National Forest
Abel Canyon Campground
Santa Barbara, California
Campground in California.
National Forest
Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)
Arnold, California
4.7
(37 reviews)
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA)
Federal campground in California.
Nestled in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Bear River Group Campground offers RV campers a serene escape into California's Sierra Nevada mountains. This well-maintained forest campground provides an authentic outdoor experience where you can disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature, family, and friends.
The campground sits at an elevation that keeps temperatures comfortable during summer months, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to escape scorching valley heat. The surrounding forest landscape features towering pines and firs that create natural shade throughout the grounds, while the nearby Bear River adds a soothing soundtrack to your camping experience. The river itself offers opportunities for fishing, wading, and simply enjoying the peaceful flow of mountain water.
Bear River Group Campground serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the broader Eldorado National Forest. The area is rich with hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging backcountry adventures. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find numerous routes to explore, while rock climbers appreciate the granite formations scattered throughout the region. During winter months, the proximity to ski resorts and snow play areas makes this location accessible for year-round recreation.
The campground's group-oriented layout makes it perfect for family reunions, scout groups, or gatherings with friends who want to share the camping experience together. This setting encourages a sense of community among visitors while maintaining the tranquility of the forest environment. The location provides a balance between accessibility and seclusion, offering campers authentic forest camping without feeling completely remote.
The nearby towns and communities provide supply options and services when needed, ensuring your group has access to groceries, fuel, and other necessities. The area's natural beauty, combined with its proximity to recreational opportunities and reasonable access to amenities, makes Bear River Group Campground a compelling choice for RV travelers seeking a mountain getaway in Northern California.
The campground sits at an elevation that keeps temperatures comfortable during summer months, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to escape scorching valley heat. The surrounding forest landscape features towering pines and firs that create natural shade throughout the grounds, while the nearby Bear River adds a soothing soundtrack to your camping experience. The river itself offers opportunities for fishing, wading, and simply enjoying the peaceful flow of mountain water.
Bear River Group Campground serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the broader Eldorado National Forest. The area is rich with hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging backcountry adventures. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find numerous routes to explore, while rock climbers appreciate the granite formations scattered throughout the region. During winter months, the proximity to ski resorts and snow play areas makes this location accessible for year-round recreation.
The campground's group-oriented layout makes it perfect for family reunions, scout groups, or gatherings with friends who want to share the camping experience together. This setting encourages a sense of community among visitors while maintaining the tranquility of the forest environment. The location provides a balance between accessibility and seclusion, offering campers authentic forest camping without feeling completely remote.
The nearby towns and communities provide supply options and services when needed, ensuring your group has access to groceries, fuel, and other necessities. The area's natural beauty, combined with its proximity to recreational opportunities and reasonable access to amenities, makes Bear River Group Campground a compelling choice for RV travelers seeking a mountain getaway in Northern California.
4.7
Rating
37
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Arnold is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Arnold.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Arnold. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Bear River Group Campground (Eldorado National Forest, CA) Reviews
Sign in to Review
G
Shantra Maloney-Muther
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Shantra Maloney-Muther
We stayed at Smokey: beautiful and remote with an easy drive in. Excellent kitchen area and fire ring. Clean restrooms (it was the start of the season). No mosquitoes! Only improvement would be hiking trails available -- we didn't see any.
G
Shantra Maloney-Muther
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Shantra Maloney-Muther
We stayed at Smokey: beautiful and remote with an easy drive in. Excellent kitchen area and fire ring. Clean restrooms (it was the start of the season). No mosquitoes! Only improvement would be hiking trails available -- we didn't see any.
G
William Patton
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by William Patton
The host is very friendly, and the campground is incredibly inviting. I stayed at the Chipmunk site, where there were plenty of branches and logs nearby for a campfire. There was also a little river for my kids to play in, plenty of bear-proof storage containers (though we didn't see any bears during our stay), and lots to explore. I would definitely recommend Bear River Group Campground if you're... The host is very friendly, and the campground is incredibly inviting. I stayed at the Chipmunk site, where there were plenty of branches and logs nearby for a campfire. There was also a little river for my kids to play in, plenty of bear-proof storage containers (though we didn't see any bears during our stay), and lots to explore. I would definitely recommend Bear River Group Campground if you're considering a place to go with friends and family.
G
Mike Campa
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Mike Campa
This was an awesome campsite with a nice lake nearby. The only issue were the wasps. Tons of wasps. Update: The wasps situation is much less of an issue now. While you still get a few, we were not in fear of them. We love coming here, it is a great site and the host is really friendly
G
Mike Campa
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Mike Campa
This was an awesome campsite with a nice lake nearby. The only issue were the wasps. Tons of wasps. Update: The wasps situation is much less of an issue now. While you still get a few, we were not in fear of them. We love coming here, it is a great site and the host is really friendly
G
ItsfuxkinTaz
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by ItsfuxkinTaz
Stayed at Chipmunk site. Very nice place. Away from everyone. Both bathrooms were clean. lots of shade around the site. Camp host was super chill. We parked our cars at our campsite cuz parking area was full. Only problem is you gotta drive to the swimming area. Water was low so gotta hike down to the water. I was hoping campsite was right next to the water.
G
ItsfuxkinTaz
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by ItsfuxkinTaz
Stayed at Chipmunk site. Very nice place. Away from everyone. Both bathrooms were clean. lots of shade around the site. Camp host was super chill. We parked our cars at our campsite cuz parking area was full. Only problem is you gotta drive to the swimming area. Water was low so gotta hike down to the water. I was hoping campsite was right next to the water.
G
ItsfuxkinTaz
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by ItsfuxkinTaz
Stayed at Chipmunk site. Very nice place. Away from everyone. Both bathrooms were clean. lots of shade around the site. Camp host was super chill. We parked our cars at our campsite cuz parking area was full. Only problem is you gotta drive to the swimming area. Water was low so gotta hike down to the water. I was hoping campsite was right next to the water.
G
ItsfuxkinTaz
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by ItsfuxkinTaz
Stayed at Chipmunk site. Very nice place. Away from everyone. Both bathrooms were clean. lots of shade around the site. Camp host was super chill. We parked our cars at our campsite cuz parking area was full. Only problem is you gotta drive to the swimming area. Water was low so gotta hike down to the water. I was hoping campsite was right next to the water.
G
S. Collins
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by S. Collins
Stayed in group site smokey. Really nice flat group site. Really liked how sunny the spot was and that there was plenty of room for a large 9x15 instant tent. The only negative what the bathroom was a little dirty and smelly. We ended up using the group campgrounds bathroom next to us because it was vacant. Host was great and friendly!
G
S. Collins
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by S. Collins
Stayed in group site smokey. Really nice flat group site. Really liked how sunny the spot was and that there was plenty of room for a large 9x15 instant tent. The only negative what the bathroom was a little dirty and smelly. We ended up using the group campgrounds bathroom next to us because it was vacant. Host was great and friendly!
G
S. Collins
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by S. Collins
Stayed in group site smokey. Really nice flat group site. Really liked how sunny the spot was and that there was plenty of room for a large 9x15 instant tent. The only negative what the bathroom was a little dirty and smelly. We ended up using the group campgrounds bathroom next to us because it was vacant. Host was great and friendly!
G
S. Collins
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by S. Collins
Stayed in group site smokey. Really nice flat group site. Really liked how sunny the spot was and that there was plenty of room for a large 9x15 instant tent. The only negative what the bathroom was a little dirty and smelly. We ended up using the group campgrounds bathroom next to us because it was vacant. Host was great and friendly!
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