South Shore Campground
Currently closed for the season. Scheduled to open June 5, 2026. Operating season runs June through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 days per district annually.
Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Road Closure
Winter snow closure to passenger vehicles in effect per Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Forest Order 03-26-01.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
About
South Shore Campground is located next to Lower Bear River Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains at 5,900 feet elevation. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest on a hillside just above the south shore, with some sites offering partial lake views through the trees. The 22 campsites include standard sites, two double sites, one triple site, and two walk-in tent sites. Lower Bear River Reservoir covers 166 acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline. Activities include fishing for rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout, swimming, boating, canoeing, and picnicking. A boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground. Bear River Resort, about a mile away on the north side of the reservoir, offers a restaurant, store, boat rentals, fishing licenses, dump station, and showers. The Pardoe Trail can be accessed a short distance past nearby Upper Bear River Reservoir and borders Mokelumne Wilderness. The area experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Directions
From Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 21.9 miles to Bear River Lake Resort sign. Turn left at the sign and go 3.4 miles to campground on right side of the road. Alternatively, 40 miles east of Jackson and 3.5 miles south of Highway 88 via Bear River Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 295-4360 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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