Bear Lake State Park

As visitors catch their first glimpse of the lake, they marvel at its color and wonder what makes the lake so blue. The unique color is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake.

The state park offers a developed marina with paved boat ramps and boat slips. In addition, there are boat ramps at several other places around the lake.

Each season lends its own characteristic to the lake. Year-round, visitors enjoy a number of recreational and cultural activities. Experience the rush of snowmobiling in the nearby mountains. Ski nearby at family-owned Beaver Mountain resort. Navigate your personal watercraft across the turquoise water. Feel the rod-bending excitement of a Bear Lake cutthroat on the end of your fishing line. Sail off into the sunset. Explore America's past and discover the stories about mountain men, fur trappers and Mormon pioneers.

The Bear Lake Valley is a great location for a family or business retreat. Hold your meetings in a surreal setting. Leave the crowds, congestion, and traffic behind to create outdoor memories for your family reunion or vacation while enjoying clean air and a safe environment. Take some time during your own favorite season and enjoy yourself at Bear Lake!

Attractions

Beautiful lake ideal for boating, water skiing, swimming, sailing, fishing, and famous raspberry shakes

Very nice developed campgrounds adjacent to the lake

Location

On the Utah/Idaho border, north of the town of Logan

Approximately 145 miles northeast of Salt Lake City

The State Park Marina is located on Highway 89, north of Garden City 

Contact Information

Bear Lake State Park
1030 N Bear Lake Blvd
Garden City, UT 84028
(435) 946-3343

Seasons/Open Hours

Open Year Round

Gates open 6:00 am until 11:00 pm

Quiet Hours 10:00 pm until 7:00 am

Entrance Fees

Click here for entrance fee information.

History

The Bear Lake Valley was first inhabited by Shoshone Tribes, then fur trappers. Between 1825 & 1840, many mountain men and Native Americans met on the south end of the lake to swap goods and stories! These meetings became known as mountain man rendezvous.

The first permanent settler to the Bear Lake Valley was reportedly Thomas Pegleg Smith, a crusty, one-legged, ex-mountain man. During the 1840s, he set up a trading post to provide supplies to the emigrants on the famous Oregon Trail. Early Mormon pioneer leader Brigham Young sent the first group of permanent settlers to Bear Lake Valley in 1863. This group was led by Charles C. Rich. The County bears his name.

Bear Lake Basic Information

• Elevation: 5,923 ft.
• Length: 20 miles
• Width: 8 miles
• Shoreline: 48 miles
• Surface: 112 sq. miles
• Depth: 208 ft.
• Volume: 6.5 million acre feet

Bear Lake Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Caves
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Ice fishing
• OHVing and ATV trails nearby
• Sailing
• Scenic Byway Drive
• Skiing at Beaver Mountain
• Snowmobiling, 362 miles of groomed trails
• Snowshoeing
• Special events (including Raspberry Days)
• Water skiing and wakeboarding
• Wildlife watching

Golfing

Bear Lake Golf Course
Garden City, Utah 84028
Enjoy a challenging 9 hole mountain golf course, with a beautiful view of Bear Lake.

Bear Lake West Golf Course
Fish Haven, Idaho 83287
9-hole course, carts, club rentals, lessons, restaurant and lounge overlooking Bear Lake.

Montpelier City Municipal Golf Course
Montpelier, Idaho 83254
9-hole course, carts, club rentals, driving range, and lessons available.

Camping

• Birch Campground: $25/night (full hookups)
• Big Creek Campground: $25/night (full hookups)
• Cottonwood Campground: $16/night
• South Eden Campground: $10/night (primitive)

Most RV sites are back-in. There are some pull-throughs for vehicles up to 80 feet
Group sites are available for day use and overnight camping

Camping Reservations

800-322-3770 (toll-free from outside the Salt Lake City area)
801-322-3770 (from within the Salt Lake City area)

Facilities

• Visitor Center
• Marina
• Boat ramps
• Boat rentals
• Campgrounds
• Group sites
• Picnic sites
• Modern restrooms

TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION

BEAR LAKE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

69 N. Paradise Parkway
Bldg. A
Garden City, UT 84028
435-946-2197

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