Bear River Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates June through September with reservations required. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 1:00 p.m.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
About
Bear River Group Campground is located in Eldorado National Forest at 6,000 feet elevation, approximately one mile from Lower Bear River Reservoir. The campground offers four separate group campsites in a mixed pine forest setting with access to excellent lake recreation. Lower Bear River Reservoir provides abundant rainbow trout fishing, along with smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout. Lake activities include swimming, boating, canoeing, and picnicking along the shores. Upriver from the campground is the smaller Upper Bear River Reservoir, spanning 166 surface acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline. A short distance past the upper reservoir is the Pardoe Trail, which borders the Mokelumne Wilderness and runs up Squaw Ridge to elevations over 9,000 feet, providing excellent views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada. The campground is situated in a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Nearby Bear River Resort offers a restaurant, general store, boat rentals, and boat launch within a few miles. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance and are required during the summer operating season.
Directions
From Jackson, travel east on Highway 88 for 40 miles, then turn right (south) on Bear River Road. Travel 2.5 miles to the Y intersection and stay right, crossing the dam. Drive 2 miles past South Shore Campground; Bear River Group Campground is on the left side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $145 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 295-4360 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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