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Established Camping

Bear Lake State Park Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bear Lake State Park Campground, near St. Charles, Idaho, is a vibrant destination that draws campers with its stunning turquoise waters and beautiful beach access. The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, many of which come with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.

Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including showers and toilets, although some suggest that the bathrooms could use a bit more attention during busy weekends. The campground is known for its friendly camp hosts and ample space for larger tents and RVs, making it a popular choice for families and groups. One camper noted, “The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual,” which is great for kids.

For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the area is packed with activities like hiking, biking, and water sports. The nearby beach is a hub for fun, with options to rent gear for various water activities. Just keep in mind that summer weekends can get lively, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. With its picturesque setting and range of amenities, Bear Lake State Park Campground is a fantastic spot for your next outdoor adventure.

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Location

Bear Lake State Park Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 11 mi E on N Beach Rd. Follow signs to east side of lake.

Address

5637 East Shore Rd
St Charles, ID 83272

Coordinates

42.03211968 N
111.25746528 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 8/5/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 8/14/25

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 8/5/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 8/14/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

14 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2025

Beautiful Paradise 😍

There are no showers. But they vault toilets. The water is perfect and so blue. Really earns the title of the Caribbean of the Rockies. Had my own trail straight to the water facing the sunset. 🥰 It was heaven.

Site42
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2024

Great staying at the lake

Just stayed for a night but in a sight directly at the lake. We were able to go to the lake easily and swim a little bit. Due to being late in the season it was not crowded at all.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Karsten , August 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Karsten , August 31, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Gorgeous Lake but busy during the Summer

The most popular of the campgrounds on the East side of the lake due to the tropically blue water. Lots of spots for tents and RV’s. Even has pull through sites on the lake. Beautiful views and easy beach access from all sites.

Bathrooms are okay, they need to attended to more often during busy weekends but as big as it is, it was well maintained. Sites have fire pit and picnic tables.

There is a large picnic pavilion for group gatherings with a cute little benched(rock) area. There are a TON of campgrounds on the East side of the lake. You will have your choice of spots with different amenities. 

The camp hosts are friendly and helpful. The sites are very RV or van-friendly. Many of them are also large enough for a large tent but make sure you check the sites before because not all sites are tent friendly.

It is a big party here during the Summer so keep that in mind when looking for a campspot. There is a big beach hang-out nearby where you can rent water sport gear so it can get pretty busy during the weekends but I went during the week and hardly saw anyone.

Site3
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Hayley K., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Hayley K., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Hayley K., October 22, 2021
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2021

Bear Lake 2021

Electric and water hook ups with dump site. Public outhouses are available. if you are up to walking a bit the ones near the day use area are cleaner and used less. Beautiful lake.

Site101
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by hailey U., September 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by hailey U., September 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by hailey U., September 2, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Nice lakeside camping

This RV park is along side Bear Lake. A short stroll across the large beach and you can set up shade, have a relaxing day on the beach.

Sitesite 22
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2020

East side also Idaho side. Saint Charles ID elevation 5940 ft

If coming from Idaho Falls stay on 30 Hwy till Montpelier then take 89 hwy to St Charles. If ya coming from Jackson Wy stay on 89 Hwy . If ya need Groc stop at the store in Montpelier. Google will take you the shorter way which you will be traveling on a very dusty dirt road for 6 miles or more. Sometimes the shorter way isn’t the best way. Sites are pretty level they have electric some with water and some with 50amps. They all have picnic tables no sewer. They have a dump station for that. Beach area is sandy and water is very shallow so if you have kids not to worry so much. Water is a turquoise color very cool like your in the Caribbean. Pics coming soon waiting for the smoke to clear from the west fires. Here for 5 days today is Sept 13 2020.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by John M., September 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by John M., September 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by John M., September 13, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Caribbean of the Rockies

Such an appropriate description! We had a wonderful time! Great campsite near the water. The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual - it'll take 50-60 yards to get waist deep. Crystal clear water. I dont normally get into lakes, but this was different. There is hiking and biking nearby - a little bit of something for everyone. We are definitely going back.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Heather C., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Heather C., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Heather C., August 29, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2019

Love the group site

The group site has full hookups with a pit toilet and a dump station. The group site also has a pavilion, grass, and trees. However, when I went, the individual sites had sand, sagebrush, with little to no shade. However, the boat dock is very nearby.

