Travel Tips

Feb 18 2026

Why a Large Bear Lake Lodge Costs Less Than a Hotel

If you’re the one planning the trip — coordinating dates, sleeping arrangements, meals, activities, and budgets — you already know that large group vacations take real work.

Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, a multi-family summer trip, or a special celebration, the decisions you make upfront will shape the entire experience.

Before booking a handful of hotel rooms, it’s worth slowing down and looking at how the numbers actually work out. Because for large groups, a luxury lodge in Bear Lake often delivers more space, less stress, and a lower cost per person than hotels.

Let’s walk through it.

Planning a Family Reunion in Bear Lake? Start With the Space

Bear Lake is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in Utah and Idaho — especially in summer, during holidays, and on long weekends.

For large groups, that popularity creates two immediate challenges:

Limited hotel availability
Rising nightly rates

A Very Common Scenario

You’re planning for:

A family reunion
A multi-generation trip
A wedding or milestone celebration

With 40–50 people, hotels usually require 12–15 separate rooms, often spread across floors or buildings.

Total nightly hotel cost: $$$$

And at this point, you’ve only solved where everyone sleeps.

What Makes Hotels Harder for Moms Planning Big Trips

This is where most of the mental load shows up.

Meals Become a Daily Coordination Exercise

Eating out with a large group often means:

Limited menu flexibility
Managing reservations
Waiting with hungry kids
Splitting checks repeatedly

Estimated daily food cost: $$$

Entertainment Adds More Logistics

Keeping everyone entertained means:

Buying tickets
Coordinating transportation
Managing schedules

Every activity becomes another decision.

Estimated daily entertainment costs: $$

Why Moms Choose Large Vacation Homes Over Hotels

This is where large Bear Lake luxury lodges quietly win — both financially and practically.

1. Cost Per Person Often Works Out Better

Instead of paying for individual rooms, you’re renting one private home designed specifically for groups.

When you divide the nightly rate by 40–50 guests, the per-person cost is often lower than a hotel stay — especially during peak season.

But the real value is what comes with it:

Everyone under one roof
Shared common spaces
Privacy without separation
No constant coordinating

2. The Kitchen Is the Secret Weapon

Luxury kitchen with large stove and farmhouse sink.

For moms planning large trips, the kitchen changes everything.

Large Bear Lake lodges include:

Double ovens
Oversized refrigerators
Large islands and prep areas
Big dining tables for everyone

One organized grocery run can cover breakfasts, lunches, and several group dinners.

Mornings are calm
Meals happen on your schedule
Dinner becomes a shared experience

No reservations.
No rushing.
No juggling logistics.

3. Entertainment Is Already Built In

With Bear Lake Luxury Rentals, entertainment isn’t something you need to plan — it’s part of the stay.

Depending on the property, your group may enjoy:

🎬 Private movie theaters
🏊 Heated indoor or outdoor pools
🎮 Game rooms and arcades
🏀 Sports courts and outdoor recreation areas
🔥 Fire pits for evenings together

You’re not managing activities.

The house does the heavy lifting for you.

Bear Lake Family Vacations Made Easy

Most large group trips aren’t about doing more.

They’re about:

Sitting around the same table
Watching kids play across generations
Having space for conversation and rest
Creating memories without a packed schedule

Hotels scatter families into rooms and hallways.

Large lodges keep everyone together — without feeling crowded.

Why Bear Lake Is Perfect for Large Family Lodges

Bear Lake has long been a place where family traditions are built.

Families return year after year for:

Crystal-clear turquoise water
The famous raspberry shake stops
Boating, beaches, and paddleboarding
Cozy winter getaways and snowmobiling
Easy access from Utah and Idaho

A large vacation home lets your group enjoy Bear Lake comfortably, privately, and at your own pace.

A Smarter Way to Plan a Big Trip

When you step back and look at the full picture, the value becomes clear.

✔ Lower cost per person
✔ Fewer logistics to manage
✔ Space for kids and adults
✔ Built-in entertainment
✔ A calmer, more enjoyable experience

Luxury isn’t about excess.

It’s about choosing the option that actually works for your family.

To help you better plan your trip to Bear Lake this summer, view our Getaway Guide.

Ready to See What Works Best for Your Group?

