Bear Lake State Park
Bear Lake is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies for its intense turquoise-blue water.
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. Read more...
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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
Tami Leonhardt, Director
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Bear Lake State Park Map & Directions
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Fall/Winter Family Itinerary: 6 Days Logan to Jackson to Yellowstone
"One touch of nature makes the whole world...