South Shore Campground
Lower Bear River Reservoir

Bear River Reservoir, Amador County, CA
Bear River Reservoir, Amador County, CA

South Shore Campground
Lower Bear River Reservoir


South Shore Campground

South Shore Campground is located on the south shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest. The campground is 3½ miles south of Highway 88 on Bear River Road. Lower Bear River Reservoir is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Nearby trails lead to the upper Bear River Reservoir and beyond into Long Valley.

South Shore Campground has 22 campsites. Most can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Four sites are walk-in, tent sites. There are 3 double campsites as well as 1 triple site. Some campsites have partial views of the lake through the trees. Reservations can be made for many sites; other sites are kept available as first-come, first-serves campsites.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials


South Shore Campground Basics
South Shore Campground Location: South shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir, 3½ miles off Hwy. 88
Elevation: 5,900 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 88 miles
Campground Open: Early June through early September
Number of Sites: 22
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (fee for extra vehicle)
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Sierra Recreation Managers, for Eldorado National Forest
Amador Ranger District: (209) 2593774

South Shore Campground Reservations
Reservations available whenever campground is open
Booking Window: Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Accessible Sites: #16, 19-22; accessible toilet
Favorite Campsites: Single campsites: #18, 20
Double campsites: #1, 11, 19
Fees: $28 single site per night
Reservations: South Shore Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

South Shore Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: Available at Bear River Lake Resort (fee)
Dump Station: Available at Bear River Lake Resort (fee)
Campground Map: South Shore Campground Map
Attractions near South Shore Campground:
  • Enjoy Lower Bear River Reservoir for fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and boating.
  • Try horseback riding on nearby trails or 4-wheeling at local OHV areas.
  • Drop in to Bear River Lake Resort for boat rentals, restaurant, and bar.
  • Take the day to drive out to Salt Springs Reservoir or head up the pass to Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and Kirkwood.




General Camping Information

When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
For campground purposes, a vehicle is any equipment that is required to be licensed/registered. This includes RVs, trailers, cars/trucks, boat/car trailer, motorcycle/atv, etc. Vehicles parked in a truck or on a trailer are not counted separately.



South Shore Campground, Lower Bear River Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest, CA

South Shore Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Campers at South Shore Campground in the Eldorado National Forest at Bear River Reservoir find many wonderful places to explore.

  • Launch your boat into Bear River Reservoir.
  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for great fishing and hiking.
  • Visit Kirkwood for both winter and summer activities from skiing to mountain biking.
  • Mountain bike along a network of logging roads.
  • Fish and boat on Silver Lake and Caples Lake.
  • Discover the beauty of Hope Valley and visit Desolation Hotel - Hope Valley for lodging, meals, and activities.
  • Enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort.
  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for fishing, hiking, and horse back riding.
  • Hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.

Key South Shore Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only allowed in provided fire rings.
  2. Avoid problems with bears by putting all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  3. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.

Check with the Eldorado National Forest - South Shore Campground for any campground updates.