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Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The best camping in Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, ID

Discover the turquoise allure of Bear Lake, a haven for water enthusiasts.

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Stories from the community

Jade

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Lake VIEW RV Site

Even though it cold outside perfect beach trip for the doggies. Great Beach acess to go play and go for nice relaxing walks. The views were so pretty and the camping spot was easy to access with rv power hookups great for a easy fast camp trip. Definitely will be back to enjoy a summer camp session.

Chris

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

We had a great time staying at site #5! Would highly recommend it. The views were beautiful, amazing stars at night, and super convenient location to head in to town quickly.

Dyan

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Secret Canyon Ranch

The yurt is clean and in a great location. The dogs and I loved it. Julie went out of her way to make sure I was comfortable.

One of our favorite seasons to yurt is winter. It provides the best gathering spot to stay cozy and warm and adventure out from on skis, snowshoes, sleds, or any other snow gliding/stomping/enjoying equipment. In winter, the yurt can only be accessed by hiking/skiing up to it, or a ride in the snow cat.

Lisa

October 2025

With kids

1 night at Secret Canyon Ranch

The property is absolutely beautiful. We rolled up just in time for an epic sunset. The yurt is cozy and warm, thanks to the propane fireplace and charming decor. Even the kitchen sink and outhouse are ingenious and adorable. The guidebook to the yurt was so cute and informative--our daughter enjoyed flipping through the handwritten and drawn pages. It's clear that a lot of love went into this space. We'd definitely stay here again!

Dave

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Secret Canyon Ranch

I loved camping in the yurt! I have been here multiple times and it is always clean and ready for us to show up. It is a great time!

Tori

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bear Lake Camping- Lakefront

Their land is absolutely gorgeous, serene and peaceful! The site was well kept and clean, and the host is absolutely wonderful, her dad in the house up the road was very kind and shared apples from his apple tree! Great stay and host!

Travis

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Steep Mountain Farm

Great place to stay. Very nice folks. Eggs were delicious. The kids loved seeing the farm and the turkeys.

Andrew

October 2025

43 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bear Lake Raspberry Patch

Gracious host, comfortable site, beautiful view. We did not book far enough in advance, however, communicating with the host we were able to secure a two-night stay. After a minor matter with the power receptacle and the host having a branch trimmed on a tree due to the size of our RV, we enjoyed our stay and would recommend this to others.

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

Very quiet and cute camp site that is very close to town. It was a nice quick getaway. There was plenty of room and the sounds of the creek were relaxing. Our only caveat was that we wish we had known the porta potty was only there until mid September.

Christian

September 2025

25 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Mountain Top Getaways

Cord provided excellent directions to the site, which made getting there simple. Once we arrived, we were blown away by how peaceful and quiet it was. The campsites are well spread out, so it truly felt like we had the whole mountain to ourselves. A perfect place to relax and recharge — we’ll definitely be back!

Moe

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mountain Top Getaways

Stunning views and great communication from the host. Site 6 was perfectly secluded and you get to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise.

shelley

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Endless Empire

We loved this stay! The grain bin was super comfy, and the view was incredible. The shower was quirky but worked great. Beautiful spot to have a beer at sunset. Loved the native landscaping too. Definitely worth a stay. Ben is doing amazing, creative building here. Highly recommend!

Samantha

September 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Steep Mountain Farm

We loved the farm animals and the gardens were amazing. The turkeys and chickens roamed around but weren't a nuisance. They were entertaining. Had a great bike ride to Hyrum reservoir. Nate was an interesting host giving us a tour of the farm. We ended up buying farm fresh eggs and raspberries. Also shared a fire and smores with a charming family from Salt Lake. Highly recommend this camp experience

Kody

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

Our second visit. Awesome sit and great hosts. 10/10

Candy

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Steep Mountain Farm

We loved our stay at Steep Mountain Farm. We were welcomed and given a nice play to set up our tent, followed by a lovely tour of the farm to see the chickens, turkeys, and goats. Thank you for being lovely hosts.

Sarah

September 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Mountain Top Getaways

Loved staying here. We stayed at site 5 and the views were beautiful. One of the highlights was hearing beautiful elk! The drive up was a little scary but short and totally doable.

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

Awesome location! We loved it! Very private, quiet and lots of shade.

Lindsay

September 2025

22 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Lake VIEW RV Site

Everything was just as described and we had such a good time! We were able to walk down to the lake and the beach was beautiful! The water was warm and so blue. Christina was so communicative and helpful throughout. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!

Anilawan

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Secret Canyon Ranch

We had a great time staying at the yurt! The yurt and outhouse were very clean. We had plenty of water and light. The fire bowl was just perfect. It was so peaceful. We love it

Jaina

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

We loved camping here! It is one of our very favorite spots to camp:)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mountain Top Getaways

97%

(398)

24mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

Steep Mountain Farm

96%

(41)

49mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Wellsville, UT

Steep Mountain Farm is a community centered, ecological, regenerative agriculture project located on the indigenous lands of the northwestern band of the Shoshone people. Our primary mission is to build healthy soils, increase biodiversity, conserve resources and build community while producing nutrient dense food, promoting education and experiences. We raise fruits, vegetables and animals on the 16 acre property as part of our sustaining adventure. There are many outdoor recreation opportunities locally. We hope visitors appreciate and enjoy the surroundings while supporting our mission.

