Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
On US 89: 1 mile north in Garden City, Utah
From Salt Lake City: Follow I-15 N, US-91 N and US-89 N to N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy in Rich County 2 hr 10 min (121 mi) Continue on N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy. Drive to KOA Campground in Garden City 2 min (0.7 mi) Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday 485 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 I-15 N, US-91 N and US-89 N to N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy in Rich County 2 hr 10 min (121 mi) Continue on N 300 W/N Paradise Pkwy. Drive to KOA Campground in Garden City.
From Boise ID: Get on I-84 E/US-20 E/US-26 E/US-30 E from Broadway Ave 11 min (4.0 mi) Follow I-84 E to UT-30 E in Box Elder County. Take exit 385 from I-15 N 3 hr 48 min (269 mi)
Follow UT-30 E and US-89 N to KOA Campground
From Jackson Hole WY: Follow US-89 S to KOA Campground in Garden City 2 hr 44 min (146 mi)
Turn right onto KOA Campground
When planning to vacation or get away for a bit, consider staying near Bear Lake. Whether with friends or family, you can explore all the historical landmarks in Garden City, Utah, by taking a Bear Lake history and landmarks tour. Start your tour with these famous Bear Lake landmarks.
According to early Native American lore in the Bear Lake Valley, a monster lurks within Bear Lake. The myth describes the monster as a serpent-like creature with short legs that swims around the lake. In the 1860s, Joseph C. Rich published an article in the Deseret News about recent lake monster appearances. His writing sparked others to report sightings and increased peoples' desire to catch the creature.
Eventually, interest in the monster lessened. Almost three decades after Rich's articles and allegations, he admitted it was all a hoax. Though it was fake, the myth of the Bear Lake monster continues to be a significant part of the lake's history. People celebrate the legend during the annual Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
Another historical Bear Lake landmark is Rendezvous Beach. It stretches along the lake's south coast and boasts a beautiful lakeside view. The beach was once the gathering place for the notable Bear Lake Rendezvous in 1827 and 1828. Mountain men, trappers, traders and Native Americans came together on the lakeshore to trade goods. The mountain men would also have parties where they would gamble, race horses, dance, sing, tell lies and drink plenty of alcohol.
Visit Rendezvous Beach and imagine what the 19th-century rendezvous were like back then.
In the 1800s, the Oregon Trail led settlers with covered wagons farther west to establish new homes and livelihoods in hopes of a better life. The trail brought pioneers and families to the Bear Lake Valley, where many could recoup by camping and restocking supplies.
Follow the modern 111-mile route with 15 stops that detail the trail's history. You could start at the National Oregon/California Interpretive Center to learn more and experience a covered wagon simulation.
You could also spend a few hours learning about the first Mormon settlers in Bear Lake Valley. The Bear Lake area is home to the first town the settlers established, Paris, and all the historical sites created then. Visit the Paris Historical Museum to see local artifacts and the Paris Historic District and Tabernacle for views of a prominent landmark.
Take a trip to the Old West and the first bank Butch Cassidy, a notorious outlaw, robbed by visiting the Butch Cassidy Museum in Montpelier, Idaho. The museum, formerly the bank, is the only bank robbed by Butch Cassidy that is still standing. You can learn about the outlaw and see the original bank vault.
During your adventures in the Bear Lake Valley, camp at Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday. You will have a comfortable resting place, perfect for relaxing and recouping after long days learning about the area's history. Begin preparations for Bear Lake by reserving your campsite with us today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
