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Best Campgrounds near Bear Valley, CA

1,273 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Bear Valley, California, a mountain destination in the Sierra Nevada range. The area includes both established Forest Service campgrounds and free dispersed camping sites throughout Stanislaus National Forest. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping provides tent sites with vault toilets and no running water, while established campgrounds like Pine Marten Campground and Silver Lake West offer more amenities. Lake Alpine serves as a central recreation area with several surrounding campground options including West Shore Campground, which accommodates both tent and RV camping.

Roads leading to camping areas vary in quality and accessibility depending on seasonal conditions. "Bear Valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepared," noted one camper about the winding mountain roads. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to heavy winter snowfall at these higher elevations. Cell phone coverage is generally available near Bear Valley town but becomes spotty in more remote camping areas. Campgrounds near lakes tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly those with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Visitors should check current fire restrictions before traveling, as they frequently change throughout summer and fall months.

Campers consistently highlight star-gazing opportunities and lake access as key features of the Bear Valley camping experience. The area offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking accessible from camping areas. Several visitors mention the peace and solitude found midweek, while noting weekend crowds can change the experience significantly. According to one visitor, "The lake was beautiful! Despite the numerous full campgrounds I had the lake nearly to myself (save a few fisherman) until about 10 AM." Wildlife sightings, particularly bears, are mentioned in several reviews, making proper food storage essential. Camping at higher elevations means cool nights even during summer months, with temperatures sometimes dropping into the 20s overnight, requiring proper cold-weather gear even during peak season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bear Valley, California (340)

    1. Silver Lake West

    10 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2792

    $30 / night

    "With great sites, some close to the creek, friendly camp hosts, and an abundance of nearby activities, this is a must."

    "You can walk to the pot holes for a swim or cross the street to one of the most beautiful lakes. It’s close to lots of trails. Easy access. Has bear boxes and fire rings."

    2. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    3. Utica/Union Reservoirs

    6 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    $16 / night

    "It's about a 3 hour drive from my home in the Bay Area, the Utica/ Union Reservoirs are right off the 4 highway and Spicer Reservoir Rd (roughly 20 miles north of Arnold, CA)."

    4. Pine Marten Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 753-6350

    $32 / night

    "Situated across from the campground is the day use area which is very popular and noisy.
    Facilities are clean and the campground is beautiful, great walking path too!"

    "The campgrounds at Alpine Lake are beautiful and spacious. There are pit toilets and it’s a very short walk to the lake."

    5. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

    22 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-2334

    $25 - $70 / night

    "I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."

    "Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."

    6. Sugar Pine Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Kit Carson, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Really nice campground for families - bike trails, hiking trails, and access to the lake! Nearby showers are nice, too! Campground is near Tahoma Market if you need ice or last minute goodies."

    "Pros: If you’re tired of fighting crowds around Lake Tahoe in peak season, head to the north west side of the lake to Sugar Pine where you’ll find lots of open sites amongst shady pines."

    7. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-2248

    $35 / night

    "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."

    "This is an awesome State Park located in Markleeville, CA. It's in close proximity to Lake Tahoe, CA, and offers many great day hikes for all ability levels in the area."

    8. (Lake Alpine) West Shore - Stanislaus National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 753-6350

    $32 / night

    "Lake Alpine is a high country lake, with big rocks and clear water. Nearby are 2 small resevoirs, Union and Utica. These 2 resevoirs are perfect spots for kayaking/ canoeing and fishing."

    "I stayed in a tent cabin at Lake Alpine.  There were beds in the cabin, but the mattress wasn't that comfy. "

    9. Utica Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    $16 / night

    "Even the farthest spot is just a minute walk to the water. But there are only a handful of spots, so make sure you get here as early as you can to secure a spot."

    "You can find beautiful, isolated sites on the islands all around the lake. Great hammock camping!"

    10. Iron MT. Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Eldorado National Forest, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 324-4442

    "There are also many OHV trails close by."

    "I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible. The only downfall is that you can hear the highway. I went on a Tuesday."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bear Valley, CA

499 Photos of 340 Bear Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bear Valley, CA

1273 Reviews of 340 Bear Valley Campgrounds

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet Spot Near Hot Springs

    There are No Camping signs posted at the road and farther up toward the hot springs. We did end up staying here one night with our pop-up camper, because it was late when we finally arrived. There was a little pull out loop that had a camper van and another truck camper already parked and camping when we got there. There was plenty of room to be able to pull in and park in that area as well. It’s very dusty/sandy in this area. The hot springs were a 5 min drive from this spot. There are really no facilities here! There is one vault toilet down by the hot springs, but it was pretty rough. There are no trash cans around, it is a pack it in, pack it out area, please be prepared to clean up after yourselves and remove your trash. I did clean up some remnants of others trash, but for the most part it was pretty well kept. Although it says no camping, this was a decent overnight spot with beautiful views and it was pretty awesome to be able to wake up and soak in the hot springs on a chilly morning!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    Great little spot to boondock

    Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd. There are two spots at the end of the very short road - each with a fire pit and ample space. There’s tons of dead/dry wood around for fires. It’s close to the road but there isn’t much traffic and it’s very close to the Yosemite entrance.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful boondocking

    Passing through the area, I was pleased to find this site. Large spaces and plenty of room for more than one vehicle per site.

