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Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)
Overview
The Bear River Group Campground offers four separate group campsites on a site above the south side of the Lower Bear River Reservoir. The proximity to water and the mixed pine setting in the fresh Sierra Nevada air, makes this campground an excellent group retreat destination.Upriver from the campground is the Upper Bear River Reservoir. This lake is smaller and spans 166 surface acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline.
Recreation
Lake activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking on the shores. Rainbow trout are found in abundance throughout the season, in addition to smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout as well. A short distance past the Upper Bear River Reservoir is the Pardoe Trail, which borders the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail runs up the top of Squaw Ridge to an elevation of over 9,000 feet, providing excellent views of the surrounding area.Facilities
The campground is designed for tent camping only. Campstie 1 fits 50 people while the other three sites accommodate 25. Piped drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and a group cooking area are among the amenities.Natural Features
Bear Group Campground is situated an elevation of 6,000 feet, just a short distance (approximately one mile drive) from the reservoir.It is part of the Eldorado National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Nearby Attractions
Restaurants, boat rentals and a general store are within a few miles of the campground.Charges & Cancellations
- Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
- Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
- Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
- Cancellation Fee: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee..
- Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date.
- Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
Camp site features
Across 4 camp sites:
- Group sites: all 4 sites
- Largest party: 50 people
Directions
From Jackson, California, travel east on State Route 88 for 39 miles and turn
right (south) on Bear River Road. Travel 2 miles to Y intersection and stay to
the right side, going across the dam. Drive .5 miles past South Shore
Campground to Bear Group Campground, which will be located on left side of
road.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (9)
5 stars
9
Roberto R
Loop:Junc
Site:002
Reviewed 10 months ago
Amazing place!! Lots of off-roading trails, spot junk-2 was nice and quiet!
Richard Z
Loop:Koka
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
Excellent group site. When all 4 sites are reserved, it is a private large (125 person) group site completely separated from all other campgrounds
Deja C
Loop:Koka
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
This location was amazing! So much space and spread out from the other group camps. Just a short drive away from the water. Not much cell service besides satellite. Beautiful and easy to get to. Maybe could use a little more signage to help with lost campers, but besides that the written instructions when booking were perfect. Will be booking again with my family next year.
suzanna p
Loop:Koka
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
We reserved at 001, Koka( Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric )
Part of Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)
Our party of 45 people had plenty of space between us and other campers. We had plenty of bear boxes and even a shed to load our ice chests in at night for safety. The rocks that lined our campsite made a great place for our kids to explore while giving us peace of mind. We brought our own grills but there is a huge grill there and a dish washing station. While the bathrooms are vaulted there was never a smell or any issues. The camp host STEVE was amazing and accommodating. He let us have our space after he came over to welcome us and answer all questions we had! This place was lovely and healing for our family who had not been together since a loss of a family member. We all came back refreshed and as the one who plans these yearly trips i have never received so much positive feedback.
We had no bees, no flies and no bugs!!
literally everyone got lost finding this site. If you follow the signs and drive further than you think the site should be you will find it. I promise.
Amber W
Loop:Junc
Site:002
Reviewed a year ago
Great group campsite!! Fresh water at the site. Counter top height tables made food prep pleasant. Plenty of picnic table space. Bathrooms just for your site. It was a great experience and the camp host, Steve, was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
huelon U
Loop:Junc
Site:002
Reviewed 3 years ago
Steve the host was above kind courteous and professional went above and beyond to get the camp open for 125 campers what a stand up guy deserves a HUGE raise can't say enough about him and Mike great job fellas
Richard Z
Loop:Koka
Site:001
Reviewed 4 years ago
Awesome group campground. Great host. Be sure to walk out to the granite overlook of the lake.
Jimmy I
Loop:Smok
Site:004
Reviewed 5 years ago
I absolutely love this campground for group camping and it’s priced reasonably!
Popularity
Moderate · 53%
Busiest in July, when about 53% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.















