramic views and a variety of campsites to suit any adventurer's needs.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your ideal campsite, especially during peak summer months.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations when the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Bear Lake State Park ID is during the summer when the lake's turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and water sports. Winter offers a unique charm with ice fishing for the endemic Bonneville cisco. Avoid peak holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter visit.

Know before you go

Day-use locations are open from 7am to 10pm, with potential changes at park manager discretion.
Always check for any park updates or event schedules before your visit.
Remember to pack sunscreen and water toys for a fun-filled day at the lake.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park, so plan accordingly.
Reservations for campsites can be made by calling 1-888-9-CAMPID or 1-888-922-6743.