Map showing campground location near Kit Carson, California

Camper submitted image from Bear River Lake Resort

Bear River Lake Resort

Bear River Lake Resort, near Pioneer, California, is a campground that offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With sites that provide electricity and water, it’s a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing some comforts.

The campground is surrounded by stunning scenery, including a picturesque lake and plenty of shaded spots for relaxation. Visitors have enjoyed fishing and swimming, making the most of the beautiful water. As one camper noted, “Had a great time at this resort. It’s hot one day and snowing the next!”

Amenities include clean bathrooms and showers, which campers appreciate after a day of adventure. While some have mentioned that the roads can be a bit rough, the friendly atmosphere and helpful staff make it a welcoming place to stay. Just be sure to bring your own supplies, as the on-site store has limited offerings.

For those who love off-roading, the area is perfect for ATVs and side-by-sides, with plenty of trails to explore. Whether you’re casting a line or just soaking in the views, Bear River Lake Resort has a little something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

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Location

RV Park

Bear River Lake Resort is located in California

Address

40800 State Highway 88
Pioneer, CA 95666

Coordinates

38.63739954 N
120.14204175 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

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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5 Stars

4 Stars

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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.

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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