Rendezvous Beach

The address we put into our GPS took us to the Marina so we drove further along the lake to Rendezvous Beach area where we checked in at the gate house with no problems. We then proceeded to the Birch campground (CG) FHU site 55, which was a pull through. The CG map shows there are 4 CGs (Willow, Birch, Cottonwood, & Big Creek). Big Creek is the oldest with a lot more shade trees than the other listed CGs. The CGs run in sequence along the south end of the lake. The sites are well spaced with a nice little covered patio with the picnic table. The beach is about 100 yards away and we had a sliver of lake view. We were surprised that dogs are not allowed on the park beaches. There was a fire ban that included charcoal grills (propane okay). We had great water pressure, used 15’ sewer hose, and received about 30 OTA channels. We had a clear shot to the southern sky, but didn’t need/use our satellite. We got 4 bars on Verizon. We where not sure what to expect when we decided to come to Bear Lake SP but we sure were not expecting it to be dog restrictive. Dogs are not allowed by the lake/beach or in day use areas so we were limited to walking them around the campground. We also were not expecting a tourist trap, sunning beach, and crowded with families during the week (Mon - Thur) late in August. There were plenty of CG workers but they did not keep up with the trash laying about. Our fire pit, which we couldn’t use, had trash in it to include a pair of kids underwear. We did enjoy going to Montpelier and visiting the Oregon/California Trail Center and Butch Cassidy Museum. One and done for us.

We stayed in the Birch campground. A very convenient distance to the lake - but you probably want to bring a wagon if you are shuttling stuff there. The water felt great and there is a little spot to rent paddle boards or kayaks. The bathrooms were clean. This place was pretty crowded but once we got to the lake, we could spread out. Our campsite had a little bit of trash in it. My family is split on whether we’d come here again. Lots of nice lakeside campgrounds to choose from so maybe you can find one less crowded but the location was convenient for us and the lake made for a nice swim and awesome sunset.

We stayed in the Birch campground. A very convenient distance to the lake - but you probably want to bring a wagon if you are shuttling stuff there. The water felt great and there is a little spot to rent paddle boards or kayaks. The bathrooms were clean. This place was pretty crowded but once we got to the lake, we could spread out. Our campsite had a little bit of trash in it. My family is split on whether we’d come here again. Lots of nice lakeside campgrounds to choose from so maybe you can find one less crowded but the location was convenient for us and the lake made for a nice swim and awesome sunset.

Stayed in June 2021. Roads were being fixed, just be aware it’s very dusty. We had to close the windows most of the time so the dust doesn’t get into our camper. There’s also a constant smell of cow manure in the air because of the farm next to the Birch campground. We came for the full hookup, showers and good internet connection during work week and it worked well for us. Facilities are very clean. Crowded during weekend, crowds leave after Monday and it’s very nice during weekdays.

I wanted to address a couple issues not covered in other reviews. Birch, one of the CG sections, has more than 50 full hookups with 30 and 50 amp service, water and sewer. There was a mention of 20 amp, this is wrong. There is a cattle ranch/feed lot right across the road from the CG that breeds MONSTER FLIES but think goodness the prevailing wind blowed the smell away 90% of the time. There was a brief afternoon of cow poo oder in the air but that didn’t last long. I don’t know if the water is low or high but to get to open water you have to cross 30 feet of dirty water to a small sandbar only big enough for the birds, by dirty, I mean rotting plants and snail shells. I think they have a swim area down the beach that might be cleaner if you want to swim.

This was our first time to Bear Lake in many years. The water is currently high so it is very close to the campsite and the beach area, which is really nice. The campground is a typical Utah state park setup and has full hookups available (for $28 per night, which is hard to beat).

The bath houses are cleaned daily so they are an option for people that don't use the facilities in their trailers. The sites were spacious where we were. Some of the ones that border the water can be a bit close together for a state park, but still better spacing than a private campground. We didn't have any issues with noise and people in our area were respectful of quiet hours.

I will note that the entrance gates are locked at 10:30 at night. If you come after they lock the gates, you will not be able to bring your vehicle into the park until the next day. There is a big parking lot by the ranger shack that you can park in. We were seeing the 8 PM show at the Pickleville Playhouse and didn't get back to the campground until about 10:45. Not a real issue just be prepared to walk to your site if you are after 10:30.

During the day you can head over to the Rendezvous Beach area where there is a large parking lot and a nice beach. The parking lot can fill up so I recommend going early and claiming your spot. On the day we were leaving they had a line of cars down the street to get into the park and the police were doing traffic control. In the BC loop, you can access part of the beach near site 37. As this is a bit of a walk from the main Rendezvous Beach parking lot, it tends to be less busy. You will have to carry your stuff over to that area as there isn't parking by site BC37.

The staff at the Rendezvous Beach rental facility was very helpful in getting us set up with the toys that we wanted and we felt that the rates were reasonable and the equipment was all in great shape.

Our first week we were in the Birch campground. Birch is a bit more RV park like than we would prefer. Lots of pull throughs, no trees, decent separation and lots of weeds. It feels a bit dumpy.

Our second week we moved over to the Big Creek loop, site 37 and liked that much better. There are trees all through the loop, some very private sites and better views of the lake. Some of the sites can still be pretty close and our site was tight side to side.

Verizon and AT&T signal was strong and fast. OTA TV reception was good as well.

A big downside for us was that dogs are not allowed on the beach anywhere in the park. The "beach" is at least a 1/4 mile from where the prohibited zone starts, most of which is overgrown and not sandy. It would be nice if they had some areas in the park where you could get down to the water with your dogs. You can leave the park and drive up the road a couple of miles and get easy access.

The other downside is that all the hiking is at least an hour drive away. There are some fantastic hikes available up Logan Canyon you just have to be willing to drive a while to get there.

If we were back in the area and really wanted full hookups we would stay here again, otherwise would probably look at some of the campgrounds on the east side of the lake instead.