Explore our collection of large luxury vacation rentals in Bear Lake, designed for families and groups who want space, comfort, and a smoother, more memorable stay — without hotel trade-offs.

Feb 13 2026

Stress-Free Family Reunions at Bear Lake

A sanity-saving blueprint for moms who want everyone together—without losing their minds

100 Acre Lodge's family room overlooking Bear Lake

Planning a family reunion for 30, 40, 50, or even more people isn’t just “planning a vacation.”
It’s part logistics, part diplomacy, and part minor miracle.

There’s usually one person who ends up doing the heavy lifting.
If you’re reading this, that person is probably you.

Between coordinating dates, managing personalities, feeding a small army, and making sure kids, teens, adults, and grandparents all have a good time—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the trip even starts.

Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be stressful.
After hosting hundreds of large family groups at Bear Lake, we’ve learned what actually works—and what leads to burnout.

This is your no-stress, mom-approved, getaway guide for planning a large family reunion that everyone will remember for the right reasons.

Step 1: Set the Date. Don’t Ask.

(This is the single most important rule.)

If you ask 40–50 people which week works best, you’ll still be debating dates sometime around 2030.

Instead:

Pick a date
Announce it confidently
Move forward

For large family reunions, August at Bear Lake is a proven favorite:

Kids are out of school
Weather is warm and reliable
Lake days + cool evenings = perfection

When the home itself is the destination, people make it work. Those who can’t come? They’ll catch the next one. The key is momentum.

Pro tip: Send a “Save the Date” text first, then follow up with details. Simple. Done.

Step 2: Choose an “Anchor Home” (This Changes Everything)

Exterior view of the rear of Black Timber Lodge.

The biggest mistake large groups make?
Booking a house that’s big, but not designed for big groups.

What you want is an Anchor Home—a luxury vacation rental that naturally separates activity zones so everyone can coexist peacefully.

Look for built-in “zone control”:

🎬 Theater room or game room on a lower level for kids and teens
🛋️ Large great room + massive deck for adults to gather, talk, and relax
🛏️ Multiple bedroom clusters so grandparents aren’t next to toddlers

At Bear Lake Luxury Rentals, our large homes are intentionally designed for multi-generational groups. That means:

Space to be together
Space to spread out
And space to stay sane

When kids have somewhere exciting to go, adults actually get to finish a conversation. Imagine that.

Step 3: Use the “Menu Delegation” Rule (and Save Your Energy)

Feeding 50 people three times a day is not a vacation—it’s a full-time job.

Instead of doing it all yourself, delegate dinners.

Here’s the system that works every time:

Assign one family per night to handle dinner
They plan it, shop for it, and cook it
Everyone else shows up hungry and grateful

Our luxury homes feature:

Oversized kitchens
Double ovens
Multiple fridges
Plenty of seating

This keeps the kitchen from turning into a war zone—and ensures you’re not stuck cooking every night while everyone else relaxes.

Bonus: Different families bring different specialties, which keeps meals fun and varied.

Step 4: Embrace the Magic of the Bunk Room

Custom bunk rooms aren’t just for sleeping.

They are:

Kid headquarters
Late-night giggle zones
Built-in entertainment

When kids have their own space:

They feel independent
They bond with cousins
They create their own stories

Meanwhile, adults get quiet mornings, peaceful evenings, and the chance to actually enjoy each other.

It’s one of those small details that makes a huge difference.

Why Bear Lake Is Perfect for Large Family Reunions

Bear Lake isn’t just beautiful—it’s exceptionally group-friendly.

Your days can be as relaxed or active as you want:

Boating, paddleboarding, and beach days
Easy hikes and scenic drives
Big family dinners with lake views
Sunset conversations on the deck

No packed schedules. No pressure. Just time together.

And when your home is luxurious, spacious, and thoughtfully designed?
Everything feels easier.

Ready to Be the Family Hero?

Emerald Estate's family room with long dining table and TV overlooking Bear Lake.

You don’t need to do everything.
You just need the right home.

At Bear Lake Luxury Rentals, we specialize in large, high-end vacation homes built for:

30–50+ guests
Multi-generational families
Stress-free reunions

We’ll help you find the perfect anchor home so you can stop planning—and start looking forward to the trip.

Get our free Getaway Guide.

Or explore our luxury Bear Lake vacation rentals designed for large groups.

You’ve got this!

