Bear River Developed Camp Sites
05 reviewsForest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO
Bear River Developed Camp Sites
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Campground fee is $10 per night, payable only via exact cash or check at fee stations. Credit cards are not accepted.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Forest Service Road 900, Bear River Developed Camp Sites offers 30 thoughtfully positioned camping spots, each marked by its own numbered post and equipped with a sturdy picnic table and permanent fire grate. This organized camping haven preserves the natural beauty of the area while providing essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Please note that to protect this pristine environment, dispersed camping is prohibited along Forest Service Road 900—visitors must use the designated sites only.
Bear River Developed Camp Sites cater to tent and RV campers and offer moderately secluded sites along Forest Service Road 900.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific location remains untold, the surrounding landscape whispers stories of the generations who have sought solace and adventure in these mountain heights.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the high country, where winter's crystalline beauty brings temperatures plummeting to a brisk 7°F amid blankets of pristine snow. As spring awakens the landscape, rain showers give way to the warm embrace of summer, when temperatures climb to a pleasant 73°F. This diverse climate creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty, from snow-dusted pines to sun-dappled forest floors.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,200 feet above sea level, this high-altitude retreat offers crisp mountain air and spectacular vistas. Visitors should come prepared for the thinner atmosphere and cooler temperatures that accompany this lofty elevation, where the sky feels closer and the stars shine brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. Visitors consistently marvel at the absolutely gorgeous surroundings, with stunning views of emerald greenery stretching in every direction. The thick forest canopy provides natural privacy between campsites, allowing each group to feel wonderfully secluded while still enjoying the security of an established campground.
Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits at 9,200 feet within the majestic Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, a landscape defined by ancient geological forces that carved out high-altitude forests and pristine mountain meadows. Located near the renowned Flat Tops Wilderness, the area showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's high country, where alpine ecosystems thrive and mountain vistas stretch endlessly beneath azure skies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in either official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews suggest decent-sized sites that are fairly level, providing adequate space for standard camping setups.
Sites Privacy"I would definitely recommend this campground to anyone that enjoys some seclusion and privacy" suggests that sites are well-separated. However, Michelle Croskey states "The camp sites are beautiful and thick with trees so you don't see your neighbors much but it does make the ground area of the sites a little cramped."
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded sites for privacy and cooler temperatures; the thick forest minimizes visibility between neighbors.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site not available.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout30 sites distributed along Forest Service Road 900; each site marked by a numbered post.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-June through late October, dependent on snow levels.
Reservation PlatformsReservation not available; first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not specified.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Bear River Developed Camp Sites include fishing and non-motorized boating. The surrounding area offers trails for hiking and ATV riding.
Hiking
Nearby hiking trails include Mandall Lakes Trail #1121, Smith Lake Trail #1194, Bear River Trail #1120, and others. Specific details regarding trail difficulty, length, and access are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available both in lakes/ponds and in rivers/streams. Specific fish species or quality of fishing were not described.Boating
Campers can engage in non-motorized boating activities; no further details were provided about types of boats allowed or docking facilities.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not discussed.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing or kayaking may be possible due to the mention of boating opportunities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Permanent fire grates are provided at each site for safe campfire use.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are a significant problem during summer, described in reviews as "clouds and hordes and plagues of mosquitos." The gravel road's washboard condition might pose challenges for vehicles.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories mentioned.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services are in Yampa, including a grocery store and police station. For medical emergencies, nearest hospital is in Steamboat Springs, approximately 40 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season likely aligns with summer months (June through August), though specific dates are not stated.
Trash and recyclingNo information is available on trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNearby features include Bear Lake Picnic Area, Yamcolo Reservoir, and several trails leading to lakes and streams.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention rough washboard roads and mosquito infestations: "Ultimately we will not return. We couldn't enjoy the environment with all of the mosquitos."
HostUser review mentions a helpful host on site: "Clean bathrooms and helpful host."
Campground Map
Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO
Driving directionsDirections from Yampa, CO, take County Rd 7, behind Montgomery's Grocery store, for approximately 7 miles. At mile 7, the road becomes gravel and turns into Forest Service Road 900. Follow for another 3 miles where you will see a fee station. The campsites are indicated by number signposts at various locations along FSR 900.
Road access is mixed; primarily paved for the first 7 miles from Yampa, then transitions into a gravel road with washboard conditions for the last 3 miles. Seasonal accessibility dependent on snow levels.Nearby places
Yampa - approximately 10 miles / 20 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries and basic camping essentials can be found in Yampa, approximately 10 miles or 20 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Bear River Developed Camp Sites has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews express a mix of positive sentiments about the scenic beauty and privacy of the sites, and significant complaints about rough roads and excessive mosquitoes.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is described as "absolutely gorgeous, stunning views and greenery." Sites are "fairly level" and "thick with trees," providing good separation from neighbors. The setting is praised as...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquitoes are a major issue, with descriptions such as "clouds and hordes and plagues of mosquitos." Roads leading to the campground are rough and exhibit washboarding, as stated in multiple reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray, as mosquitoes are brutal. Drive carefully as the last couple of miles of road are very rough and washboarded.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mosquito complaints and road conditions dominate reviews, suggesting peak discomfort in warmer months. Positive aspects such as scenic beauty remain constant.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are brutal!" "The camp sites are beautiful and thick with trees so you don't see your neighbors much." "The setting is gorgeous! Sites have good...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not provided, but users mention the campground has "good separation between sites" and "most of them are really good sites."
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025