Searching for the best camping near Bear Valley, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Bear Valley, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$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."
"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."
$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)."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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. "
$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!"
"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."
TravelerThis 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
TravelerEasy 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
ScoutWe 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
ScoutThis 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
TravelerThe 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.
TravelerArrived 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.
RangerWe ended up on the “outside” of the spots in the trees. But, we did not have anyone in either side of us. Huge spot. It’s pretty here. No nearby grocery so have what you need. The Yosemite village store has quite a selection but it is an hour away. Easy access to the park. No cell service. Have to drive about 4 miles to west to get signal. Sporadic signal in the park. WiFi is subscription at sites. It was $14.95 fir a weak. Very intermittent.
GuideThere were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.
GuideYou can get there on 2WD, it’s a bit bumpy though. Don’t go all the way up, there’s fees at the reserved spots. There’s dispersed camping shortly after you pass the hot springs, there’s a small field where people park and if you go to the road on the side of the lot it’ll take you to more spots to camp in the trees.
The smoke was so bad I had to leave early. Be sure to check for fires nearby.
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.
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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