Best Tent Camping near Bear Valley, CA

Recent Tent Reviews in Bear Valley

1104 Reviews of 73 Bear Valley Campgrounds

• 

  Lauren Hannah G.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 11, 2024

  Sugar Pine Point Campground

  Cute Campground near creek

  Loved the big beautiful trees. Enjoyed the creek behind. Lovely campground. Nice, clean facilities. Has bear lockers, pinicic tables and fire rings.

• 

  Chris P.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 9, 2024

  Hardin Flat Road

  Dispersed Camping MINUTES from Yosemite NP

  Spent (2) nights here and loved it. Enough T-Mobile service for messaging and lite web browsing. Spacious pull-out with a small rock fire pit. I believe fires are allowed as long as you have a permit.

  ~8min drive to Big Oak Entrance and ~40min drive to Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. Why stay at Hodgdon when you can stay here!

• M

  Matthew A.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

  Great 1 night stay

  Came on a Saturday around 4pm, there were 2 other campers other than me so it wasn’t busy at all. No service for at&t. Overall had a good stay here with my 2 dogs

• P

  Paul K.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  El Dorado

  Dyrts description sucked

  We could not find this place. Needs better description. Afterwards in another rv park I worked it out. Need to go to their website first better directions than just el dorado. Dyrt dropped the ball on this one.

• U

  UT801

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Campground by the Lake

  Great option if available for Lake Tahoe

  Camped here for what we thought would be a couple of nights for an event. However, event was canceled due to massive wild fire (air quality index was horrible, so stayed 1 night and left ASAP next morning). Campground is right on the main drag through town and just across the street and a short walk to the lake, although the lake does not permit dogs in this area. Nice walking/biking paths, but heavily commercial district means lots of traffic going by. Site (#E06) is huge with enough space for several RVs, but we parked sideways adjacent to the picnic table and had spot near to bathrooms/showers which are clean but a bit ragged around the edges. 

  Food aside: Dinner of Curly's pork with cheese and Hatch green chile tortillas. Good to come back here at some point when not high season and can stay more in camping zone, this is a pretty commercial district.

• P

  Paul K.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 16, 2024

  Tahoe Valley Campground

  A little pricey

  We were only after a night, so didn’t need much. Travelling this time of year when campgrounds are closed makes for desperate last minute decisions. BUT if you’re staying here, go across the road to Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. the best pizza!

• A

  Anthony F.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  Hope Valley Dispersed

  Hope Valley dispersed

  Free camping

• 

  Shane T.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 11, 2024

  Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

  Great spot!

  We stayed one night on our way through the area. Spot was nice level and clean. We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 11, 2024

  Acorn Campground

  Great Stop in the Sierras

  We’ve stayed at this campground a couple of times on our way to/from Yosemite National Park, and it is a nice place to spend a couple of nights.  Many campers come here to get on the lake in their powerboats, or fish from the shore, and there will be no shortage of anglers most weekends; but, during the week in the shoulder season, we  pretty much had the place to ourselves. 

  The campground offers a range of pull-through and back-in campsites along the slopes of the rolling hills, but most of the individual sites were flat and could accommodate a wide variety of rig sizes.  Some are close enough together to make a great group camping set-up, while others were off  on their own with a view of the reservoir. While there were many trees around for shade, we still had enough open sky for good solar gain and Starlink. 

  The main bathroom building had clean flush toilets and showers, but there were a few extra vault toilets scattered around.  Fresh water taps and recycling/ trash bins were plentiful. 

  Hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing are the name of the game here, and we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir.  Since the lake level fluctuates there aren’t many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch. 

  There is a nearby gas station with a few supplies, ice, and firewood. Sonora is the closest town with larger grocery stores and restaurants.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 9, 2024

  Indian Grinding Rock State Historical Park Campground

  A Surprise in the Sierras!

  We ended up at this small campground because our potential boondocking spots were completely snowed in up top.  So glad we did as it is tucked away on the grounds of an amazing state park!

  Most of the sites are small with a lot of tree coverage. It was quiet, quaint, and clean. We found a good site that provided just enough sky for both our 400W portable solar panel and Starlink to work pretty well. The bathroom building has flush toilets, was kept clean, and warm showers. 

