Bear Creek
Its sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations), camping is free, and it is open year-round. Bear Creek is a National Forest campground near Upper Lake, California.
First-come, first-served
- National Forest
- Managed by
Getting a site
- Managed by
- National Forest
- Reservations
- None, first-come
- Fee
- Free
Source: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-30
What's there
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Fire rings
- ✕ Potable water
On site: Toilets and fire rings. No potable water.
Access and cell service
- Elevation
- 2,229 ft
39.3220, -122.8372 in Lake. Open in OpenStreetMap. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Season and winter services
Bear Creek is open year-round .
Source: epqs.nationalmap.gov, accessed 2026-10-01
Common questions
Do you need a reservation at Bear Creek?
No. Bear Creek is first-come, first-served: there is no reservation system, so arrive early to claim an open site.
How much does it cost to camp at Bear Creek?
Camping at Bear Creek is free.
Is there drinking water at Bear Creek?
No. Bear Creek has no potable water, so bring all the water you need.
When is Bear Creek open?
Bear Creek is open year-round.
Who manages Bear Creek?
Bear Creek is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Around Bear Creek
Hot springs nearby
Nearest to Bear Creek, in straight-line miles: Orr Hot Springs (hot spring, 29 miles), and Wilbur Hot Springs (hot spring, 30 miles). Each has its own page on swimholesmap.com.
- Sites
- 7
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single Site: $6 per night
- Sites
- 10
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single Site: $6 per night
- Sites
- Not on record
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single Site: $12 per night
- Sites
- Not on record
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single Site: $12 per night
More campgrounds: camping near Upper Lake and campgrounds in Lake.
Sources
- apps.fs.usda.gov (all fields), accessed 2026-09-30
- epqs.nationalmap.gov (elevationFt), accessed 2026-10-01