  • Raymond M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    This place is real camping

    This campground was the best campground that I’ve been to in a long time take note that this is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water. There is no showers not for the week but for the real man not recommended for women in small kids, but absolutely amazing and beautiful place. Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Glory Hole Recreation Area

    Pretty and quiet

    Easy to find, there was no one but my spot was labelled with the tags. Facilities are clean but the shower was cold, at best lukewarm. The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad

  • Shir S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    El Dorado

    Great place before lake tahoe

    We drove from redwood to Lake Tahoe and wanted a place to stay since it got late Good place Online booking and entrance if after hours and affordable price opposed to other sites in the area

  • Levi K.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Campground by the Lake

    Not all reservations

    This is a great spot. We were out there the whole weekend and enjoyed the campground and lo9k forward to going back. There are first come first serve spaces available and that worked out great. The campground was not packed or to noisy over the weekend. We look forward to going back

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    Arrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.

Guide to Bear Valley

Camping near Bear Valley, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "The lake is a 5 min walk away not to mention near the start of many hiking trails in desolation wilderness," highlighting the easy access to beautiful hikes from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. A reviewer at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park noted, "It was a huge plus that added to our trip and loving this campground," referring to the nearby beach access for water fun.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for great stargazing. One happy camper shared, "The stars are my favorite to watch and to actually see the Milky Way is incredible," about their experience at Fallen Leaf Campground.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review from Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground said, "Toilets were well maintained and didn’t have an awful smell like most others."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is often highlighted. A visitor to D.L. Bliss State Park Campground remarked, "The site is gorgeous and so close to the Lake."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be prepared for bear encounters. A camper at Ice House Campground warned, "There were three bears around the campground the night we just stayed which was a little eerie to sleep with."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Nevada Beach Campground noted, "There are no shower facilities, no dump station, no trail maps."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds, especially in summer. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days, for inventory."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A camper at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids."
  • Plan for Bear Safety: Make sure to store food properly. A camper at Ice House Campground advised, "It would have been nice to know, since we have little ones exploring the area behind us."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys. A family at Pinecrest Campground enjoyed, "We played paddle board in the lake, watched the new Minion movie at the amphitheater."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at RV Village Campground mentioned, "Spaces are relatively close together."
  • Be Aware of Amenities: Know what facilities are available. A camper at Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground noted, "Drinking water is available."
  • Plan for Crowds: Arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Fallen Leaf Campground said, "Check in took awhile, but worked out."

Camping near Bear Valley, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are provided at Bear Valley Campground?

Bear Valley Dispersed Camping offers minimal amenities as it's a true dispersed camping experience. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find running water, flush toilets, or electrical hookups. These sites are primitive with no designated facilities. For those seeking more amenities, nearby Big Meadow Campground provides toilet facilities and nicely spaced campsites that offer more privacy from neighboring campers. Clark Fork Campground is another option with 88 sites that feature ample spacing between neighbors and double sites available for larger groups.

Where is Bear Valley Campground located in California?

Bear Valley is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, along Highway 4 between Arnold and Markleeville. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping sits at higher elevations where paved roads transition to dirt routes. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain with curvy roads that become progressively more winding as you ascend. The broader Bear Valley region includes several nearby areas like Kit Carson Campground, which is situated in a steep valley with tall stone walls on both sides, alongside the West Fork of the Kit Carson River and Highway 88.

What camping options are available near Bear Valley, CA?

The Bear Valley area offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. For those seeking dispersed camping, Bear Valley Dispersed Camping allows you to drive as far up the mountain as desired on dirt roads to find your own spot. If you prefer established campgrounds, Stanislaus River Campground is popular but fills quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Acorn Campground provides a clean, reasonably priced ($20/night) experience primarily designed for small trailers and tents, though some sites accommodate larger RVs. Golden Age passes are accepted here, reducing costs to $10/night. Additional options include Pine Marten Campground near Arnold and various campgrounds in the Lake Alpine area.

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