Bear Valley Campground

Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically closes seasonally due to snow at 6,700 feet elevation. First-come, first-served when open with no reservation system.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead

North Yuba Trail Closure

Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.

Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure

Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.

Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger

Rattlesnake Road Closure

The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.

Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

Cabin Creek Sale Closure

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure

The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.

Yuba Pass and Sierra Campground Closures

Yuba Pass Campground and Sierra Campground are closed.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed

Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.

About

Bear Valley Campground is a remote, lightly-used campground nestled in the Tahoe National Forest at 6,700 feet elevation. The campground features 10 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs, with trailer space available at most sites. Located six miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road, it offers a quiet escape in a mixed conifer forest setting. The campground is particularly popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Bear Valley OHV area, offering direct access to trail riding and OHV camping opportunities. Mountain biking is also popular in the area. The remote location ensures light usage and a peaceful camping experience for those seeking solitude. Bear Valley operates as a free, first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system. Basic amenities include vault toilets, but campers should note that only non-potable water is available and must be treated before drinking. The campground typically operates seasonally, closing during winter months due to snow and road conditions at this elevation.

Directions

From Sierraville: Drive 11 miles south on Highway 89 to Little Truckee Summit, then 6 miles east on Cottonwood Creek Road. From Truckee: Drive 17 miles north on Highway 89 to Little Truckee Summit, then 6 miles east on Cottonwood Creek Road.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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