Grand Mesa National Forest is home to Little Bear Campground, a first-come, first-served site near Cedaredge, Colorado, with around 34 sites spread across forested terrain managed by the US Forest Service. The campground sits close enough to Island Lake that some sites have direct foot-path access to the water, making it a practical base for anglers and paddlers who want proximity without a long walk. Sites are spaced out reasonably well, though reviewers note privacy is limited. Cell signal is unreliable to nonexistent here, so plan accordingly.
The lake access is the campground's most consistently noted feature. Fishing draws repeat visitors, and the Island Lake Trail runs along the east side of the lake from the campground. Island Lake Campground is nearby for comparison, though reviewers suggest Little Bear handles larger rigs less comfortably than its neighbor. Bugs are a real factor during warmer months, particularly July and August, so bring appropriate gear. Weekends fill up; arriving on a Sunday, campers often find weekend traffic clearing out, and a midweek stay gives better odds of finding a quieter spot.
Amenities include vault toilets, water spigots, and trash service. A camp host is typically onsite and has been described as helpful by multiple visitors. Heather M. notes the sites were "clean, maintained, and the camp hosts were very friendly." Firewood is available for purchase at around $10 per bundle. Note that pets are not permitted. The current nightly rate has been reported at $20, with a senior discount available. Campers who want a straightforward forest camp with direct lake access and reliable amenities will find Little Bear worth a look.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Bear Campground is located in Colorado near Mesa Lakes
Coordinates
39.034553 N
107.997937 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/6/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/6/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/6/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 10 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 19 min from Boulder, CO
- 4 hrs 57 min from Colorado Springs, CO
