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Activities

Established Camping

Bear Lake State Park Campground

About

State Park

Welcome to Bear Lake State Park Campground, nestled near St. Charles, Idaho. This place is a gem, especially if you're into stunning lake views and easy beach access. The water here is a striking tropical blue, earning it the nickname "Caribbean of the Rockies." Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, you'll find plenty of spots to choose from, including some pull-through sites right by the lake.

One of the standout features here is the large picnic pavilion, perfect for group gatherings. The campground is equipped with electric and water hookups, and there's a sanitary dump station for your convenience. Showers and toilets are available, though some visitors recommend using the ones near the day-use area for a cleaner experience.

If you're planning a summer visit, be prepared for a lively atmosphere. The beach area is a popular hangout, and you can rent water sport gear nearby. But if you prefer a quieter experience, weekdays are your best bet.

The camp hosts are known for being friendly and helpful, making your stay even more enjoyable. The sites are generally RV and van-friendly, but if you're tent camping, double-check the site details as not all are tent-friendly.

For those who love a bit of adventure, there's hiking and biking nearby. And if you're into fishing or boating, Bear Lake won't disappoint. The water is crystal clear and shallow, making it great for families with kids.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beautiful camping spots in Idaho.

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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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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • 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

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

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 VisitOctober
  • 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 VisitOctober
  • 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 VisitAugust
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 VisitJuly
  • 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 VisitJune
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 VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bear Lake State Park Campground by Carrie C., June 30, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bear Lake State Park Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bear Lake State Park Campground has water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Bear Lake State Park Campground?

Bear Lake State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

Are fires allowed at Bear Lake State Park Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bear Lake State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Bear Lake State Park Campground have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bear Lake State Park Campground does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Bear Lake State Park Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.