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Established Camping

Bear Valley Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bear Valley Campground is located near Sierraville, CA in the Tahoe National Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas with a mix of pine trees and open spaces. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the Sierra Hot Springs and the scenic views of the Sierra Valley, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

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Location

Bear Valley Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sierraville: Drive 11 miles south on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit. Drive 6 miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road.

Coordinates

39.55700072 N
120.23500082 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Kyburz Flats

Kyburz Flats

16 min away

Webber Lake Campground

Webber Lake Campground

30 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2024

Remote Forest Camping

FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads,  high clearance helpful,  4wd not needed.   Not all sites are flat.  People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility.  Took a hike.  Very pretty.  No OHV noise,  but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bear Valley Campground by Hope H., September 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Bear Valley Campground by Hope H., September 10, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Bear Valley Campground?

Bear Valley Campground is a rustic, off-highway vehicle (OHV) campground with minimal amenities. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis without designated facilities like showers or flush toilets. Each site offers basic camping space, though not all sites are level. The primitive nature of the campground makes it ideal for self-contained camping. Be prepared to bring all necessary supplies including water, as potable water is not available on site. The campground's primary appeal is its accessibility for OHV enthusiasts rather than its amenities.

What does Bear Valley Campground look like?

Bear Valley Campground is a hidden gem with a natural, undeveloped setting. The campground features dispersed sites situated in a valley environment, with varying degrees of flatness. The surrounding landscape offers scenic views typical of California's mountainous regions. Sites are relatively primitive without formal boundaries in some areas. The terrain is accessible via rough dirt roads, set in a quiet, secluded area that provides a genuine outdoor experience away from developed facilities and crowds.

Where is Bear Valley Campground located in California?

Bear Valley Campground is located in a remote area of California accessible via rough dirt roads. It's situated in a valley setting that requires high clearance vehicles to access, though 4WD isn't strictly necessary. The campground is somewhat isolated, making it a destination for those seeking a more secluded camping experience. For specific directions, contact the managing agency as the access routes can vary in condition depending on recent weather and maintenance.

Are there group camping options at Bear Valley Campground?

While Bear Valley Campground doesn't have formally designated group camping areas, the first-come, first-served nature of the campground may accommodate informal group camping depending on site availability. Some visitors apparently attempt to reserve multiple adjacent sites by leaving items like coolers and water jugs. However, this unofficial practice isn't guaranteed to secure space. For proper group accommodation, it's advisable to arrive together and early, especially during busy periods, to secure adjacent sites. Contact the managing agency for current policies regarding group camping at this OHV-friendly location.