US Forest Service manages this established campground within Eldorado National Forest, charging $36-$108 per night with reservations available. The access road presents rough conditions, and RV length restrictions cap at 35 feet, though one camper noted trailers over 26 feet face tight maneuvering. Sites lean heavily toward tent camping, with available RV spots lacking level ground.
Drinking water stations distribute throughout the campground, while clean restrooms and trash service handle basic needs. No pets are permitted, and cell service remains completely unavailable according to recent visitors. The location sits close to lake access for swimming and fishing activities. Campers seeking additional forest options can explore places to camp around Eldorado National Forest.
Description
Overview
South Shore Campground is located next to Lower Bear River Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's a prime location for fishing and boating.
Recreation
Lower Bear Reservoir covers 166 acres and has 2.5 miles of shoreline. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking. Anglers may catch rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout. A boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground. The Pardoe Trail can be accessed a short distance past nearby Upper Bear River Reservoir, and borders Mokelumne Wilderness.
Facilities
Each campsite comes with a picnic table and grill. One campsite is accessible, as is one of the vault toilets. Drinking water is provided. A general store is about a mile from the campground on the northern part of the reservoir.
Natural Features
The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest on a hillside just above the south shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir at an elevation of 5,900 feet. Some campsites offer partial views of the lake through the trees. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
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: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. 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 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouth Shore Campground is located in California
Directions
From Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 21.9 miles to Bear River Lake Resort sign. Turn left at the sign and go 3.4 miles to campground on right side of the road.
Address
ELDORAD N.F.
CA
Coordinates
38.5330556 N
120.2347222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 39 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 45 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Reno, NV


