Within Bear River Fishing Access, Bear River Park & Campground operates as a California Department of Fish and Wildlife facility that draws both overnight campers and day-use visitors. The campground runs along the Bear River, with all sites positioned directly on the riverbank. Sites 1-4 require a short walk-in from the parking area, while the remaining sites accommodate drive-up access for RVs up to 30 feet.
Each campsite includes a fire ring, grill, and picnic table, with vault toilets and daily-cleaned restrooms serving the area. The campground enforces seasonal fire restrictions that align with California's fire safety protocols. Dense brush and low vegetation separate most campsites from direct river access, though the adjacent day-use area provides easier water entry points. Gold panning activity occurs regularly along the river, with prospectors typically keeping to themselves during camping hours.
Louis notes it's a "quiet campground with the relaxing sound of the river." Wildlife sightings range from deer to occasional black bears, though encounters remain brief. The area gets dark quickly due to tree cover, requiring early preparation for evening lighting.
The campground operates April through October with a reservation system that has helped address previous management challenges. For those exploring the broader region, places to camp around Colfax provide additional options within this gold country area of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Description
The property is CLOSED TO ALL OVERNIGHT CAMPING.
Bear River Recreation Area is open to the public for DAYTIME USE from one-half hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset, seven days a week.
Location
Public CampgroundBear River Park & Campground is located in California
Directions
Take the West Weimar Crossroads exit off Interstate 80. Go north 1.5 Miles, turn right on Placer Hills Road to Plum Tree Road (2.5 mi.). Turn left on Plum Tree Road to Park/Campground. Parking Lot is on the left, go through gate to campsite.
Address
2500 Campground Road
Colfax, CA 95713
Coordinates
39.08438051 N
120.9885014 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
