Available sites
4 total sites
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About Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
River Access
Water Access
- Lake Access
- River Access
Rates, Sites & Availability
4 Sites Available
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4 Sites Available
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Reviews (15)
What Guests Are Saying
Bear River Group Campground is a spacious and clean site ideal for group camping, offering plenty of shade and amenities like fresh water and picnic tables. The camp host, Steve, received praise for his friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive experience for campers. While some found navigation to the site challenging, the beautiful surroundings and off-roading trails made it a worthwhile destination for families and friends.
What Guests Are Saying
Bear River Group Campground is a spacious and clean site ideal for group camping, offering plenty of shade and amenities like fresh water and picnic tables. The camp host, Steve, received praise for his friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive experience for campers. While some found navigation to the site challenging, the beautiful surroundings and off-roading trails made it a worthwhile destination for families and friends.
Review Summary
Zuzanna S
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KOKA
This is one of our favorite group spots for friends camping. Spots are spacious and clean, trees offer shade. We love to come back here.
Jorge S
VerifiedAugust 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SMOK
Host was awesome 👌.. we also saw bears twice and the water is clean and warm..
Parameswaran M
VerifiedAugust 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SMOK
Excellent except the flushable toilet. Lot of shades picnic table are avaliable.
Roberto R
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: JUNC
Amazing place!! Lots of off-roading trails, spot junk-2 was nice and quiet!
Richard Z
VerifiedAugust 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: CHIP
Richard Z
VerifiedAugust 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: CHIP
Richard Z
VerifiedAugust 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: CHIP
Richard Z
VerifiedAugust 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: CHIP
Richard Z
VerifiedAugust 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KOKA
Excellent group site. When all 4 sites are reserved, it is a private large (125 person) group site completely separated from all other campgrounds
Deja C
VerifiedJuly 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KOKA
This location was amazing! So much space and spread out from the other group camps. Just a short drive away from the water. Not much cell service besides satellite. Beautiful and easy to get to. Maybe could use a little more signage to help with lost campers, but besides that the written instructions when booking were perfect. Will be booking again with my family next year.
Location & Directions for Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)
Eldorado National Forest, Pioneer, CA 95666 United States
Elevation: 2,071 ft
Getting There
From Jackson, California, travel east on State Route 88 for 39 mi and turn right (south) on Bear River Road. Travel 2 mi to Y intersection and stay to the right side, going across the dam. Drive .5 mi past South Shore Campground to Bear Group Camp...
From Jackson, California, travel east on State Route 88 for 39 mi and turn right (south) on Bear River Road. Travel 2 mi to Y intersection and stay to the right side, going across the dam. Drive .5 mi past South Shore Campground to Bear Group Campground, which will be located on left side of road.
Highway access
Bear River Group Campground is accessible via State Route 88, which connects to other major roads in the region.
Policies & Rules
General
- Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
- Motorized boats are not allowed on lake
- Forest Order No. 19-15-01: Prohibits camping for a combined total of no more than 14 days during a calendar year (January-December), forest-wide. Visitors may book campsites annually but the maximum stay may not exceed a total of 14 days each calendar year (January-December)
- Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
- For more information on Eldorado National Forest, click here
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 19, 2026
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