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Established Camping

Bear Lake Campground (CO)

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bear Lake Campground, near Canon City, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some creature comforts. With designated sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire and soaking in the serene surroundings.

This campground is known for its stunning views and proximity to beautiful hiking trails. Visitors rave about the pristine lake, which is great for fishing, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. One camper noted, “The views driving up from the main road are absolutely stunning,” highlighting the breathtaking scenery that awaits you.

While the campground doesn’t offer showers or electric hookups, it does provide clean vault toilets and drinking water, ensuring you have what you need for a comfortable stay. Some campers mentioned the friendly hosts and the well-kept facilities, making it a welcoming place to pitch your tent or park your RV.

If you’re up for some adventure, there are plenty of trails nearby for hiking and exploring. Just be prepared for the occasional wildlife encounter, as bears are known to roam the area. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the tranquility, Bear Lake Campground is a solid choice for your next outdoor escape.

Fee Info

Extra Vehicle Fee $10.00

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Location

Bear Lake Campground (CO) is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Colorado Highway 12 south of the Town of Cuchara, take FSR 422 5 miles west to the campground.

Address

3028 EAST MAIN STREET
Canon city, CO 81212

Coordinates

37.3253611 N
105.1388611 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Drive Time

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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
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

It’s okay

I only drove up to the campsite and was disappointed because there was probably only a couple feet in between campsites and it felt really crowded. Theres not as many trees as the pictures show due to heavy snowfall this last winter I’m sure. We drove back down the road to blue lake campground and it was a little better spaced. Just know there are near by options if it’s not what you were looking for.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

Peaceful & quiet!

We drove in about 5:00 pm and they had 2 vacancies! Camp host was great! Friendly neighbors! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a relaxing time!

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Teresa T., September 22, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

Totally recommend

We were going to try our luck at a different campsite and got booked out. Luckily, a very kind person recommended this one and I couldn’t be happier with our stay. We stayed at site 10. My favorite part of this site was that there was nothing but beautiful trees on an uphill right behind it. There’s a trail a few yards for the site with a great view! In the very early morning, we did get woken up by a couple hooting owls but it’s expected when camping in a forest. I will definitely be returning.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Marcela R., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Marcela R., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Marcela R., August 12, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Little Hidden Gem

Beautiful place in Southern Colorado.     It is a busy (small), very pretty campground Southern CO (not all spots are shaded).     Great Hosts with clean vault toilets.     Lots of hiking trails and the lake (which is very pretty).

No phone reception (YEAH)... and a bit off beaten path.   Close to La Veta and Cuchara.

Definitely a go back Campground.

Site#7
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2019

Incredible Views

The views driving up from the main road are absolutely stunning. I was here when the leaves were changing in the fall and I’m not sure there are many places in Colorado more beautiful than up here. The lake is pristine and clear and you can see every trout in the lake. The fishing was fantastic and the campsites were well situated and quiet. Highly recommend.

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

High Altitude Lake Site

This campsite run by the National Forest Service is about two hours drive west of Trinidad Colorado and about 45 minutes from the small town of La Veta. The site is accessed off of scenic highway 12. You drive about 5 miles up a step dirt and gravel road with multiple switchback to reach near lake. This is the sister camp to blue lake campground about 1 mile down the mountain road. Bear lake is a beautiful mountain fishing lake at about 11,000 feet altitude. The site is very popular for families in the summer looking for great camping and even better fishing. The lake is full of trout and many campers were hitting their 4 fish limit. The site has better views of the mountain peaks than blue lake. The campsites have some privacy depending on the site. This place is very popular and reservations are a must in the summer months. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and ample parking for two cars or a van. They have great trails for hiking and ATVs here and campers frequently run into bears. So you need to prepare and take the necessary precautions. The site is also popular for ATVs. So would will need to prepare for vehicles running through the camp.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Steve & Ashley  G., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Steve & Ashley  G., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground (CO) by Steve & Ashley  G., July 31, 2019
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2017

Great spot!

Loves camping here. Fishing was good. Lots of shade. Decent hiking.

Site5
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are past campers saying about their experience at Bear Lake Campground?

Campers consistently praise Bear Lake Campground for its stunning natural beauty, particularly highlighting the pristine, clear lake where trout are easily visible. Many mention the excellent fishing opportunities and the breathtaking scenery, especially during fall when the changing leaves create spectacular views. Visitors appreciate the friendly camp hosts who maintain clean facilities and the peaceful atmosphere with no cell reception. Some note that the campground can feel crowded during peak times with limited space between sites, and recent tree loss has reduced shade in some areas. Overall, most visitors highly recommend the campground for those seeking a relaxing mountain getaway.

How do I get to Bear Lake Campground from La Veta, Colorado?

From La Veta, take the scenic Highway 12 toward Cuchara. After about 30-45 minutes of driving, you'll need to turn onto a steep dirt and gravel road with multiple switchbacks. This challenging access road climbs approximately 5 miles to reach the campground near the summit. The drive from La Veta takes about 45 minutes total, though travel time may vary depending on your vehicle and driving conditions. While the road can be difficult, the stunning views during the ascent are part of the experience. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially after weather events that might affect road conditions.

What facilities and amenities are available at Bear Lake Campground in La Veta, Colorado?

Bear Lake Campground offers basic facilities including clean vault toilets maintained by friendly camp hosts. The small campground features campsites with varying levels of shade, though not all spots are fully shaded. Many sites have fire rings and stunning views of the surrounding area. The campground is operated by the National Forest Service and provides access to a pristine lake. There's no cell phone reception at the campground, making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect. The facilities are simple but well-maintained, perfect for campers looking for a more rustic outdoor experience in a beautiful mountain setting.

What recreational activities are available at Bear Lake in Cuchara, Colorado?

Bear Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities in its clear waters where trout are easily visible. The area boasts numerous hiking trails surrounding the campground, perfect for day hikes through beautiful mountain terrain. The pristine lake is ideal for non-motorized water activities. During fall, the changing leaves create spectacular scenery for photography and nature appreciation. The surrounding forested areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching. With no cell reception, the location encourages unplugged recreation like stargazing, reading, and simply enjoying the peaceful mountain setting.