Bear Creek Campground
04 reviewsBear Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
"No Fees are required for this site."
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where the gentle murmur of Bear Creek provides a year-round soundtrack to your camping adventure. This charming campground offers an intimate escape into nature, with the perpetually flowing creek creating a refreshing ambiance that transforms every stay into a memorable experience.
Bear Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, primarily for tent campers. RV camping and other modern accommodations are not supported due to the lack of facilities and challenging access roads.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 2,000 feet elevation, this campground enjoys a mild climate that welcomes visitors throughout the year. The moderate altitude provides comfortable temperatures during summer months while offering crisp, refreshing air that enhances your outdoor experience without the extreme conditions found at higher elevations.
ElevationAt 2,000 feet above sea level, you'll find yourself in the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid harsh alpine conditions. This ideal elevation creates a perfect balance for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfortable camping conditions across multiple seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Creek serves as the campground's centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters dancing over smooth stones and creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation. The creek's reliable flow throughout the year attracts diverse wildlife and maintains lush riparian vegetation, offering campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Mendocino National Forest, this campground sits amidst a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. The surrounding forest showcases the region's characteristic mixed conifer and hardwood ecosystems, providing a stunning backdrop of towering trees and diverse plant life that exemplifies Northern California's natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not explicitly stated.
Sites SizeSites are medium-sized, accommodating standard tents but not RVs or trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is laid out in a linear fashion, providing some level of privacy for campers, even during busy periods.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
"14 days"
Groups
Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"Campground is laid out in a line."
Open and Closed Season"Open seasonally."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Creek Campground provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Visitors often highlight the creek as a feature, which is suitable for filtering water and adds to the outdoor experience. Hunting and shooting are also mentioned as allowed activities within the area.
Hiking
Hiking is available, including day hikes and backpacking options as stated in authoritative sources. No specific trail details or difficulty levels are provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist in nearby streams and rivers. User reviews highlight Bear Creek as a small creek that flows year-round, making it potentially suitable for fishing.Winter Activities
Winter recreation activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m."
Hazards
General hazards"It is necessary to ford three creeks to access the campground and is not accessible when water is running high."
Active alerts"Vault toilets are full."
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
"Call Ranger District Office for additional information."
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo explicit mention of trash or recycling facilities; campers may need to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water features"Bear Creek."
Common complaints"Vault toilets are full."
Campground Map
Driving directions"In Upper Lake, CA, at intersection of Main St. and State Rt. 20, take Main St. north 0.25 miles to 2nd St. Turn right on 2nd St. and go 0.1 miles to Middle Creek Rd. Turn left onto Middle Creek Rd. and go 0.4 miles to Elk Mountain Rd. Turn right onto Elk Mountain Rd. and go 14.6 miles to Bear Creek Rd. (Forest Rt. 10/18N01). Bear right onto Bear Creek Rd. and go 7.5 miles to Forest Rt. 17N33. Continue straight on Rt. 17N33 for 0.6 miles to campground on right."
"Several spots on the road to this campground are narrow, passable only with high-clearance 4WD."Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Bear Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Bear Creek Campground as a primitive camping location with basic amenities. Many visitors appreciate the creek flowing year-round and the site's linear layout. While picnic tables and fire rings are available and appreciated, the vault toilets have maintenance issues that detract from the experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the year-round flowing creek, cement picnic benches, fire rings, and the campground's quiet, linear layout, which minimizes overcrowding.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints focus on the vault toilets being full and the challenging access roads that require high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. The lack of potable water and maintenance of...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
User tips recommend bringing a water filtration system to utilize the nearby creek and ensuring vehicles have high clearance and four-wheel drive for accessing the site. Campers suggest planning...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Dry seasons are favored due to easier accessibility. During wet seasons, creek crossings and muddy roads make the site challenging to reach.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The campground is laid out in a line so you won't have too many other campers near you even if the campground is busy." "Nice little campground next to a the small Bear creek that usually flows all...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers highlighted in reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically mention accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mention of pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025