Bear River Group Campground
Lower Bear River Reservoir

Bear River Group Campground - Lower Bear River Reservoir, CA
Bear River Group Campground - Lower Bear River Reservoir, CA

Bear River Group Campground
Lower Bear River Reservoir


Bear River Group Campground

Bear River Group Campground is located 1 mile from the south shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest. The campground is 4 miles south of Highway 88 on Bear River Road. Lower Bear River Reservoir is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Nearby trails lead to the upper Bear River Reservoir and beyond into Long Valley.

Bear River Group Campground has 4 sites - Kokanee, Junco, Chipmunk, and Smokey. Kokanee can accommodate up to 50 people while the other three can hold up to 25 people. All the campsites at Bear River Group Campground are moderately accessible.

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Bear River Group Campground Basics
Bear River Group Campground Location: South shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir, 4 miles off Hwy. 88
Elevation: 6,000 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 89 miles
Campground Open: Mid-June through September
Number of Sites: 4
Max. People per Site: Three sites 25
and one site 50
Vehicles per Site: not indicated
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Sierra Recreation Managers, for the Eldorado National Forest
Amador Ranger District: (209) 295-4251

Bear River Group Reservations
Reservations available Reservations are available whenever the campground is open.
Booking Window: from 4 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Accessible Sites: all sites "moderately accessible"
Fees: $115 per night
Kokanee $145 per night
Reservations: Bear River Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Bear River Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic tables, serving tables, wash stand, stoves, fire ring, food storage locker
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: Available at Bear River Lake Resort (fee)
Dump Station: Available at Bear River Lake Resort (fee)
Campground Map: Bear Group Campground Map
Attractions near Bear River Group Campground:
  • Enjoy Lower Bear River Reservoir for fishing, boating.
  • Try nearby horseback riding and OHV.
  • Visit Bear River Lake Resort for boat rentals, restaurant, and bar.
  • Drive to Salt Springs Reservoir, Silver Lake, Caples Lake, or Kirkwood.




Bear River Group Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Sign at Bear River Group Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Bear River Group Campground in the Eldorado National Forest on Carson Pass find many wonderful places to explore.

  • Launch your boat into Bear River Reservoir.
  • Fish and boat on Silver Lake and Caples Lake.
  • Visit Kirkwood for both winter and summer activities from skiing to mountain biking.
  • Enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort.
  • Discover the beauty of Hope Valley and visit famous Sorensen's Resort for lodging, meals, and activities.
  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for fishing, hiking, and horse back riding.
  • Hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Mountain bike along a network of logging roads.
  • Spend a day at Indian Griding Rock State Historic Park.

Key Bear River Group Campground Regulations

  1. To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  2. Keep dogs on leash at all times.
  3. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  4. Park all vehicles in the parking lot except when unloading or loading at the camping area.

    Check Eldorado National Forest - Bear River Group Campground for any campground updates.