How much does camping cost at Little Bear?

Camping fees at Little Bear range from $16-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Little Bear first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Bear 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.

Are there showers at Little Bear?

Little Bear does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Little Bear have?

Little Bear has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Bear?

Pets are not allowed at Little Bear. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Little Bear?

Little Bear offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Bear?

Popular activities at Little Bear include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Bear

4.66

58 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

10,279 ft

Price

$16 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

10,279 ft

Price

$16 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Little Bear

$16.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"The online price says it's $16 but it is currently $20 per night." - User review from June 2020.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 58 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakefriendlywell-maintained

"User reviews of Little Bear Campground are generally positive, highlighting the scenic beauty of the lake, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Fishing and proximity to the lake are frequently mentioned as standout features. However, some concerns were raised about campsite spacing, muddy conditions, and limited amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Little Bear

39.0346, -107.9979

Best Time to Camp at Little Bear

Summer is the reliable window. Island Lake sheds its ice by late June, and daytime highs settle into the mid-50s to low-70s through August. Wildflowers and alpine meadows peak in late June and July. Nights stay cold even in peak season, regularly dipping into the 30s and 40s, so bring warm layers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weekend crowds are moderate but lighter than lower-elevation destinations. Outside of summer, access becomes difficult and the lake freezes over.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer most popular; cool ~70°F temps and full water-based activities.

Planning Tips

About Little Bear

Little Bear Campground sits at 10,279 feet on the shore of Island Lake in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest. The 30 sites accommodate both tents and RVs, running $16-$20 per night. Lakeside sites offer direct fishing and paddling access, though spacing varies and some campers find the sites too close together.

Little Bear Campground provides a mix of camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and groups. Some sites are located directly on the lake for enhanced scenic views.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the reliable window. Island Lake sheds its ice by late June, and daytime highs settle into the mid-50s to low-70s through August. Wildflowers and alpine meadows peak in late June and July. Nights stay cold even in peak season, regularly dipping into the 30s and 40s, so bring warm layers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Weekend crowds are moderate but lighter than lower-elevation destinations. Outside of summer, access becomes difficult and the lake freezes over.

ElevationPerched high above the valley floor, Little Bear Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural relief from summer heat.

Natural Features and SceneryIsland Lake dominates the landscape here, its surface reflecting the surrounding alpine terrain. At this elevation, the scenery is classic high country: sparse timber, rocky shoreline, and open views across the water. The lake itself is the main draw for fishing and boating. Temperature swings are dramatic. Summer afternoons might hit the low 70s while nights drop into the 30s and 40s, a sharp contrast to valley floors that can reach 98°F on the same day. One June visitor described it simply as "a beautiful area right next to a lake."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 pm

Stay Limit

"Stay limits are not clearly stated in the authoritative content."

Guests Allowed Per Site

"No authoritative guideline on guest limits per site."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLayout opinions vary. A June reviewer found the tent sites "nicely spaced out and well set up," while a September camper complained they're "too close, unless you like that sort of thing." Some sites handle RVs; others work better for tents. Mud is an issue. An August visitor noted the campsites "could use some gravel" to manage the wet conditions.

Reservation PlatformsReservations possible through Recreation.gov mobile app via Scan & Pay feature.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites incur $10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's fees if cancelled after 12:00 am local facility time the day before the reservation start date.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating both RVs and tents. Detailed user feedback states that some sites are better suited to specific camping styles, e.g., some are large enough for RVs, while others are better for tents.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is variable. Some reviewers appreciated the spacing of tent sites, while others noted that the sites are too close together, affecting privacy.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 18 is near restrooms, the lake, and the host." - User review July 2024.

Need help booking Little Bear?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Little Bear Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests, including fishing, hiking, and water-based recreation. The lake is a central draw, providing opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Reviewers consistently praised the fishing, with one stating, 'Kids were catching fish faster than I could bait their hooks!' Wildlife observation is also highlighted, with chipmunks frequently mentioned as a delight for children. Visitors also noted the scenic views and the quiet, natural setting as a significant draw.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"The campground is surrounded on three sides by the highway, and proximity to other campers may result in noise disturbances." - User review from September 2022.

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

Weather at Little Bear

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

58 reviews

Top-Rated

Little Bear is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Little Bear Campground are generally positive, highlighting the scenic beauty of the lake, clean facilities, and friendly campground hosts. Fishing and proximity to the lake are frequently mentioned as standout features. However, some concerns were raised about campsite spacing, muddy conditions, and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

The well-maintained restroom facilities, friendly hosts, and access to the lake for fishing and boating were commonly praised. Reviews frequently mentioned the picturesque setting and the convenience...

Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints centered on the close proximity of campsites, which affected privacy, and the muddy conditions of some sites and roads. One reviewer noted 'big rocks in campsites' as a safety hazard,...

Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure the best lakeside sites, such as campsite 18, which one reviewer described as 'possibly the best spot in the entire area.' Visitors are advised to bring all...

Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors appreciating the cooler temperatures compared to the valley below. However, some noted that water facilities may be shut off after Labor Day, and...

Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were extremely clean all 5 days we were there.' 2. 'Fishing is good, and kids were catching fish faster than I could bait their hooks!' 3. 'The camp host is especially nice and...

Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight campsite 18 as a top choice due to its proximity to restrooms, the lake, and other amenities. Other lakeside sites are praised for their views.

Based on 58 reviews