  But the campground isn’t the reason to come here...it’s the history! This little park tucked into the Western Sierras will blow your mind. It is a significant Miwok Native American historical site, with home sites, ancient Oak trees, and literally thousands of grain, and acorn grinding stones located in the central part of the park. 

  The visitor’s center is a must-see and brings the location to life. In cooperation with the local tribes, the state manages the site and visitor’s center for the public. Take a walk on the interpretive trail, hike the adventure trails, fish in the creek, or attend a special program. It is a beautiful place to spend a few days. 

  The nearby town of Pine Grove has a few restaurants and grocery stores to get what you might need.

• 

  Mason W.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 9, 2024

  Zephyr Cove Resort

  Simple, clean, but loud

  Very simple and clean park but it is right next to the highway with very limited amenities. Their “amenities” they list online are not accurate but again it’s nice and clean. Also make sure you have a secondary form of transportation since this place is secluded due to private neighborhoods so there is no access to town via bike or on foot.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 8, 2024

  Crags Campground

  Hard to Get To...Even Harder to Leave!

  If you ever want to get away from it all, here is where it might be found. This gorgeous and sprawling campground close to the tiny resort hamlet of Twin Lakes is worth the drive.  We came for a night or two and stayed nearly a week.

  With many FCFS campsites along the loop above the river and among Jeffery’s Pine trees and Sierra sagebrush, you can find a quiet space to set up a beautiful camp. The sites are huge and lots of space in between them.  They are designed for any rig size that is set up for off-grid camping, with double sites for small groups.  Almost all of the sites have a wide open sky and lots of sun for good solar gain and strong Starlink, so no need for a generator.

  The river is only a short walk away from any of the campsites, so fishing and cooling off are always an option, and you can start a handful of hikes right from the campground.  The lower lake of the twins is walkable as well, at about 1.25 miles away. 

  The vault toilets were sparkling clean and well-maintained by the camp hosts. Showers were available for purchase at the nearby RV park. The town of Twin Lakes has a small grocery store at the marina with a few things -- a bit better than a convenience store, but not by much.  At the top of the upper lake, there is a small restaurant located at the other RV park.

  There’s lots of water activity opportunities to do in this part of the world, but check the boat regulations as there are speed limitations.  Fishing, paddling, and SUP’s are all great here, but it can get REALLY windy so plan accordingly.

  Hiking is amazing on the many trails which take you to the higher elevations. Wilderness backcountry travel looks delightful, but we only went on day-hikes. Multi-day backpackers can park in the upper lake marina lot for a fee.  With so many trails and OHV trails nearby, this is also a great campground to bring your mountain bike or other toys.

• h

  harry S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 8, 2024

  North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

  Beautiful park

  Very nice park, great walking trails, beautiful trees. Many of the buildings are older, but well kept. Showers are coin operated and nice. No trailer hookups, but very site has a water but can’t connect it with the trailer. Park does have a dump station and is included in the space rent. Only issue is being by the road and having road noise. Plenty of restrooms and showers (coin operated). The only Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and VERY limited cell service, no great loss.

• B

  Bradford H.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 3, 2024

  Loon Lake

  Old boat ramp, rock and uneven

  Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.

• 

  Be L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  Diamond Gulch

  perfect

  Was a wonderful experience! The host was super helpful even at night when we didn’t find our designated spot (even though it had super obvious signs - our fault) Super lovely host and a beautiful ranch. A lot of fireplaces with wood. Can only recommend lighting up a little campfire and stargazing at night! Bring some marshmallows with you !

• 

  Miles L.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 25, 2024

  Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

  A few spots scattered along the road

  Nothing fancy or too expansive, but a handful of spots on either side of the road. Certainly easier to settle in before it’s dark.

• 

  Raymond V.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 25, 2024

  Zephyr Cove Resort

  Tight spaces but close to lake

  Tight spaces but close to the lake if you want to enjoy the water and beach. Toilets and showers where filty but okay. Lots of chipmunks to enjoy..

• 

  Greg D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

  Going downhill ?

