Bear Lake State Park
00 reviewBOX 184, GARDEN CITY, Utah, 84028-0184, United States
Bear Lake State Park
$20.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $20 per site for primitive camping up to $200 for premium group-use sites. Additional vehicle fees apply per site. Reservations may incur additional costs.
About this campground
Nestled between Utah and Idaho, Bear Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its mesmerizing turquoise waters that locals call the 'Caribbean of the Rockies.' Whether you're seeking a rustic camping adventure at primitive sites or the comfort of full-service hookups, this alpine paradise delivers unforgettable experiences. Spend your days casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply floating in the lake's refreshing embrace while mountain peaks stand sentinel on the horizon.
Bear Lake State Park provides diverse camping options, ranging from modern RV sites with full hookups to primitive campsites on the Eastside areas.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in frontier history, where explorer Donald Mackenzie first gazed upon these waters in 1819, dubbing it Black Bear Lake. This very shoreline witnessed the colorful gatherings of Mountain Man Rendezvous in the 1820s, where trappers traded tales and goods against the backdrop of impossibly blue waters. Today's visitors marvel at the same phenomenon that captivated those early adventurers—the lake's stunning turquoise hue, created by millions of suspended calcium carbonate particles that dance in the water like nature's own glitter.
Weather and SeasonsBear Lake transforms with the seasons, offering year-round appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Winter wraps the landscape in a pristine blanket of snow from November through March, with temperatures that create a wonderland for cold-weather activities. As summer arrives, the park comes alive with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water sports and beach lounging, with temperatures climbing into the delightful 80s—ideal for making memories under the mountain sun.
ElevationPerched at 5,923 feet above sea level, Bear Lake State Park offers a refreshing escape from summer heat while treating visitors to breathtaking panoramic vistas. This mile-high paradise provides crisp mountain air and spectacular viewing opportunities that stretch across the valley and beyond.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be enchanted by nature's artistry at Bear Lake, where Caribbean-blue waters meet Rocky Mountain grandeur. Sandy beaches invite barefoot strolls and sandcastle dreams, while dramatic rocky shorelines create perfect perches for sunset watching. The surrounding landscape unfolds in layers of beauty—from verdant mountain slopes to sweeping open plains—offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing canvas of colors and textures throughout the day.
Geological RegionBear Lake stands as a testament to the Earth's incredible forces, carved into existence 28,000 years ago when tectonic plates shifted to create this 20-mile-long, 8-mile-wide alpine jewel. Cradled high in the Rocky Mountains along the Utah-Idaho border, the lake's famous turquoise waters owe their ethereal color to suspended calcium carbonate—a geological signature that transforms this mountain lake into something truly extraordinary. Each ripple tells the story of millennia, making every visit a journey through deep time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes ADA-accessible restrooms and features, though specific details on site accessibility for disabled individuals are limited.
Sites SizeCampsites vary from individual to group sizes, supporting RVs and tents with a capacity of 8 people per site in individual spaces.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across the park. Some campsites, particularly in the Eastside areas, lack trees and grass, leading to less privacy.
Total Campsites357 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with hookups at Birch and Big Creek are recommended for families. Primitive sites on the Eastside offer solitude and direct lake access.
Best CampsitesBirch Campground (60 sites) and Big Creek Campground (49 sites) are popular due to their amenities and lake proximity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
7:00 AM
Check-out
10:30 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 8 people, one RV and one tent or two tents per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
Group campsites are available at Rendezvous Beach and Eastside areas. South Eden offers two group sites, while North Eden features a group site with specific RV hookups and parking stalls.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOrganized into loops and sections, including individual and group-use areas. Eastside areas have primitive layouts.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round access, but Eastside primitive campgrounds (Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove, North Eden) are first-come, first-served outside of reservation season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at stateparks.utah.gov or via phone at 4359463343.