Bear Lake Aquatics Base

91%

(786)

22mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 33 sites · Tents · Laketown, UT

Bear Lake Aquatics Base is owned and operated by the Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. It is used for Scout events and campsite rentals during the summer season. There aren’t many places inland that you can say you really feel like you’re at the ocean. Bear Lake just happens to be one of them! With one mile of beach-front property, you will enjoy a beach-front camp like you’ve never dreamed of! All campsites are located between the highway and Bear Lake. Each campsite is located near potable water, has a picnic table, and restrooms/showers are only a short walk away. No alcohol, drugs, pets or fireworks on property per Scouting America policies. Bear Lake Aquatics Base is conveniently located north of Laketown and nearby many local attractions - Bear Lake State Park, Logan Canyon, Minnetonka Cave and the National Oregon Trail Museum. Explore neighboring Laketown to experience the local flavor, maybe even a raspberry shake.

Blue Water View. RV Spot

100%

(1)

11mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · St Charles, ID

Bear lake Rv spot on the beach. Located on white beaches Lane. This is known as the best beach in Bear Lake.

Secluded Maple Creek River bottoms

93%

(119)

25mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Franklin, ID

This property was used by the Shoshone Indian tribe as a summer camp area. Later after the pioneers came they set up a dance floor and had parties here. The dance floor has since overgrown. This property has also been the host to never dams. It has been in our family for many years and we have enjoyed it.Learn more about this land:The campsites are located in a wooded area so lots of shade. 2 sites are creek side along maple creek and the other has a small stream and a pond. All sites have a fire pit available. All sites are carry in carry out. Easily accessible with a four wheel drive. You will need to cross maple creek to reach site 1. The road down to the river bottoms is a bit steep so 4 wheel drive is recommended. This area is ideal for tent camping.

Cottage Stopover

92%

(6)

48mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · Woodruff, UT

Mountain Desert at its best. Learn more about this land: If you are on your way somewhere and need a place to campout, consider stoping here. In the spring when the creek is full, it is a fun place for kids to play (it dries up in July usually). There is a lot of open space. We have a trampoline and swing and fire pit we can share (fire pit for spring and early summer only). It's very peaceful out here. There are tons of flat roads to ride bikes safely on. It's 30 mins from Bear Lake, 20 Minutes from Monte Cristo. There is fishing nearby and a park around the corner. 15-20 amp electrical hookup (just a standard household plug with an extension cord) and water as well. We have kids who love to make you feel welcome and play with your kids too.

Lazy 6-T Ranch

89%

(79)

8.2mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Montpelier, ID

This is our Family owned cattle ranch. Our cattle love this place and we are sure that you will too! Come enjoy some time in the countryside away from the rat race. Only a short drive from Bear Lake where you can relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine or enjoy all types of water sports with your friends and family.

Secret Canyon Ranch

99%

(75)

47mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

Endless Empire

100%

(8)

14mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Lodging · Fish Haven, ID

This is grain bin glamping. Expect it to be like camping except for not in a tent.. there is power enough for lights and to power your devices. The temperatures are the same as inside a tent. I have 2 bins available that sleeps 2 each. There is a porta potty next to each one. There will be outdoor showers, but currently the shower bathroom, it's up at the barn. This is still under development, so more will be added with every grain bin having it's own unique personality. This is also the best views of bear lake that you can get. This area of the property often as deer rabbits, and sometimes even moose strolling through it. No wood fires during the summer months, as it's too dry. I will provide a gas fire for an extra cost.

Arcadia Legacy

100%

(11)

3.6mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · Dingle, ID

Come enjoy the tranquil undeveloped, best kept secret of the Bear Lake valley. We are just 10 minutes off North Beach. Camp above a natural pond, fed by multiple springs, or next to a grove of Ash and cottonwood trees. Listen to the chorus frogs, crickets and numerous birds and coyotes compete in serenading the closing day. If quiet is what you are seeking after a day of play on the water, in the mountains, or just relaxing in farm country, we've got ya covered.

