The Fish Haven area offers camping options at elevations between 5,900-6,000 feet along Bear Lake's western shore. Located at the Idaho-Utah border, this region experiences warm summer days with temperatures dropping significantly at night, even during peak season. Camping sites range from directly on the turquoise lakeshore to forest locations approximately 10 miles west in the mountains.
What to do
Kayaking accessibility: At Bear Lake State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy water activities with convenient boat access. "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," notes Alan B.
Hiking trails: Mountain trails near Beaver Creek provide opportunities for forest exploration. One camper shared, "You can hike back into the forest on a trail at the back of the camp site. Absolutely insane views, forest for miles, owls, deer, you name it."
Cave exploration: Drive approximately 15 minutes north from Fish Haven to visit Minnetonka Cave. "Nearby is the beautiful Minnetonka cave and Bear Lake where you can recreate in numerous ways," mentions a visitor who stayed at St. Charles Campground.
What campers like
Turquoise waters: The distinctive blue color of Bear Lake draws many visitors. "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," describes Danielle T. from Bear Lake State Park Campground.
Gradual shoreline: The lake's gentle entry makes it ideal for waders and families. "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," reports Heather C.
Creek-side camping: Some campsites feature running water adjacent to tent sites. At St. Charles Campground, "The tent was pitched right next to Saint Charles Creek. It is currently very high (6/2017). I was worried they may get their tent wet!" notes Carrie C.
What you should know
Reservation importance: During summer, securing sites in advance is critical. "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... It was 1st come 1st serve and I would suggest you get there as early as you can," advises Shani C.
Site variations: Beach-front sites often lack shade while forest sites offer more coverage. David F. points out that at Bear Lake State Park, "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."
Road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. At Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, one camper cautions, "This road is rough and very bumpy," while another advises, "I got my car stuck in a ditch trying to pull into one of the further spots... Bumper is now falling off and I think one of the rocks gave my tire a leak."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey offers structured recreation for children. "Awesome place for kids. They loved all the activites available to them. Right close to the shops and ice cream shakes," reports David T.
Beach safety: The shallow entry at several beaches provides safer swimming for children. "The water is very shallow so if you have kids not to worry so much," explains John M. who camped at Bear Lake State Park.
Alternative swimming options: Some campgrounds offer pools when lake temperatures are too cold. According to Shane C., Bear Lake/Marina Side KOA provides "tons to do for the kids. Pancake breakfast was a nice plus for breakfast... Lots of activities for all ages."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Bear Lake/Marina Side KOA Holiday offers full-service sites for larger rigs. "We stayed in an RV supersite that included a private hot tub and BBQ grill," shares JJ V., who describes the campground as feeling "like a resort."
Site selection strategies: For RVers wanting more privacy, premium sites offer advantages. "Deluxe RV sites offer more space and privacy while standard ones are in a loop next to tent sites," notes one camper at Bear Lake Venture Park.
Directional guidance: GPS coordinates can be misleading in this area. "Don't use address provided on their website. It'll take you to Marina," warns Isabel about Birch Campground, while another RVer suggests, "If coming from Idaho Falls stay on 30 Hwy till Montpelier then take 89 hwy to St Charles... Google will take you the shorter way which you will be traveling on a very dusty dirt road for 6 miles or more."
