National Wildlife Refuge Bear Lake
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
National Wildlife Refuge Bear Lake is a protected area in the state of Wyoming that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit the refuge, including the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and to explore the natural habitats of the area.
One of the main points of interest at National Wildlife Refuge Bear Lake is, of course, Bear Lake itself. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming, and it is also home to a number of different bird species. Visitors can take a hike along the lakeshore or rent a kayak to explore the lake itself.
Another interesting feature of the refuge is the abundance of wildlife that can be seen here. Visitors may have the opportunity to spot moose, elk, deer, coyotes, and even the occasional bear. There are also a number of bird species that call the refuge home, including bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes.
In addition to the natural attractions, there are also a number of historical points of interest in the area. The refuge is home to several old homesteads and ranches, which provide a glimpse into the region's past.
The best time of year to visit National Wildlife Refuge Bear Lake depends on what you want to see. Visitors who are interested in birdwatching should plan to visit in the spring or fall, when a variety of migratory species are passing through the area. Summer is a great time to enjoy the lake and to see some of the larger mammals, while winter visitors may have the opportunity to see animals like elk and deer in their winter habitats.
Overall, National Wildlife Refuge Bear Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. With its pristine lake, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Bear Lake State Park
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St. Charles Campground
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Davis Canyon Campground
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Bear Lake Marina Campground
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