Lake VIEW RV Site

94%

(8)

9.9mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · Fish Haven, ID

Park your RV in designated areas and camp on 3 private acres overlooking stunning Bear Lake just north of Fish Haven, Idaho. This peaceful, off-the-beaten-path retreat offers unbeatable lake views, crisp mountain air, and plenty of room to breathe. Whether you’re sipping coffee at sunrise or roasting marshmallows by the fire pit under the stars, this site makes it easy to unplug and unwind. The site includes electrical hookups, porta-potties, and a handwashing station. While there’s no running water, you’ll have the essentials—just be sure to bring your own water supply. Enjoy direct lake access for ATVs, perfect for exploring the shoreline and surrounding terrain. Please note: during periods of high water, beach access may be limited. The beach is usually present at the 5,916 foot water elevation. https://www.bearriverbasin.org/reservoirs/bear-lake-area The walk to the lake is approximately 1,000 feet to the back gate, with an additional walk or ride across public trust land depending on current water levels. This area between our property and the lake is regulated by the Idaho Department of Lands and is considered state-owned public land, meaning we are not permitted to modify or maintain the path beyond our property line. As such, conditions may vary and the path may occasionally be muddy or difficult to navigate. While access may require extra care, we’ve personally made the walk with our children (ages 5 to 15) even in high water years. The lake in this area is very shallow for several hundred feet, making it ideal for wading and kid-friendly fun when the beach is exposed. There is no on-site boat launch, but public ramps are just a short drive away. Please note there are a couple of shallow ditches on the property that may occasionally hold standing water. These have never posed an issue, but we recommend keeping an eye on young children just to be safe. Also, FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED. With plenty of space to spread out and no crowded campgrounds in sight, this spot is ideal for RVers and campers seeking peace, privacy, and unforgettable views. **Off season dates 09/25 - 04/26 no potties or wash station available during this time. Only RV's, camper vans and camper trailers allowed. During winter months the site may be inaccessible due to snow**

Lava Campground

91%

(37)

44mi from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge · 219 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lava Hot Springs, ID

We are located right off of highway 30. If you are coming in off of I15 you will continue on highway 30 passing Lava Hot Springs. You will see the KOA East on your right hand side. After passing the KOA East you will start going up a hill. Continue up the hill for .5 miles. You will see a Lava Campground sign take you first right onto Fish Creek Road and then another immediate right onto Fish creek extension road. This road will bring you down into the campground. Lava Campground is a local family owned Campground. Cameron and Annie along with their 2 boys Kash and Jaxson built Lava Campground from the ground up. They have always embraced the company of others and love when people can come stay and play with them. When they decided to build a campground they were excited about the possibility to create a place for people to feel at home and have a great time camping. They have an endless need for adventure, anything outdoors and fun- sign them up! They have fallen in love with the campground and being part of the Lava Hot Springs community. The new friends they've made during ownership have been priceless to them. Each year Cam and Annie continue to make improvements to the campground. The creativity they hold is endless and their goal is to make the campground a place where people truly want to be and hope that people feel like part of their family during their stay. Lava Campground is a gem and unique. Cam and Annie came up with the idea to rent out the vintage campers which has become the theme for Lava Campground. They've designed the entire property to give a blast from the past kind of feeling. With a vintage playground, glamping wall tents, 5 remodeled retro campers, studio apartment, and spacious RV and tents sites. The location offers the perfect balance of being close to local attractions and conveniences while enjoying a relaxed country atmosphere, located just 1 mile East of Lava Hot Springs passed KOA East on the Portneuf River and Fish creek border you will be close to all Lava Hot Springs has to offer. Come and enjoy the warmth of Lava Campground and feel at home while you are here.

The best camping in Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, ID guide

Overview

About

Camping near Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge brings you closer to a water lover's paradise, with the lake's intense turquoise-colored waters often likened to the Caribbean of the Rockies. The area around the lake is a vibrant playground for camping enthusiasts, hosting a plethora of fun activities both in and out of the waterâ€‹â€‹. Bear Lake camping is especially popular with water sports fans, as boating is a popular choice on the lake's deep, clear, turquoise blue waters. It's easy to rent a boat, jet ski, or even a pontoon boat for a personalized eco-tour of the lakeâ€‹â€‹. Meanwhile, the beaches, such as Rendezvous Beach and Ideal Beach, offer the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the sunâ€‹. Away from the water, the surrounding scenery is just as captivating. Embark on one of the area's landscape-rich drives for panoramic views of the lake and the Bear River Valleyâ€‹â€‹. Venture underground at the Minnetonka Cave, filled with fanciful rock formationsâ€‹â€‹, or opt for a horseback ride to fully immerse yourself in the region's beautyâ€‹. The local theater, Pickleville Playhouse, offers a delightful change of pace with its lighthearted Broadway favoritesâ€‹â€‹. Finally, don't miss out on the local speciality, the Bear Lake raspberry shake. It's a delightful treat that you can enjoy almost anywhere in the area that sells foodâ€‹â€‹. If you happen to be camping in August, you might also get a chance to partake in the festive spirit of the Raspberry Days festival in Garden City, a celebration of the peak raspberry harvestâ€‹â€‹. From watersports and sunbathing to scenic drives and cave explorations, a Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge camping expedition offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

When to go

The best time to visit Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the lake's waters invite swimmers and boaters alike. Winter brings a unique charm with opportunities for ice fishing, but be prepared for cold conditions and limited access.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of any seasonal closures or changes in day-use hours, which typically run from 7am to 10pm.
Accessibility features are available, including ADA campsites and restrooms.
Remember, dogs are not allowed at North Beach, so plan accordingly if you're bringing a pet.
Don't forget to bring sunscreen and water toys to make the most of your time at the lake.

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