And we’ve got the perfect house that makes it easy.

Jan 18 2026

Why August Is the Best Time to Visit Bear Lake

(And Why Locals Book It First)

View of Bear Lake from the back of a boat.

If you’ve been told that June or July is the best time to visit Bear Lake, we’re here to politely disagree.

Those months are fine.
August, however, is exceptional.

Ask anyone who actually spends summers in Garden City, Utah, and they’ll tell you the same thing: August is when Bear Lake finally hits its stride. Warmer water, calmer crowds, longer days, and a noticeably more relaxed pace make it the month locals quietly protect on their calendars.

Here’s why August is the real sweet spot for a Bear Lake vacation — especially if you’re traveling with family and want the full “Caribbean of the Rockies” experience.

The Lake Is Finally Warm (Like, Actually Warm)

Bear Lake is deep — over 200 feet in some areas. That depth is what gives the lake its famous turquoise color, but it also means the water takes time to warm up.

June? Still warming.
July? Getting there.
August? Perfection.

By August, weeks of mountain sunshine have fully penetrated the lake, pushing water temperatures to the warmest of the year. That’s the difference between:

“Jump in and jump out” swimming, and
Hours of floating, paddleboarding, boating, and kids refusing to come inside.

For families, this matters. No chattering teeth. No blue lips. No negotiations.

This is the month Bear Lake becomes a true all-day lake — not just a scenic one.

Raspberry Season = Peak Bear Lake Culture

August isn’t just about the lake — it’s about Garden City at its best.

This is peak raspberry season, and if you know Bear Lake, you know that raspberries are a big deal here.

Fresh raspberry shakes
Roadside stands overflowing with berries
Local festivals and events
That unmistakable “end-of-summer” energy in the air

t’s not just food — it’s atmosphere. August feels alive in a way earlier months don’t. The town is buzzing, but not frantic. Lively, but not chaotic.

The Crowds Thin (But the Vibe Gets Better)

July brings fireworks, long weekends, and peak crowds. August brings something better: space to breathe.

By mid-August:

Many families are preparing for school
Day-trippers taper off
Beach parking becomes easier
You can actually claim a spot at North Beach without setting an alarm for 6:00 AM

The lake doesn’t feel empty — it feels intentional. The people who are here chose August on purpose.

That’s when Bear Lake feels like Bear Lake again.

Longer Evenings, Better Sunsets, Slower Nights

View of Bear Lake from the deck of Emerald Estates

August days still feel long, but the evenings are where the magic happens.

Golden-hour boat rides
Sunset walks along the shoreline
Deck dinners at your luxury rental
Firepits, stargazing, and cool-but-not-cold nights

This is the month where you stop checking the clock and start saying, “Let’s stay out a little longer.”

Why August + a Luxury Rental Just Makes Sense

When August gives you:

Warm water
Better weather
Fewer crowds
Peak local culture

…pairing it with a Bear Lake luxury vacation rental is the natural next step.

More space.
Private decks.
Lake views.
Room for multi-family stays.
No shared walls. No schedules. No compromises.

August is about maximizing every day — and luxury rentals let you do exactly that.

Don’t Settle for a Chilly Start to Summer

June and July get the hype.
August gets the payoff.

If you want Bear Lake at its absolute best — warmer water, relaxed energy, and the kind of vacation your family talks about all year — August is the month to book.

The only catch?
It’s also the month that books up fastest with people who know better.

Secure your August advantage before the best homes disappear from the calendar.

BOOK NOW

Jun 19 2025

Bear Lake’s Ultimate Summer Guide

Aerial view of Bear Lake and the surrounding area.

Ahh, summer in Bear Lake… If you know, you know. And if you don’t—well, let’s fix that. We’ve compiled Bear Lake’s ultimate summer guide. Nicknamed the Caribbean of the Rockies for its surreal turquoise waters, Bear Lake is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets… until you experience it for yourself. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, beach bum, or someone who just wants to unplug under the stars, Bear Lake is where summer magic happens.

Here’s your all-in-one guide to making the most of summer in Bear Lake, Utah—complete with can’t-miss activities, must-try eats, and local gems you’ll be talking about long after you’ve rinsed off the sand.

Water, Water Everywhere: Epic Lake Activities

Let’s be honest—Bear Lake is the star of the show. That dreamy blue water? It’s not just for looks.

