Bear Lake is a 107-acre artificial impoundment located within the Blackwater River State Forest in northeast Santa Rosa County, approximately 2 miles east of Munson on State Road 4. Constructed in 1959 and opened to fishing in 1961, this lake offers paddlers the opportunity to explore undeveloped shoreline surrounded by tall longleaf pines and flooded timber that provides fish habitat.

The lake has an average depth of 8 feet with a maximum depth of 23 feet, with the deepest areas located near the dam and along the old streambed. A dual-launch concrete boat ramp is located within the Bear Lake Campground, providing the primary access point for paddlers. Two primitive dirt boat landings are also accessible from Hurricane Lake Road. The Florida Forest Service charges a $2.00 per car fee for entry to the Bear Lake Campground area, though the primitive landings are not currently subject to this fee.

Critical restrictions apply to motorized watercraft: gasoline boat motors are prohibited on Bear Lake, with only electric trolling motors permitted. This regulation creates a quieter environment favorable for paddling activities. Swimming is not permitted in the lake, and paddlers should be aware that alligators are present in the water.

The lake is part of a larger recreation area that includes campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas. A limited number of small jon-boats and canoes are available for rent from the Department of Forestry (contact 850-957-6140 for rental information). The campground features restrooms with showers, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and an informational kiosk near the boat ramp.

Bear Lake is managed as a Fish Management Area under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations. The surrounding Blackwater River State Forest encompasses over 210,000 acres, making this area part of the largest contiguous longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem in the world. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species and forest animals typical of this ecosystem.