Bear Lake Utah/Idaho

[NAstleford]

Has anyone ever been to Bear Lake in Utah/Idaho? If so got any info or pointers for it?

We were lookin at going to Crescent Lake in Oregon the week of July 4th but found out the air temp is only like 70 and water temp is around 60 so looking somewhere else. Unless someone can say that Crescent Lake is awesome as well....

Bear Lake has always been a talking point but can't find much info like were to stay, if there are slips for rent or day use, water temp, etc.

Any info and/or opinions welcomed.

Thanks.

[boonecragun]

Grew up on bear lake. Seriously spent my summers there as a kid. My family still has a cabin on the east side. Water is traditionally colder, but in late July August it is perfect. Still refreshing but definitely not bath tub. It is a mountain lake. It is a big lake, but afternoon winds can lead to crazy times. I’ve seen my share of swamped boats because they got caught in the afternoon storms. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, head to the east side. Idaho state park just north of the border is a great camping spot with ramp. Lake level should be high this year with projected run off. Mosquitos can be a nuisance. Let me know what other info you are looking for. Beautiful lake with beautiful blue water.

[NAstleford]

Thanks for the info!
Have heard that it can get windy.
Coming from Lucky Peak here in Boise with water in the high 60s so chances are it might still be little warmer than our usual. Don't expect Mead or Powell temps by any means.
Have any recommendations of places to stay outside of camping? Not against camping but would rather be in a cabin or something. When searching seems like a lot of places are in Garden City, Utah.

[freeheel4life]

Lake Billy Chinook in OR is pretty awesome too. Madras is the closest town with lots of hotels, and in that area Im sure youd find lots of Airbnb and VRBOs though I bet lots are already booked for that week...
Bend is a further drive from the lake but has a lot more obviously. Redmond is in between the Madras and Bend as well. Theres some Oregon SP if yall wanted to rough it and be at the lake.
As far as I know water will get up to 70, probably a few degrees less this year with the upped snowpack.

[boonecragun]

Garden city is the place to be if you want a cabin or similar. That week is going to be jamming so you will want to get on reservations.

[NAstleford]

Lake Billy Chinook in OR is pretty awesome too. Madras is the closest town with lots of hotels, and in that area Im sure youd find lots of Airbnb and VRBOs though I bet lots are already booked for that week...
Bend is a further drive from the lake but has a lot more obviously. Redmond is in between the Madras and Bend as well. Theres some Oregon SP if yall wanted to rough it and be at the lake.
As far as I know water will get up to 70, probably a few degrees less this year with the upped snowpack.

We thought about Billy Chinook too and doing a house boat but then changed our minds to Crescent Lake.
Crescent Lake looks nice and the cabins look pretty cool just the air/water temp doesn't sound that appealing. Unless it's one of those mountain temps that 70s feel hotter so 60 water wouldn't be too bad in relation to the 70s air.

[NAstleford]

Garden city is the place to be if you want a cabin or similar. That week is going to be jamming so you will want to get on reservations.

Yeah that was the only week we could get the other place so have thought about maybe changing it to the week before or after the 4th.