Bear Lake Campground (Co)

Star4.66
60 reviews
3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA
Bear Lake Campground (Co)
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $25.00 per night during the peak season (June 13, 2025 - September 13, 2025) and first-come, first-served season (September 14,...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
719-269-8500trevor@rockymountainrec.com

About this campground

Perched high in the clouds at 10,480 feet, Bear Lake Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the San Isabel National Forest. Here, where the majestic Culebra Range Mountains paint the horizon, rustic campsites offer front-row seats to nature's grandest theater. Days unfold with endless possibilities—from casting lines into pristine mountain waters to exploring trails that wind through ancient forests, all while breathing in the crisp, pine-scented air that only high-altitude camping can provide.
Bear Lake Campground accommodates tent and RV camping but lacks hookups, reinforcing its primitive nature. Group camping is implicitly supported but subject to specific rules on site usage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently at this alpine retreat, bringing pleasantly cool days that hover around 70°F—a refreshing escape when the valleys below swelter. As evening shadows lengthen across the mountainside, temperatures dip to a crisp 40°F, perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing. When winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, heavy snows blanket the forest floor and temperatures plummet, creating a dramatically different but equally enchanting mountain experience.
ElevationAt 10,480 feet above sea level, Bear Lake Campground exists in that magical realm where the air grows thin and the views grow infinite. This lofty perch delivers naturally air-conditioned summers and panoramic vistas that stretch across wave after wave of mountain peaks. Here, the elevation isn't just a number—it's your gateway to cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that exhilarating feeling of camping among the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering aspens and ancient spruce create a living cathedral around your campsite, their branches whispering secrets of the high country. A melodious tributary of the Cuchara River threads through the campground, providing nature's soundtrack to your mountain escape. Just a short eighth-mile stroll leads to the mirror-like surface of Bear Lake, while the sapphire waters of Blue Lake await a mile down the trail. Both pristine alpine lakes teem with trout during summer months, their surfaces dimpling with rises as evening hatches begin.
Geological RegionNestled within the embrace of the San Isabel National Forest, this mountain sanctuary sits at the doorstep of the dramatic Culebra Range. Here, geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts—where dense forests of aspen and spruce give way to jewel-like alpine lakes, and where the dancing waters of the Cuchara River tributary have carved their ancient path through the terrain. This is Colorado's high country at its finest, where every vista tells the story of millennia written in stone and forest.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are included in the amenities. Specific details on full ADA compliance are not provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spaced far apart in user reviews. Campsite 6, for instance, has a 'huge open field behind it.'
Sites PrivacyMany sites offer privacy, with spacing and natural barriers. However, some reviews note overcrowding and rule violations by other campers affecting the experience.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Site 6 for privacy and meadow access; Site 5 for closeness to water features and scenic beauty; Site 8 for stunning views (though near dumpsters).
Best CampsitesHighlighted campsites include Site 6 for its privacy and scenic meadow views, Site 5 for proximity to a stream and waterfall, and Site 8 for its beautiful views.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
  • Limit of 8 people per site
  • either 2 tents and 2 vehicles or 1 RV.
Groups
Group site details were not explicitly mentioned, although reviews indicate occasional rule enforcement challenges.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 14 individual sites with a mix of shaded and sunny spots. Sites are distributed to ensure a degree of privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 13, 2025, to September 13, 2025 (reservable period). First-come, first-served from September 14, 2025, to September 27, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served campsites are available beginning June 21, 2025. User reviews indicate high demand for sites during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations and no-shows apply additional fees, including forfeit of the first night's rate.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Lake Campground provides access to diverse recreational activities suitable for all skill levels. Visitors can hike trails such as the Indian Trail #1300 or quieter trails leading to Bear and Blue Lakes. Fishing opportunities abound in the nearby lakes, which are stocked several times in the summer. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, although bear encounters necessitate vigilance. Other activities include biking and kayaking.
Hiking
The Indian Trail #1300 offers a 23-mile multi-user trail system for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse users. A quieter trail connects Bear Lake and Blue Lake, catering mainly to hikers and horseback riders.
Fishing
Both Bear Lake and Blue Lake are stocked multiple times during summer, providing good conditions for fishing. Visitors have caught trout species such as Browns and Rainbows.
Biking
The Indian Trail #1300 accommodates biking as part of its multi-user design.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife, such as deer and elk, are commonly observed based on user reviews. Bears frequent the area, necessitating proper food storage techniques.
Winter Activities
Winter activities were not explicitly mentioned.
Water Sports
Kayaking was noted in at least one user review as an activity on Bear Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are allowed except during fire bans. Firewood is available for sale from the host at $10.00 per bundle.
  • Quiet hours apply, but user reviews note violations during late-night and early-morning hours.

Hazards

General hazardsBears frequent the area; campers must store food and cooking utensils in secure containers or locked vehicles.
Active alertsFire ban may be in effect during dry conditions. User reports mention seasonal campsite closures.

Weather forecast

30
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 41%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 12.8 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

San Carlos Ranger District office: (719) 269-8500; the nearest hospital and police station information is null.

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 - September 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingBear-safe trash containers are available on-site, but there are no recycling facilities mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresBear Lake is 1/8 mile away, and Blue Lake is about a mile away. A tributary of the Cuchara River runs through the campground.
Common complaintsCrowding issues and noisy neighbors are frequently mentioned in user reviews. Complaints include rule violations such as exceeding tent limits.
HostAn on-site camp host sells firewood and is frequently praised by users for being helpful and friendly.

Campground Map

3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO 81212, USA
Driving directionsFrom Colorado Highway 12 south of the Town of Cuchara, take FSR 422 5 miles west to the campground.
The road to Blue and Bear Lake is well maintained. However, user reviews note that the road can be rough but passable for most vehicles.
Nearby places
Cuchara (5 miles west), La Veta (15 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
The town of Cuchara offers shopping and visitor information
the town of La Veta has a grocery store, gas stations, and shops.

Camper Reviews

4.7
60 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bear Lake Campground (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and solitude of Bear Lake Campground, although overcrowding and rule violations are recurring issues. Wildlife sightings and proximity to hiking trails are often highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean and spacious campsites, well-maintained vault toilets, and stunning views. Several reviewers praised the camp host for their helpfulness and friendliness.
Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include overcrowding, noise disturbances, and rule violations such as exceeding the tent/site limit. Some visitors experienced difficulties finding information on hiking trails and...
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Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bear spray for safety. Reserve early to ensure availability, as first-come, first-serve sites fill quickly. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid peak crowds. Check trail conditions and...
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Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (summer) reviews highlight frequent stocking of fish in lakes and well-maintained facilities but also note crowding. Fall reviews emphasize quieter camping experiences but may indicate...
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Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bear Lake is a short walk through the woods for great fishing. Stunning views. Clean sites. Bathroom was spotless!" - Brittany A Smith. "There were plenty of other campsites going up the trail that...
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Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 6 is noted for its privacy and scenic surroundings, with a large open field behind it. Campsites 3 and 5 offer proximity to lakes and streams but occasionally suffer from rule-breaking and...
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Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, and paths to lakes such as Bear Lake are manageable; however, no further accessibility details were provided.
Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews on pet policies, with some mentioning unleashed dogs causing disturbances.
Based on 60 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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