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Bear Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bear Lake Campground, near Yampa, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a peaceful escape in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. With a mix of tent and RV sites, this campground offers a laid-back vibe where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of reservations.

The campground is known for its stunning scenery and good separation between sites, providing a sense of privacy that many campers appreciate. Visitors rave about the beautiful lakeside spots and the short trails leading to nearby hiking paths. As one camper put it, “Fantastic scenery and beautiful sites.”

Fishing is a highlight here, with stocked lakes just a short walk away, making it a great base for anglers. The area is also perfect for hiking, with trails that cater to various skill levels. Just be sure to pack some bug spray; the mosquitoes can be relentless during the warmer months!

With amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, you can easily settle in for a cozy evening under the stars. The friendly atmosphere and clean facilities make Bear Lake Campground a solid choice for families and anyone looking to unwind in nature. Whether you’re casting a line or just soaking in the views, this campground has a lot to offer.

Location

Bear Lake Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

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Drive Time

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Access

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

Connectivity

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Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2025

No Reservations Accepted Here

The sites at Bear Lake Campground are not $5. They have been $20 per night ever since 2024. The sites offer plenty of shade, and the camphosts are very nice.
Caution: The road is very washboard the entire way, so plan on about 45 minutes to get there from Yampa. 

There are no reservations accepted, it is first come, first serve, and saving spots is not allowed and is highly monitored and regulated. You must occupy your site for the first night, and after that, must not leave it unoccupied for more than 48 hours. 

The sites are of all sizes, however, there are no lake views as it is mostly shaded and wooded and the lake is a 5 minute walk outside the campground.

The vault toilets are very clean, the mosquitos are awful at all times of the day! And the wildflowers are stunning.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Blue B., July 22, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2025

First come first serve

Nice campground. NO ATV OHV OR DIRT BIKES IN CAMP. must stay on trailer if camping in bear lake. No reservations allowed. Leave no trace. Protect our public lands. HANDS OFF.

Site23
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2022

Beautiful

Many nice sites ,all first come, first serve. There are quite a few sites that are pretty private. Also , there are some Lakeside sites. Fantastic scenery and beautiful sites. Short drive to tails which can be accessed from campground via feeder trail. The Grand Mesa is pretty. Wild flowers and mosquitoes this time of year. Mosquitoes will be gone sometime in August they say .

Site9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Roger W., July 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Roger W., July 15, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2021

Bring the bug spray

After seven miles of washboard road down FR900 and CR7 out of Yampa, you arrive at Bear Lake about 9,700 feet. The entire campground (43 sites) is first come first served with no reservations. The sites have good separation between them and most of them are really good sites. They have single sites for $10/night, $20/night for a few double sites and $30/night for the triple site. Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are brutal! I would definitely recommend this campground to anyone that enjoys some seclusion and privacy.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2020

Quiet, peaceful, spacious

One of the best campground my family and I have gone to. Tent sites are set back and space and trees separate sites.. 2 great lakes that are stocked (3 kids + 1/2 hr = 12 trout) within walking distance... The chipmunks were alittle intrusive but my dog was fully entertained by them.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by mark H., December 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by mark H., December 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by mark H., December 4, 2020
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Quiet and peaceful

We drove in on a Sunday at 5:00 pm and they had 2 vacancies. Loved our site! Nice host, quiet campground, and friendly fellow campers! Highly recommend!

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Teresa T., September 21, 2020
Reviewed May. 31, 2020

Great Location - $5 Night

There are multiple campgrounds in this immediate area that all surround Yamcolo Reservoir, Bear Lake, and Stillwater Reservoir. There are 3 established campgrounds (Bear Lake Campground, Horseshoe Campground, & Cold Springs Campground) as well as many dispersed campsites with established fire rings. We stayed in Site #15 which was right next to a bathroom and just on the other side of the reservoir wall. There are many trailheads for hiking, 4x4 routes, small boat ramp, and plenty of hammock trees. Tree coverage can be hit or miss depending on what site you manage to snag. Phone service is minimal, practically non-existent. The sites are clean and well kept (even during Covid-19). Yampa is a 15min drive for anything that was forgotten and you can also snag firewood on the way in. I’ll absolutely be returning to camp here again!

