I've camped here about half a dozen times over the years and while each experience has been different, they were all enjoyable and I would easily return again.

There are a variety of campsites, and they are many - we camp as close to the ocean as possible in the meadow area. There are port-o-potties on site but they're not always super close to your campsite. You typically do have to hike the ocean from the dunes, and while some consider it a light and easy walk, for others it could be difficult. There are other sites closer to the waterfront, but I haven't personally camped there yet and can't testify to the ease.

The weather is GREAT, and you can usually count on some light wind daily. It's amazing kite weather. The sites are in full-sun, so plan for shading yourself. I suggest a pop-up canopy, and double suggest staking it down.

We've run out of firewood on occasion and bartered with other campers (some have kindly donated some for the night and we reimburse their wood in the morning). There's a lovely general store and restaurant nearby with delicious clam chowder. There is also a day-area beach, a really cool pier where folks crab, and loads of fishing. Pet friendly, sand dunes where you'll see lots of action, and just a lovely area. Camping is year round, and the weather is typically PERFECT.

Our group has been camping at Sly Park together and respectively since 1996, and we can't ever get enough. It's a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance. Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find.

They have several different campsite areas, and we typically frequent Pinecone Strip in the 30+ numbered sites. They have several water view sites, and many others deeper into the area. The lake is GORGEOUS and amazingly cool during the summer, and we also love winter camping in the snow as well. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and the reservation page has detailed descriptions of each site for you. Lots of hiking, biking, and equine camping which is so fun to see.

The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance. That said, they also follow fire season safety and you should plan for that.

There's a little general store across the street from the entrance with essentials and camping basics, and loads of places nearby for firewood and more specific purchases.

Access to the lake is relatively easy, and they have a day use area separate from the camping areas.

Four years running and eight trips under our belt, we love camping here. Only once was it not enjoyable, and that was last year when all of the "new" campers came out of the woodwork during quarantine and couldn't understand campground rules to save their lives.

That said, our group adores Bear River. It offers rather level (if not flat) tent camping, and a few RV spots as well. Each spot has a fire ring, grill and picnic table. Their reservation site will let you know when they abide fire season safety and don't allow fires of any kind, so you have time to prepare. The on-site bathrooms are cleaned daily and roomy. You'll need light even before the sun sets though, it gets dark quickly in there.

Depending on which site you choose, accessing the river can take some work, but a quick trip to the day use area provides very easy access. Our favorite spot has some easy climbing access, and we bring our chairs down and relax riverside all day long.

There will almost always be several gold panning folks, and they almost always keep to themselves and don't disturb campers.

The air is deliciously clean, the river provides a calming soundtrack at night, and the rangers are friendly and helpful.

Animal-wise, we have seen everything from chickens to deer to a bear once, but it was absolutely terrified to see humans and fled immediately. Always know your surroundings and read up on your site - there will always be useful safety tips!