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.

## Overview

 Bear Lake Campground is located in the beautiful San Isabel National Forest at an elevation of 10,480 ft. Views of the nearby Culebra Range Mountains with aspen and spruce forests offer campers a genuine Colorado experience. 
## Recreation

 Indian Trail #1300 begins at the north end of the campground providing direct access to a 23 mile multi-user trail system available for all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, foot and horse. A quieter well marked trail system between Bear Lake and Blue Lake is open to foot and horse traffic. 
## Natural Features

 A tributary of the Cuchara River runs through the campground. Bear Lake is 1/8 mile from the campground, and Blue Lake is one mile away. Both of these small lakes are stocked several times during the summer providing for good fishing. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The nearby mountain town of Cuchara offers shopping and visitor information. The town of La Veta offers a grocery store, gas stations, and shops. The Spanish Peaks Wilderness, 15 miles from the campground, is a popular hiking destination. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

Bear Lake Campground (CO)

Looking for the best campgrounds near La Veta, CO? La Veta is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near La Veta, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

La Veta

The Best Camping Near La Veta, Colorado

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

Great spot!

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. 

High Altitude Lake Site  

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.

Incredible Views 

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.

Little Hidden Gem

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.

Totally recommend

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!

Photos of Bear Lake Campground (CO)

Real photos from real campers