Here’s how to make a splash this summer:

Boat Rentals & Jet Skis: Rent a boat or a couple of jet skis from Bear Lake Fun. Whether you’re tubing, wakeboarding, or just cruising, nothing beats a day on the water.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking: If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful (or Instagrammable), early mornings are perfect for paddling along the glassy lake.
Swim & Sun at the Beach: North Beach and Rendezvous Beach are two of the most popular spots for families, sunbathers, and sandcastle architects.
Fishing: Bear Lake is famous for its unique species of trout (like the Bonneville Cisco). Bring your gear or join a local guide for a laid-back afternoon on the lake.

Off the Water: Land Adventures & Scenic Escapes

Don’t spend all your time on the lake—Bear Lake’s beauty extends well beyond the shoreline.

Hit the Trails:

Limber Pine Trail: An easy 1.2-mile loop with amazing views—perfect for families and casual hikers.
Bloomington Lake: A short hike leads you to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by cliffs and wildflowers. You might even catch someone rope-swinging into the water.
Minnetonka Cave: Escape the heat and explore this hidden limestone cave with guided tours and fascinating geology.

TV & UTV Rentals:

Want to kick up some dust? Rent an ATV or side-by-side and explore the Cache National Forest backcountry. It’s adrenaline, scenery, and freedom all rolled into one.

Where to Eat: From Famous Shakes to Hidden Gems

Two world famous Bear Lake raspberry shakes.

Iconic Bear Lake Eats:

LaBeau’s Drive-In: You can’t come to Bear Lake without trying a raspberry shake. LaBeau’s is where the tradition began, and the hype is real.
Zipz: Fast, fresh, and fun. Grab a burger, fries, and (of course) another shake. You’re allowed multiple per day—it’s vacation.
Cafe Sabor: Craving Mexican food with a lake view? This colorful spot serves it up right on the water.

Local Favorites:

Bear Trapper Steakhouse: Hearty meals, rustic charm, and the perfect post-hike dinner spot.
Crepes & Coffee: A cozy morning option in Garden City. Espresso, Nutella crepes, and mountain air? Yes, please.
Firehouse Pizzeria: If you’re feeding a group after a long day of lake adventures, this is the move. Comfort food that hits the spot.

Chill Vibes: Evenings Around the Fire

View of Emerald Estate's fire pit, overlooking Bear Lake.

After a full day of play, Bear Lake sunsets are next-level. Watch the sky explode in color while relaxing on the deck of your Bear Lake Luxury Rental home—drink in hand, firepit crackling, and maybe a s’more (or three).

Stargazing here? Unreal. With low light pollution and clear skies, it’s a perfect spot to reconnect—with nature, your people, and yourself.

Bonus: Don’t Miss These Summer Events

Bear Lake Raspberry Days (Early August): A full-on celebration of the area’s most famous fruit, complete with a parade, rodeo, live music, and more raspberry treats than you thought possible.
Live Music & Outdoor Movies: Check the Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce for community happenings during your stay.
Weekly Farmers Markets: Pick up local honey, fresh produce, and handmade crafts to take a little piece of Bear Lake home.

Where to Stay: Bear Lake Luxury Rentals

100 Acre Lodge's family room, open to above, overlooking Bear Lake.

Of course, no trip is complete without the perfect home base—and that’s where we come in.

Our luxury homes are designed to give you the ultimate Bear Lake experience. Think:

Stunning lake views from private balconies
Roomy kitchens for family dinners and pancake breakfasts
Cozy living rooms with fireplaces and game nights
Firepits, hot tubs, and outdoor dining spaces
And yes—we’re just minutes from all the action.

Start Your Summer Story

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family reunion, or your annual friends trip, Bear Lake delivers the kind of summer you remember forever. No filters needed, no fuss required, just Bear Lake’s ultimate summer guide.

📅 Book your Bear Lake Luxury Rental today, and let’s make this the summer of yes, let’s go, and one more shake, please.

Aug 28 2023

Most Stunning Bear Lake View Points

With a nickname like the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” it is safe to say that Bear Lake has its fair share of stunning viewpoints. In fact, you’ll have a harder time finding a location that doesn’t have a great view of the lake than not.

