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This campground is at 10,200-foot elevation; and has 36 campsites, 2 of which are handicapped-accessible. Maximum spur length is 45 ft. The campground is composed of two loops along the shore of Island Lake with some sites along the shore of the lake. One new toilet was installed on the West loop 2009. It is heavily wooded with spruce trees. There is a wheelchair friendly area with a fish cleaning station adjacent to the Island Lake Boat Ramp. The campground is convenient to several of the Mesa's 500 lakes, the visitor center and Crag Crest Trailhead. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent.
From Cedaredge, CO, take State Rt. 65 north 15.7 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 116). Turn left at sign onto Rt. 116 (gravel) and go 0.8 miles to another campground sign. Turn right just before sign into campground.
$20 per night per camping unit; $10 per firewood bundle; $4 per day for day use/picnic. If occupying a campsite for day-use/picnic, the $4 per day fee is applicable from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. If still occupying a campsite after 2 p.m., the $20 fee for per night camping unit will apply, less any day use fees already paid.
Stayed one night during the first week of September 2018. The lake was scenic, and the lakeside campsites were nice.
Even though it was only three days after Labor Day and the campground was still open, the campground water supply had already been shut off and the western half of the campground was closed off to campers. Fortunately, I brought my water filter and was able to get water from the lake. A little aggravating but I made due.
There were only two other campers on the weeknight I was there, plus the campground hosts. The dirt road into the campground was washboarded, potholed, and muddy after a rain, so a bit sketchy on a motorcycle, but doable. It appears a number of trees have been lost to the pine beetle. I didn't see any standing dead, but did see stumps and fresh sawdust from some recent tree removal activity.
Great little place for a weekend getaway. The hostess is fantastic, friendly, and easy going. Lots of chipmunks for the kids to feed. Fishing is good.
Little Bear is a small quiet campground, walking distance to the visitors center fishing and hiking also. There is use of tables for a picnic at $6 for 2 hours before 1:00 pm as check in at the campground is 2:00pm.
The Grand Mesa is literally awesome. The drive up from Grand Junction is a slow burn, but once you get to Powderhorn the views are consistently amazing. It was 98 degrees down in the valley when we left, but it was 74 up on the Mesa. Little Bear campground is on Island Lake, and has sites right on the lake, which is kind of funny because Island Lake campground is not right on the lake. Little Bear has thirty something camp sites and basic toilet facilities. Firepits and picnic tables are standard. The lake is clear and cold, and popular. Plenty of paddleboards and kayaks dot the lake, with people fishing the banks. It gets cold at night even in summer, so pack accordingly. The attendant on duty was friendly and knowledgeable, and they have firewood for sale. Make sure you bring everything you might need, because you won't have easy access to most things. I strongly recommend visiting the Mesa even if it is just a day trip or drive on the Scenic byway, it's just very beautiful. Oh yeah, and this particular campground is a good one.
This place was great. Had a fantastic time here with all the great fishing. There are many other people here that keep quiet, yet get full enjoyment of all the recreational activities. Off road 4x4 area close by. Good Bathroom facilities and friendly host available if necessary. Oh yeah.......fresh air to spare!
