Map showing campground location near Kit Carson, California

Camper submitted image from Bear River Lake Resort

Bear River Lake Resort

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting at roughly 5,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills outside Pioneer, California, Bear River Lake Resort gives drive-in campers access to a reservoir setting with full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer connections. The resort draws a mix of RV rigs and tent campers, though the surrounding terrain and internal road conditions shape the experience considerably before anyone even picks a site.

The access road and interior camp roads are rough. Several reviewers flag low clearance as a real concern, and one notes the road is hard on vehicles without significant ground clearance. Sites are frequently off-level, so extra leveling blocks are worth packing. Power and water connections are positioned on the wrong side of the pad in many spots, which means longer extension cords and hoses are often necessary. The campground caters actively to powersports users, with side-by-sides and ATVs moving through camp regularly. Cell service is limited, and the onsite store carries only dry goods. The nearest resupply is more than 20 minutes away on winding roads.

Water access is a draw here, with fishing along the dam and lake, plus kayaking when water levels allow. When levels drop, the walk to the water becomes a steep descent. Nearby options for campers exploring the area include Plasses Resort and Kit Carson Lodge for comparison. Facilities vary in reliability. As Leigh Ann K. noted on a prior visit, "Bathrooms were clean too," though more recent reviews report inconsistency. Bear River Lake Resort tends to work best for powersports enthusiasts and self-sufficient RV travelers who arrive fully stocked.

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Map & DirectionsBear River Lake Resort is located in California near Kit Carson

RV Park

Address

40800 State Highway 88
Pioneer, CA 95666

Coordinates

38.63739954 N
120.14204175 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+12092954868

Drive Time

1 hr 3 min from Carson City, NV
1 hr 27 min from Sacramento, CA
1 hr 30 min from Reno, NV
1 hr 47 min from Stockton, CA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Bear River Lake Resort

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the scenic location and recreational opportunities like fishing and ATV access. However, numerous guests pointed out significant challenges with unlevel sites, facility maintenance, and road conditions that make access difficult for larger RVs.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tim S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2024

One of the worst RV resorts we've ever visited.

What a shame. This place has so much potential to be a nice place, but lacks investment and passion of the owner to make it so. My bet is that it was recently sold to new owners and they're way over their heads.

Pros:

-Some of the employees are friendly and helpful

-The location is pretty, and the creek side spots are nice.

Cons:

-The female owner or manager is not helpful and is generally flippant and rude.

-As noted above, getting in/out of spots is difficult and if you don't have high clearance on RV and tow vehicle, you will hit rocks and ruts and may break something. We got lucky and didn't break our sewer plumbing.

- Most spots aren't close to level, make sure to bring more leveling blocks than you're used to.

- Power and water on wrong side of RV in many spots. Make sure to bring extension power and hose. Power is only 15 amp so make sure to bring adapter.

- Resort caters to powersports, so be prepared for constant side-by-sides and quads going around the camp making noise and stirring up dust. If that's your thing, you're in luck.

- The dock is a piece of garbage and a hazard to walk on

- The wifi is spotty at best

- The "store" only has dry goods and not much of it. There is nothing refrigerated and no beer. If you need anything, the closest store is over 20 minutes away on winding roads, so bring everything you need or you'll be wanting.

- Trash receptacles were completely overflowing

Month of VisitJune

Aaron S.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2022

Passable but not enjoyable

Worst of all, we were expecting working facilities and the nearest were boarded shut without ever letting us know. The closest was 1/4 mile walk and barely working. The showers cost quarters (also unknown) The road is absolute trash, don't come with a car unless you don't mind scraping. There are barely any signage to find your site, and it's easy to take wrong turns or end up in wrong camp sites. The camp site was nice enough, shaded but a bit dirty from previous campers. It was a bit bug infested, but it is what it is.

Sited34

Month of VisitOctober

kristy K.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Must be smaller rv

The sites are very unlevel and tight for larger rigs, but in the trees. With the water levels low, it’s a steep hill to lake. Overall, beautiful place but tricky for some trailers and don’t recommend trying to park in the dark.

Sitec1

Month of VisitAugust

Leigh Ann K.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Beautiful lake and friendly people

This was a really nice campsite with electricity and water on the site. There is also free WiFi. Will definitely be returning for another camping trip. Bathrooms were clean too.

Month of VisitJune

Caity S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2020

Fun weekend off 88

Had a great time at this resort. It’s hot one day and snowing the next! Great fishing along the damn or in a kayak and lots off off road spots for atvs, side by sides, and our jeep!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Bear River Lake Resort?

Bear River Lake Resort offers campsites with electricity and water hookups, suitable for various camping styles. Sites are situated among trees, providing natural shade. While RV camping is available, the sites can be unlevel and tight for larger rigs, so careful navigation is recommended, especially after dark. The resort also provides amenities like WiFi access. When the lake water level is low, expect a steep walk from campsites to the shoreline. Be prepared for potentially variable facility conditions before your stay.

What do visitors say in reviews about Bear River Lake Resort?

Bear River Lake Resort receives mixed feedback from visitors. Many appreciate the beautiful location with great fishing opportunities along the dam and in kayaks, plus excellent off-road areas for ATVs and jeeps. The natural setting is frequently praised, with some mentioning the dramatic weather changes that can occur. However, some visitors note challenges with facility maintenance, particularly regarding bathrooms and showers. The access road conditions can be difficult for standard vehicles. While the resort has potential due to its picturesque setting, some guests feel it could benefit from additional investment and management improvements.

How much does it cost to stay at Bear River Lake Resort?

Specific pricing for Bear River Lake Resort isn't clearly detailed, but expect to pay for basic campsite use with additional costs for certain amenities. Showers require quarters to operate. Sites with electricity and water hookups are available at a premium compared to standard sites. For current and exact pricing information, contact the resort directly before planning your trip, as rates may vary by season, site type, and group size.

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