Bear River Reservoir Campgrounds
Lower Bear River Reservoir is often overlooked by visitors heading up Carson Pass, yet the lake has more campgrounds than any other location along Highway 88. National Forest campgrounds, including a group campground, are situated around the lake.
Also, camping is available at Bear River Lake Resort. The lake is a favorite for fishermen, boaters, water skiers, and hikers.
Two of the Eldorado National Forest campgrounds offer reservations which can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date for family campsites and a year in advance for the group campground.
The road down to Lower Bear River Reservoir leads off Highway 88, 40 miles east of Jackson.
South Shore Campground
Located at an elevation of 5,900 feet, 40 miles east of Jackson, 3.5 miles off Highway 88 on Bear River Road. On the south shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir. Usually open from mid-May to mid-October.
Campground Amenities
- 22 camp sites for tents, trailers and RVs up to 40 feet
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings
- Boating, fishing, swimming at Lower Bear River Reservoir
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - South Shore Campground
Fees: $28 per night for 6 people and 2 vehicles
South Shore Campground Map
Pardoes Point Campground
Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet, 40 miles east of Jackson and 4 miles off Highway 88 on Bear River Road. Usually open from May 1 to mid-November.
Campground Amenities
- 10 camp sites for tents
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings
- Swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, car-top boat launch
Reservations: None
Fees: $28 per night for 6 people and 2 vehicles
Pardoes Point Campground Map
Sugar Pine Point Campground
Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet, 40 miles east of Jackson and 2.5 miles off Highway 88 on Bear River Road. Then 3 miles east on Forest Road 8N20. On the north shore of Lower Bear river Reservoir. Usually open from May 1 to mid-November.
Campground Amenities
- 8 camp sites for tents
- Vault toilets, no water, picnic tables, fire rings
- Swimming, fishing, picnicking
Reservations: None
Fees: $25 per night for 6 people and 2 vehicles
Sugar Pine Point Campground Map
Bear River Group Campground
Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet, 40 miles east of Jackson and then 2.5 miles off Highway 88 on Bear River Road. Then go right (west) at the Y across the dam and travel 2 miles. About 1.3 miles to south shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir. Usually open from mid-June to early October.
Campground Amenities
- 4 group camp sites: Kokanee holds 50 people and Junco, Chipmunk, and Smokey each hold 25
- Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
- Swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking
Reservations: Required. (877) 444-6777 or
Recreation.gov - Bear River Group Campground
Fees: $145 for Kokanee (1-50 people), $115 for each of the other sites (3-25 people)
Bear River Group Campground Map
Find the Very Best Camping in California
- From Tahoe to the Eastern Sierra
- All the great Mother Lode lakes
- Beach camping, camps among the redwoods
- And everywhere else up and down the Golden State
Complete campground information, including fees, reservations, photos, facilities, and nearby recreation.
Bear River Lake Resort Camping
Bear River Lake Resort, on the shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir, offers camping and cabins, water skiing and fishing, hiking and various outdoor sports. At an elevation of 5,800 feet, Lower Bear River Reservoir is often open before any of the other large lakes higher on the pass.
40800 Highway 88, Pioneer, CA
(209) 295-4868
Bear River Lake Resort
Resort Amenities
- Restaurant and bar, store, beach
- Campground and cabin rentals, dump station, showers, laundromat, playground
- Marina with boat rentals, launch ramp, gas, and berthing.
For more information about boat rental rates and boating at Lower Bear River Reservoir, see Carson Pass Boating.
Day Use: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, boat launch fee $10, use of beach and picnic area $5
Accommodations
Campgrounds
All campsites include power (15 amp), water, picnic tables, fire fits, flush toilet bathrooms, showers.
Campground Map
Cabins
Sleep 4, bedroom and living room, linens and blankets provided, full baths, kitchens.