Campsite for booking · Buckhorn

Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)

via Recreation.gov Pioneer, CA, Buckhorn, California, United States

Overview

Pitches
4
Pitch types
tent
Season
Not stated: check on Recreation.gov
Check-in / out
14:00 / 13:00

Facilities

  • Hardstanding pitchesListed by Recreation.gov

Policies

PetsNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
SmokingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
Instant bookingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
CancellationNot stated: check on Recreation.gov

About this campsite

Overview

The Bear River Group Campground offers four separate group campsites on a site above the south side of the Lower Bear River Reservoir. The proximity to water and the mixed pine setting in the fresh Sierra Nevada air, makes this campground an excellent group retreat destination.

Upriver from the campground is the Upper Bear River Reservoir. This lake is smaller and spans 166 surface acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline. Recreation

Lake activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking on the shores. Rainbow trout are found in abundance throughout the season, in addition to smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout as well.

A short distance past the Upper Bear River Reservoir is the Pardoe Trail, which borders the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail runs up the top of Squaw Ridge to an elevation of over 9,000 feet, providing excellent views of the surrounding area. Facilities

The campground is designed for tent camping only. Campstie 1 fits 50 people while the other three sites accommodate 25. Piped drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and a group cooking area are among the amenities. Natural Features

Bear Group Campground is situated an elevation of 6,000 feet, just a short distance (approximately one mile drive) from the reservoir.

It is part of the Eldorado National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Nearby Attractions

Restaurants, boat rentals and a general store are within a few miles of the campground. Charges & Cancellations

• Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.

• Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.

• Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.

• Cancellation Fee: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee..

• Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 14 days before your arrival date.

• Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.

Description supplied by Recreation.gov.

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Where you can stay nearby

Campsites, aires and parking within 30 km, from OpenStreetMap.

  1. Bear River Group Campground
    Campground · Arnold, California · PaidToilets
    960 m from the pick-up area
  2. South Shore Campground
    Campground · Arnold, California · PaidToilets
    2.2 km from the pick-up area
  3. Campsite near Buckhorn
    Campground · Buckhorn, California
    3.7 km from the pick-up area
  4. Shriner Lake Campground
    Campground · Arnold, California · Free
    5.1 km from the pick-up area

Nearest dump station and water

  1. Service point near Pollock Pines
    RV dump station · Pollock Pines, CaliforniaWaste
    35 km from the pick-up area
  2. Water point near Twain Harte
    Water fill station · Twain Harte, California · PaidWater
    42 km from the pick-up area
Pick-up10 kmPlot of OpenStreetMap data
Map of 6 places to stay near Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA). CampsiteFull map

Similar campsites nearby

South Shore Campground

CA, California · 1.4 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
Price on partner site

Data: Recreation.gov (RIDB), from ridb.recreation.gov, last updated 13 October 2026. Federal agencies provide this data and are responsible for it; it may be incomplete. Not endorsed by Recreation.gov or the U.S. Government. About this data. Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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