Bear Valley Campground
Closed for the winter season. Reopening date depends on snow conditions; high-elevation campgrounds in this area typically open late May to mid-June. First-come, first-served only.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Floriston Fire Closure
Tahoe National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has issued a forest closure order for national forest lands impacted by the Floriston Fire.
Fall Prescribed Fire Projects
Tahoe National Forest plans to begin ignitions on prescribed fire projects as early as Oct. 1, 2026, as conditions allow. View more information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/newsroom/releases/tahoe-national-forest-upcoming-fall-2026-prescribed-fire-projects
About
Bear Valley Campground is a small, remote campground tucked away in the Tahoe National Forest at 6,700 feet elevation. With just 10 sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, it offers a quiet alternative to the more popular campgrounds in the region. The campground is particularly favored by OHV enthusiasts who come to ride the nearby Bear Valley OHV area, as well as mountain bikers exploring the surrounding trails. Facilities are basic: vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water on site. Non-potable water is available but must be treated before drinking. There are no fees to camp here, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking solitude in the Sierra Nevada backcountry. The campground operates seasonally, typically closing in late fall due to snow and reopening when conditions allow in late spring or early summer. Access is via Cottonwood Creek Road, reached by driving six miles east from Little Truckee Summit on Highway 89.
Directions
From Sierraville: Drive 11 miles south on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit, then 6 miles east on Cottonwood Creek Road. From Truckee: Drive 17 miles north on Hwy 89 to Little Truckee Summit, then 6 miles east on Cottonwood Creek Road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 994-3401 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Bear Valley Campground | |
| Sierraville Ranger District |
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