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Danielle S., May 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Danielle S., May 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Danielle S., May 31, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2019

Great spot!!!

Great base camp for all the activities around you. Good hiking and fishing near by. Absolutely stunning views when you are at the reservoirs. Bring your kayak if you have one! There are no views of the lake from the sites but some of the sites have nice views of the mountains. The campground is nice and the sites are spread out which was great. We had tons of mosquitos which is the only reason I am not giving it 5 stars. Even with the mosquitos, we would go back!

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Rebeca H., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Rebeca H., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Rebeca H., August 23, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2019

Stunning Views

Although not very large, this campground offers great outdoor enjoyment! The sites are well laid out with good space between them allowing for a bit of privacy. There is a creek that runs through many of them and they are all set up as expected with picnic tables and fire rings. The best part of this campground is the hiking and fishing possibilities all around you! The vistas were stunning and the cool weather in the area for summer was a welcome break from the heat. We will definitely be back!

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Shawnda T., July 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Shawnda T., July 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Shawnda T., July 29, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Beautiful views

If you’re looking for a camp spot with lots of close activities this is the place. Great fishing, paddle boarding, close hiking trails. We went late July and there were tons of mosquitos, but other than that it was great. If you’re looking for more secluded camping there are dispersed sites all up and down the dirt road.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Liz B., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Liz B., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Liz B., May 29, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2019

Mountain oasis

Limited sites...about 40 I think. Good fishing.

We prefer using our higher ground clearance camper.

Perfect to relax and unwind. Hiking, fishing, wildlife are great!

Watch out for the bears!! :)

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2016

Fun camping and fishing

We visited this campground and lake the middle of June 2016. The campsites were clean and easily accessible. The fishing was great from the bank and also from a float tube. We are going back this month.😊

  • Review photo of Bear Lake Campground by Peggy  S., July 6, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bear Lake Campground located in Yampa, Colorado?

Bear Lake Campground is located about 7 miles from Yampa, Colorado, accessible via Forest Road 900 and County Road 7. The campground sits at approximately 9,700 feet elevation in the Flat Tops area. Visitors should note that the access road has significant washboard conditions, typically requiring about 45 minutes to travel from Yampa. The campground is situated near three bodies of water: Bear Lake, Yamcolo Reservoir, and Stillwater Reservoir, making it an excellent base for water activities and fishing.

What do reviews say about Bear Lake Campground in Colorado?

Bear Lake Campground is highly regarded for its well-designed sites with good spacing and privacy between campsites. Many sites feature a creek running through them and offer nice mountain views. The campground provides excellent access to outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding. The location is praised for its stunning scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors particularly appreciate the fishing quality at the nearby lakes, where even children can successfully catch trout. While most experiences are positive, some visitors mention occasional issues with campground traffic and mosquitoes in late July.

How do I make reservations for Bear Lake Campground?

Bear Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. All 43 campsites must be claimed in person upon arrival. For the best chance of securing a spot, arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays. Some visitors have found sites available even arriving on Sunday evenings. The camping fee is $20 per night. If the campground is full, alternative options include nearby Horseshoe Campground, Cold Springs Campground, or dispersed camping areas with established fire rings in the vicinity.

Are there photos available of Bear Lake Campground?

While specific photo resources aren't mentioned, visitors can likely find images of Bear Lake Campground through the Forest Service website, recreation.gov, or camping apps like The Dyrt. The campground features scenic sites with good separation between them, many offering mountain views. Some sites are situated along a creek, and the surrounding area showcases beautiful alpine scenery, lakes, and wildflowers. For the most current visual information, contacting the local Forest Service office in Yampa might provide access to official photographs of the campground.

What amenities are available at Bear Lake Campground in the Flat Tops area?

Bear Lake Campground offers 43 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The sites are well-spaced with trees providing shade and privacy. Basic amenities include vault toilets and potable water. Important to note is that off-road vehicles (ATVs, OHVs, and dirt bikes) are not permitted in the campground and must remain on trailers. The campground provides easy access to fishing at Bear Lake and nearby reservoirs, hiking trails that can be reached via a feeder trail from the campground, and opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. Some sites feature creek access, and there are lakeside sites available as well.