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2019

Beautiful beachside camping

The views were amazing right from our tent!  The water was a little on the chilly side so we did more wading than swimming, but you cant ask for too much more in UT/ID.  The waters were crystal clear turquoise blue and we could hear the sound of the waves from our tent.  The bathrooms were kept clean and smell free especially for pit toilets.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Amanda T., July 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Amanda T., July 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Amanda T., July 28, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Earlier The Better

We had wanted to camp at Bear Lake and there was 1 site left were we had wanted. Unfortunately this guy on a bike had claimed the site and luckily for him it was my Christian hour or I would of argued with him. The campground was super simple and close to the lake. There was a bathroom nothing to brag about and it was just open. No shade just a site to be close to the lake. It was 1st come 1st serve and I would suggest you get there as early as you can. Down a bit is a picnic area where you could do a day camp but no overnight. After all that we ended up going towards Garden City area and ended up finding a beach to swim and have lunch at. The water was beautiful and refreshing, dogs were allowed just keep them on a leash. We got there pretty early but after 12 it seemed a bit crowded. Overall it was a great day and on our way back to our KOA there was a festival going on in Garden City, lots of places to eat, shop, just be a tourist. Excited to return!

  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Shani C., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Shani C., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Shani C., June 24, 2019
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Best getaway for Idaho and Utah

Couple hours out of the big city and you’re camping in one of the best places west of the Mississippi. Of course, we do have a boat to go on which is most of the fun but there’s so many beaches and plenty of places to fish which adds to the fun.

  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Shariah T., June 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Shariah T., June 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Shariah T., June 3, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018

Nice place to enjoy the lake

Agreat place to go especially if you want to cast your boat off and do some fishing or even some geocaching! If it's too hot on the lake there are some nice forests on the west side of the lake to escape into

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2017

Beachy!

Bear Lake is currently so high there are very few sandy beachs availabe. This is one of them!

Cost for day use is $6 per vehicle and $15 overnight.

SiteDay use
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Carrie C., June 30, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Bear Lake State Park campground?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bear Lake State Park campground. The park is pet-friendly, but standard pet regulations apply - keep your dogs on a leash, clean up after them, and don't leave them unattended. Be mindful that the beach areas get crowded during peak season, so having good control of your pets is important, especially with families around. The campground's open layout makes it easy to walk dogs, but remember to bring supplies as pet amenities aren't provided.

What are the best tent camping spots at Bear Lake State Park?

The best tent camping spots at Bear Lake State Park are those directly facing the lake, offering stunning views right from your tent. Campers particularly enjoy the sites with direct beach access and unobstructed sunset views over the turquoise waters. Some tent sites even have their own trails straight to the water. While most individual sites have sand and sagebrush with minimal shade, their proximity to the beautiful beach makes them worth it. During less crowded seasons (spring and fall), you'll have better chances of securing these prime lakefront locations.

What's the difference between camping at Bear Lake Idaho and Bear Lake Utah?

Bear Lake straddles the Idaho-Utah border, offering different camping experiences in each state. The Utah side (including Bear Lake State Park Campground) features more developed facilities with electric and water hookups, a dump station, and better beach access to the vibrant turquoise waters. The Idaho side generally has more forested campgrounds, especially on the western shore, providing more shade and escape from summer heat. Utah's side is typically busier and more popular for water recreation with better beach access, while Idaho's side tends to be quieter with better fishing opportunities. Route access also differs - from Idaho Falls, take Highway 30 to Montpelier then Highway 89 to St. Charles, rather than dusty dirt roads Google might suggest.

Is the East Beach area of Bear Lake State Park good for families?

The East Beach area of Bear Lake State Park is excellent for families. The beach has fine sand and an extremely gradual slope into the water - it takes 50-60 yards to reach waist depth, making it safe for children. The crystal-clear turquoise water (often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies") is a major draw. Bathroom facilities are available, though they can get busy during peak season. The large beach area provides plenty of space to set up shade structures for a comfortable day. Swimming, fishing, boating, and even geocaching are popular family activities here.