If you’re looking for a great place to escape to the lake for an extended weekend or week’s vacation, then Bear Lake could fit all your needs. Located in southeastern Idaho and northeastern Utah, Bear Lake is sometimes called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its crystal colored waters. It runs for 109 miles with plenty of vacation rentals along the lake’s edge. Around the lake, there are small towns and communities that offer different amenities. Here’s a look at the top 11 Bear Lake vacation rentals in Idaho and Utah.
1. Fish Haven, Idaho
Fish Haven is the southernmost community on Bear Lake in Idaho. Here your family can pass their days fishing, kayaking, biking and relaxing on the deck of your vacation rental. It’s easy to find a rustic cabin along the water’s edge or a family home with a dock so you can bring your own boat. Catch up on the local gossip and find out where the fish are biting at the Bear Bottom Country Store.
2. St. Charles, Idaho
Drive north on state highway 89 to the town of St. Charles with its single-family homes for rent in the town center and cabins on the outskirts. It’s only a short drive from here to Bear Lake. Spend your days biking around town or exploring the area around the lake. Enjoy fishing, swimming, and canoeing on the lake. Stop by the Minnetonka Market and Cafe for a dinner style meal when you don’t want to do the cooking yourself.
3. Bloomington, Idaho
In the small town of Bloomington, you and your family can kick back and relax while spending time reconnecting with each other. If you choose a vacation rental outside of town, find one with acreage and bring ATVs to explore the surrounding area. Hop in the car and drive over to Bear Lake for some fishing or to hike around the lake’s edge.
4. Paris, Idaho
On the northwestern edge of Bear Lake is the town of Paris. It’s just a few miles west of the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to days exploring the lake by boat, you can take the family to Sleight Canyon or Paris Canyon for some hiking and amazing views. On Paris Creek, let the kids toss in their lines and catch some fish for dinner back at your vacation rental.
5. Ovid, Idaho
Enjoy quiet nights and relaxing days in the small community of Ovid. You can find modest vacation rentals that are close enough to Bear Lake to drive there within a few minutes. In the winter months, try your hand at cross-country skiing in the wooded recreation area above the lake. Founded in 1864, this town offers some great old buildings to photograph as you bike around the area.
6. Montpelier, Idaho
Northeast of Bear Lake at the crossroads of state highway 89 and 30 is the town of Montpelier. This town offers family home vacation rentals and rustic cabins further away from the downtime area. Send the golf lovers in your family to the Montpelier Golf Course. With majestic mountains in the background, this golf course offers 9 holes at par 34.
7. Dingle, Idaho
Along the northeastern edge of Bear Lake, Dingle offers a slower pace of life and plenty of outdoor activities. Take your family to the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge for some hiking and fishing. Made up of marshes and grasslands, this wildlife area is home to more than 160 bird species. Along with moose, there are many animals for your kids to see on a hike through the area.
8. Garden City, Utah
On the southwestern edge of Bear Lake, Garden City sits just south of Fish Haven and the Idaho state line. Bring your own boat to tie up at the dock of your vacation rental or rent one for the week or an afternoon at Bear Lake Marina. This town bustles with activity, and you can enjoy a night out at one of the local mom and pop restaurants.
9. Garden, Utah
Enjoy total peace and quiet when you pick a secluded vacation rental in the Garden area. Your days pass slowly here as you bond with your family, boat on the lake, and explore the shoreline of Bear Lake. Find the best fishing holes when you talk to some of the locals.
10. Laketown, Utah
Just a few minutes from the southern edge of Bear Lake, Laketown offers a small downtown area and quiet residential streets to find a vacation rental for your family. Rent bikes and ride around the town and outlying areas. For dinner, stop by Chad’s Raspberry Kitchen for a quick meal at the town’s only restaurant.
11. Cokeville, Wyoming
On the eastern side of the lake and just a few miles over the Wyoming state line is the town of Cokeville, where you and your family can find a vacation rental within easy driving distance of Bear Lake. The Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is also close by and offers a day of hiking and the chance to view some unique wildlife.