When you aren’t admiring the views of Utah’s deepest lake, you can marvel at the Bear River Mountain Range and the picturesque Bear Lake Valley below it, not to mention the premium views that come with a Bear Lake Luxury Rental!

These are the best vantage points around picturesque Bear Lake!

The Shores of Rendezvous Beach

Photo Credit: howderfamily.com via Flickr CC 2.0

Easily one of Utah and Idaho’s most breathtaking green spaces, Bear Lake State Park offers a variety of dramatic views of the lake without even trying. Any pull-off in the park will treat you to views of the lake’s blue waters and sandy beaches, but one viewpoint, in particular, has made quite the name for itself.

Rendezvous Beach has become one of the most popular destinations for lake admiration, and it’s not hard to see why. With easy access to the lake’s crystal clear waters, a beachfront campground, and breathtaking views in every direction, a stop at Rendezvous Beach is a must on any Bear Lake getaway.

Garden City Park

The small town of Garden City is a great place to admire the views of the lake as you sit back and enjoy one of the town’s famous raspberry shakes at its central park. As you walk along Lido Point Road towards the water, you’ll meander through the tall grasses that will take you to a 360-degree view of the lakeshore.

The Trails in Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: asharkyu

Home to various beautiful water birds like the sandhill crane and the snowy egret, Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers an additional charm on top of its already great views. Many of these birds are seasonal, so what you see here can vary by the month, but it makes for a great excuse to come back time and time again!

Enjoy a one-way scenic drive throughout the refuge, or opt to take one of two short trails to get a closer look. Both options will offer you amazing views of Bear Lake and the surrounding area.

Pink Bench Overlook

Just like the name suggests, the Pink Bench Overlook in Fish Haven is a singular bench on an isolated hillside overlooking the vast waters of Bear Lake. Get here early or stay late to get the bench all to yourself and sit peacefully as you enjoy a view of Bear Lake, unlike anywhere else.

Most people only arrive here by stumbling upon it, so the Pink Bench Overlook is a hidden gem amongst viewpoints. Now imagine having this place to yourself at sunset!

Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway

Photo Credit: summerreader via Flickr CC 2.0

Go for a scenic drive on the Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway for amazing views from start to finish. Spanning out over 93 miles, you can choose to spend the day driving the byway from one end to another, or you can just drive a short section. Whatever you decide, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bear Lake, the surrounding mountain range, and the lush limber pine forest.

Not to mention the drive will take you through both the Cache National Forest and the Caribou National Forest and fifteen of the historic Oregon Trail stops along the way.

Bear Lake Rest Area

Right at the foot of Logan Canyon, the Bear Lake Rest Area is often the first view people get of Bear Lake as they drive in from Salt Lake City, and boy, is it a great introduction. From here, you will have a wide-sweeping view of Bear Lake down below. Take a moment to read the informational way signs to learn more about the area, and check out the area diagram to learn the names of all the natural features you see around you.

Bear Lake Hot Springs

With views of Bear Lake everywhere you go, why not choose to admire the views from the warmth of a natural hot spring? Located in St. Charles, the Bear Lake Hot Springs has two large mineral pools, each offering incredible views of the Bear Lake Valley and the lake reigning supreme in the center of it all!

The Double Shores of North Beach

North Beach is the only area lake that can boast two viewpoints, one facing the beautiful bear lake and the other looking out over Mud Lake and the Bear Lake National Refuge. Because it is positioned on a narrow swath of land that separates the two bodies of water, it is the perfect place to catch a view of both! This beach is a great option for people willing to wake up early, as the two-mile stretch of beach is incredibly popular and is often closed for max capacity by mid-morning.

Atop the Highline Trail

Photo Credit: NARA AND DVIDS Public Domain Archive via Google Images CCL

Hop on your ATV and make your way up the Highline Trail for a view of Bear Lake that few people ever experience. You can start this 55-mile trail at one of five points (Logan Canyon, Bloomington Canyon, Emigration Canyon, and Paris Canyon), and within minutes you will be rewarded with unmatched views of the Bear River Range. Talk about an adventure!

More than Just a Great View

Only a few hours from Salt Lake City, Bear Lake is a hidden oasis with outdoor activities and breathtaking views galore. This year-round destination offers ever-changing scenic viewpoints that change throughout the season.When you aren’t admiring the views, you can participate in other fun activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Book your Bear Lake Luxury Rental today!