Bear Lake
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Bear Lake

The Caribbean of the Rockies featuring turquoise waters and fresh raspberry shakes.

Arrival airport
OGD
Airport drive
2 h 39 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–4 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
A standard car is sufficient for paved highways, but an SUV is recommended for exploring canyon side roads; check rental terms for unpaved forest routes.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Bear Lake

Know before you go

Beach Lot Capacity

Parking at North Beach and Rendezvous Beach fills quickly on summer weekends. Arrive before mid-morning or utilize mid-week timing to avoid lot closures.

Logan Canyon Connectivity

Cellular service is unreliable along the Highway 89 corridor between Logan and Garden City. Download navigation maps before leaving the valley floor.

Summit Supply Check

Garden City and Montpelier offer fuel, but no services exist within the 40-mile Logan Canyon stretch. Verify levels before beginning the mountain ascent.

Raspberry Harvest

Fresh local berries are typically only available in early August. Outside this window, shops use frozen stock for the famous shakes.

Seasonal Road Closures

High-elevation roads like the route to Minnetonka Cave are typically inaccessible from November through May. Check Idaho forest service status for spring openings.

Check current conditions:Utah State ParksIdaho State Parks

2RVs, campervans & cars near OGD

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
American N952AA Boeing 737-900 Takeoff CLT0225.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to OGD

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at OGD
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at OGD

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at OGD
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at OGD
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at OGD

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at OGD
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Bear Lake

  1. 01

    Garden City and The Overlook

    Suggested: 9 AM from Logan

    • Bear Lake Overlook

      Pause at the summit of Highway 89 for the first elevated view of the lake's distinct turquoise water.

    • Garden City Bike Path

      Walk or cycle the local path to get oriented with the town's small shops and famous raspberry shake stands.

    Allow 1 hour from Logan; conditions in the canyon vary significantly with weather.

    Logan Canyon involves steep grades; ensure vehicle cooling systems are functional.

    Pick up your vehicle at OGD →
  2. 02

    North Beach and Aquatic Exploration

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Garden City

    • North Beach State Park

      Visit the Idaho side for its two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline and shallow wading areas.

    • Bear Lake Marina

      Rent watercraft to view the limestone cliffs from the water where the color is most vibrant.

    Local transfers between north and south shores take roughly 30 minutes.

    Afternoon winds can create choppy conditions; plan motorized boating for the morning.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Caves and Canyons

    Suggested: 9 AM from St. Charles

    • Minnetonka Cave

      Explore nine rooms of stalactites in this high-elevation cavern; bring a jacket for the constant 40-degree temperature.

    • Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

      Observe migratory birds and local waterfowl in the marshlands at the north end of the lake.

    Allow 45 minutes for the winding road into St. Charles Canyon.

    Closed-toe shoes are required for the cave's metal stairs and damp floors.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Regional Water and Camping Reservations

State park entry and camping systems are managed by separate agencies in Utah and Idaho. Boat slip rentals and North Beach access often require advance booking during the summer Raspberry Days festival; check official state park sites for current vehicle entry systems.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

OGDBear Lake

Ogden Hinckley Airport · 2 h 39 min drive

Find flights to OGD

Plan your road trip

From Ogden Hinckley Airport

2 h 39 min

about 110 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Bear Lake on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Bear Lake on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Bear Lake

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Bear Lake

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Bear Lake

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Bear Lake

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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