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Recreation Region: Bear River Reservoir Area

Bear Group Campground

Current Conditions
Check in and check out 1 pm. Anticipated closure date for the season is September 27, 2026

Available by reservation only (summer). 

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.

Reservations

  • CALL 1‐877‐444‐6777 four days to 12 months  in advance of your stay.
  • WEBSITE:  www.Recreation.gov
  • Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover accepted. 

General Information

  • CAUTION: There are bears in the area. Please keep all foods, soaps, and garbage properly stored in bear boxes. 

June - September

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 1:00 p.m.

  • Check out time is 1:00 p.m.
  • Camping Fires: Please use the grill or fire ring provided. Make sure your fire is dead out before leaving, using only water, not soil. Use only dead and down wood for your campfires.
  • Maximum Stay Limit: 14 days per district per year.

Interagency Senior and Access passes are not accepted for group units.

  • $115/25 person (Junco, Chipmunk, Smokey)
  • $145/50 person (Kokanee)
  • Interagency Senior and Access passes are not accepted for group units.

  • Keep family pets on a leash at all times.
  • Please cleanup after your pet.

Photo of entrance of the Amador Ranger District Office.

Address: 26820 Silver Drive Pioneer, CA 95667
Phone: (209) 259-3774
Hours: 8 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 38.533185

Longitude: -120.230826

Elevation

6,000 feet

Directions

40 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88 then go south 2 1/2 miles on Bear River Road. At the  “Y” intersection go west (right) across the dam. Travel 2 miles staying to the left. 

Parking

  • Park  all vehicles in the parking lot. Vehicles may be driven to the camping area to load and unload only. For persons with special needs, a vehicle may be left at the campsite, with the host’s approval. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault toilet(s)

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

  • Water system tested monthly during use season.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Other Amenities

Within 5 Miles

  • Bear River Resort: restaurant, store, boat launch, boat rentals, fishing licenses, dump station, showers.
  • Emergency phone at Bear River Resort and Pardoes  Point campground. 

On -Site

  • Campground Host = Yes
  • Boat ramp/boarding dock = No
  • Showers = Bear River Resort
  • Restroom Type = Vault, Flush, Composting
  • Dump Station = Bear River Resort
  • Garbage Disposal =  Yes
  • Bear boxes = Yes
  • Fire Rings = Yes
  • Grills = Yes
  • Picnic area = No
  • Group site(s) = No
  • Hookups = No

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated September 9, 2026