  It wasn’t as nice as the photos depicted. Water shortage? The grasses were long and dried up, there appears to have been a wooden bridge as a shortcut to the pool/restroom/laundry room/Deli, but no longer. The restrooms were barely tolerable and the woman’s had a bad odor. There’s a dishwashing station that is no longer serviceable, just a stainless sink set in a covered table with no water or even plumbing to include drains. You have to pay for WiFi and sometimes the signal drops. For the cost of the campground the WiFi should be free! Lesser known campgrounds even have free WiFi. There are Conestoga Wagons, Cabins and Yurts. None were occupied. Reason?

• k

  kelly

  Scout

  

  Sep. 12, 2024

  Nevada Beach Campground and Day Use Pavilion

  Peaceful lake

  Large sites very peaceful. Most sites close to the lake. We visited the last week of August. Expect to see bears. Hosts were clear about the need to keep campsites clear of food. Since you could not dump dish water on ground because of the bears it was more effort to wash up after meals. It would be nice if there was a dish washing station . We have seen this at other campsites we have been to. The have AT&A cell service had good service

• K

  Kim G.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 11, 2024

  Carson RV Resort

  Worthy of the resort title!

  We normally prefer wilderness parks, and generally avoid RV parks. We’ve stayed in a few though and this one is by far the absolute nicest one we’ve ever stayed in!! It recently changed ownership and the new owners have invested in a first-class place! We had to find a last minute place on a Sunday due to the Davis Creek Regional park fire. We pulled in here and were helped by a wonderful young woman in the office. What I liked most about this place was that it is more spacious than typical RV parks. Also, more importantly, the bathrooms were amazing and deserving of the “resort” name. While there may have been a few rigs here longer term, their sites were neat and orderly. The location is by a highway (and behind Costco), but the noise wasn’t bad at all. The pool area is beautiful and includes outdoor grills and a gas fire pit. There is minimal shade as the trees are all new. The laundry rooms (2!) were lovely. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Beautiful and well run facility. Does it compare to a state or National park, no. But for what it is it is outstanding!

• 

  DJ M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2024

  Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

  On the mountain

  Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline

• O

  Onyx E.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 6, 2024

  Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off

  Large dirt pull off

  Large pull off area I found and stayed at for 4 days with amazing views of the sunset and sunrise! I was there on weekdays so was pretty much alone the whole time but even if the main spot is occupied there’s a couple of dirt roads that lead to more areas to camp. A couple of level spots and lots of room to hike around. Completely free and peaceful but 0 amenities so come prepared. Currently there is an abandoned red semi truck cab so it’s easy to find not sure if that will ever be moved in the future though!

• O

  Onyx E.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 4, 2024

  Silver Fork Campground

  Peaceful getaway

  Beautiful river area, friendly people, hills to hike around! There’s a fire pit and bbq set up at each site and bathrooms and drinking water around the campgrounds. Seems like an amazing spot for a family camping trip! I believe it was $28 a night for a single spot or $14 with a discount. Cons for a nomad is there’s 0 service out there even hiking to the top of the mountain. It’s also about an hour of winding roads from the nearest town to get there. IMO not worth it when there’s plentyyyy of free camping pull offs you pass on the way there.

• C

  Cheyanne G.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 31, 2024

  Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

  Pin is incorrect

  So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.

• 

  Stephen B.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 30, 2024

  Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

  Beautiful, popular, treacherous

  I’m motorcycle camping and the ground level was about half full, mostly RVs, so I attempted to head up Scott Lake Road.

  The dirt was manageable but there are sections of large rocks difficult to pass on two wheels. I crossed several but I dropped my bike before the second circle. Defeated and exhausted from a long day’s ride, I headed back down to set up my camp among the RV set.

  No shade to the lifestyle but this is an awfully long drive to watch TV at top volume.

• p

  phillip H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 27, 2024

  Acorn Campground

  Extended stays

  A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night. They do accept golden age passes which reduces your nightly expense to $10 per night maximum 15 days for the month. Geared mostly for small trailers and tents, however, they do have some sites for larger RVs drive-through 40 foot max and roadside, slide outs might cause a problem. Park managers are very professional, courteous and pleasant. Bathrooms are a problem for cleanliness dump station is available for RVs. If you have a portable black tank, it would work out better for you on extended stays when dumping your black tank. If you are self-contained, you won’t have any difficulties at all.

• 

  Megan E.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 27, 2024

  Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park

  Night under the stars

  Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.