Walk-in AvailabilityPrimitive sites on the Eastside (Cisco Beach, Rainbow Cove) are first-come, first-served. Other areas allow both reservations and walk-in availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Lake State Park caters to a wide range of recreational interests, including water sports, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing are available during winter.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with anglers targeting cutthroat trout, mackinaw, and whitefish.Swimming
The lake offers safe swimming areas with clear, shallow waters extending over 100 feet. Reviewers praised the water clarity and family-friendly beaches.Biking
Biking is listed as an available activity, though further details on trails or recommended routes are not provided.Boating
The park features multiple boating facilities, including a marina with seven launch lanes and transient boat slips. Rentals for boats and non-motorized watercraft are available.Wildlife viewing
The park is a prime location for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. Seasonal eagle watching is highlighted as a winter activity.Beach activities
Beach activities are a highlight, with sandy shores ideal for sunbathing and building sandcastles. Visitors also enjoy paddleboarding and water-based games.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, and eagle watching.Water Sports
Water sports such as waterskiing, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular activities at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are restricted during dry seasons and must be contained within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSummer heat can be intense, particularly in areas without shade. Wildlife encounters are possible.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Garden City, UT hosts the nearest emergency medical facilities, police stations, and ranger stations. Specific details about hospitals are not included.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is during summer months from late May to early September.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are located at the front entrance. Reviews noted the limited number of dumpsters leading to improper trash disposal in some cases.
Proximity to water featuresDirect proximity to Bear Lake and beaches. Specific water features include Rendezvous Beach and Cisco Beach.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of shade, high summer temperatures, and limited amenities like dumpsters. Some visitors report intrusive park staff.
HostFriendly and helpful hosts have been noted at Rendezvous Beach. Contact the Ranger Station for assistance.
Campground Map
BOX 184, GARDEN CITY, Utah, 84028-0184, United States
Driving directionsBear Lake State Park is accessible via multiple park facilities located around Bear Lake. Rendezvous Beach is situated at 1220 North Bear Lake Boulevard (UT State Road 30) Laketown, Utah 84038, while the Marina and Park Offices are at 940 North Bear Lake Boulevard (US Highway 89), Garden City, UT 84028. Additional camping areas, such as Cisco Beach, North Eden, Rainbow Cove, and South Eden, are located along Cisco Road and are marked with GPS coordinates. Visitors should note that Cisco Road junction serves as a key landmark when navigating to Eastside Areas.
Routes to Bear Lake State Park are primarily paved and accessible year-round. Seasonal closures may apply to some facilities. Cisco Road to Eastside campgrounds like Cisco Beach and North Eden is unpaved but manageable, offering direct access to primitive camping areas.Nearby places
Garden City, UT (~5 miles, ~10 minutes)
Laketown, UT (~7 miles, ~15 minutes)
Logan, UT (~44 miles, ~1 hour)
Montpelier, ID (~29 miles, ~35 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery, camping supplies, and fuel services are in Garden City, UT, approximately 5 miles away. Limited supplies may also be available in Laketown, UT. Rendezvous Beach Rentals offer boating and fishing supplies, accessories, and food services.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Bear Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Bear Lake State Park are a mix of praise for its natural beauty and amenities and criticism of staff behavior and site conditions. Common themes include the lake's stunning blue water, clean facilities, and family-friendly environment.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the 'Caribbean-blue waters,' clean restrooms, and a wide variety of recreational options. Many highlighted the family-friendliness and dog-friendly policies.
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of shade at campsites, limited dumpsters leading to trash issues, and excessive enforcement of rules by park staff.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing shade equipment due to limited natural cover and preparing for high summer temperatures. Reserving spots in advance is advised, especially for group sites.
Seasonal Insights
The park is less crowded and more peaceful in the off-season, as noted by visitors. Summer months can be busy and hot, with limited shade impacting comfort.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The Caribbean of the Rocky Mountains, such a great place to go camping and see the majestic Bear Lake.' 2. 'The water clarity - you can walk 100+ yards out and still feel the bottom and see your...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The Eastside areas received mixed reviews, with some noting the lack of organization and maintenance. Rendezvous Beach was praised for its proximity to the lake and amenities.
Accessibility Features
A negative account highlighted a lack of sensitivity from staff towards visitors with disabilities, though no further accessibility-specific reviews were noted.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds but not on beach areas at Rendezvous Beach. Reviews generally view the park as dog-friendly.
Last updated August 10, 2025