Dispersed camping options near Laketown provide primitive camping experiences on public lands at 5,900 feet elevation. The area features limestone formations and sagebrush slopes that transition to aspens and pines at higher elevations. Winter snowfall often keeps forest roads closed until late May, while summer temperatures can reach 85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping connects to multiple trail systems where dogs can explore while staying clear of wildlife. One camper noted, "It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more."
Beach swimming: Rendezvous Beach — Bear Lake State Park offers shallow entry points ideal for dogs and families. "The sand is nice, and one can wade out quite far in the water to lounge all day," according to a visitor who appreciated the gradual depth increase.
Mountain biking: Trails near Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey connect to mountain routes with varying difficulty levels. A camper mentioned it's "perfect for kids. They loved all the activities available to them. Right close to the shops and ice cream shakes."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sunrise Campground provides roomy sites with plenty of shade trees. "This campground is beautiful and the sites are huge! The bathrooms were pretty clean. Cell service was decent," reported one visitor who appreciated the ample space between sites.
Lake views: Some campgrounds offer scenic overlooks rather than direct lake access. "Behind the bathrooms on the South side there is a little trail with a beautiful view of the lake. If you go exploring behind the East bathrooms you'll see a little creek," shared a Sunrise Campground regular.
Quiet alternatives: Camping options outside the main tourist areas provide more solitude. A camper at Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey noted, "Smaller in size and way less amenities than the other KOA but way more quiet. If you're looking to have a more peaceful stay, this is your place."
What you should know
Weather changes: Bear Lake can experience sudden wind shifts that impact camping comfort. At Birch Campground — Bear Lake State Park, a visitor warned, "It gets really windy from one moment to the next."
Campsite claiming issues: Popular areas fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. A camper at Sunrise Campground reported, "When my family showed up Friday August 23rd there was no Camp Host. We arrived at 11pm to claim site 6 which I had reserved 5 weeks prior and there was a large family with all their crap all over our site."
Pet restrictions: Not all areas allow dogs full access. At Birch Campground, a visitor noted, "We were surprised that dogs are not allowed on the park beaches... We sure were not expecting it to be dog restrictive. Dogs are not allowed by the lake/beach or in day use areas."