Bears Paw market snapshot
Homes, condos and townhomes. Source: Naples MLS listing data, updated October 27, 2026. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
About Bears Paw
Bear’s Paw is a private, gated golf and country club community encompassing approximately 245 acres in Central Naples. Established around an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, Bear’s Paw holds a special place in Naples golf history as the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on Florida’s west coast. The community combines mature tropical landscaping, freshwater lakes, golf-course views and frontage along the Gordon River, creating an established setting that feels remarkably secluded considering its central Naples location.
Residences include condominiums, villas and a limited collection of single-family homes, providing several different ownership and maintenance options within the community. Many properties overlook the golf course, lakes or landscaped areas, while homes along the Gordon River add a waterfront dimension that is unusual for a Naples golf community. Because Bear’s Paw has been established for decades, residences vary considerably in age, architecture, renovations and hurricane protection, making the individual property an important part of the buying decision.
The lifestyle extends well beyond golf. Bear’s Paw combines its Jack Nicklaus course with a private country club, dining, fitness, tennis, pickleball, bocce and direct access to the Gordon River for boating, kayaking and fishing. At the same time, its location places residents close to Naples Zoo, Freedom Park, the Gordon River Greenway, Downtown Naples, Fifth Avenue South and Gulf beaches. The combination of golf, boating and a central Naples location is what makes Bear’s Paw particularly distinctive.
Why People Like the Bear’s Paw Community
- Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf: Bear’s Paw is home to the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on Florida’s west coast, giving the community an important place in Southwest Florida golf history.
- Golf and Boating in One Community: Direct Gordon River access adds boating, kayaking and fishing to a lifestyle more commonly centered solely around golf.
- Low-Density Setting: Approximately 245 acres of lakes, fairways, waterways and mature landscaping create a spacious environment close to the heart of Naples.
- Different Residential Choices: Condominiums, villas and single-family homes provide options in property type, size and maintenance structure.
- Limited Golf Membership: The club intentionally limits membership, helping support access to the golf course and practice facilities.
- Personal Golf Carts: Members can own and use their own golf carts throughout the community and on the golf course, adding to the neighborhood’s traditional private-club atmosphere.
- Central Naples Location: Downtown Naples, beaches, parks, shopping, dining and major roads are all readily accessible from Bear’s Paw.
What You Need to Know About Living in Bear’s Paw
- Membership Is an Important Part of the Purchase: Buyers should investigate the membership requirements associated with the specific property, along with current initiation fees, dues, privileges and transfer requirements directly with Bear’s Paw Country Club.
- Property Types Have Different Association Structures: Condominium, villa and single-family ownership can involve different fees, maintenance responsibilities, insurance obligations and governing documents. These should be evaluated for the specific residence.
- Homes Vary Significantly: Bear’s Paw is an established community, so buyers will encounter everything from more original residences to extensively renovated properties. Interior condition, windows and doors, mechanical systems, hurricane protection and other improvements should be compared individually.
- Not Every Property Has the Same View: Golf-course, lake, river and landscaped settings provide very different residential experiences throughout the community.
- Marina Space Is Limited: The club’s marina has a limited number of slips. Buyers for whom boating is a priority should verify current slip availability, vessel limitations, fees and applicable club procedures rather than assuming dockage is automatically available with a residence.
- Association and Club Rules Apply: Buyers should review the applicable residential governing documents as well as current country club policies to understand the complete ownership experience.
Current listings
Bears Paw Homes for Sale
See the newest homes for sale in Bears Paw, updated throughout the day from the Naples MLS. Want a private showing or an honest read on value? Call Renee Hahn at (239) 287-2576.
The source of this real property information is the copyrighted and proprietary database compilation of the M.L.S. of Naples, Inc. Accuracy of this information is not warranted or guaranteed. Information should be independently verified if any person intends to engage in a transaction in reliance upon it.
Bears Paw Amenities
Golf is at the center of Bear’s Paw, with an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course complemented by a driving range, putting and short-game practice facilities and professional golf services. The course underwent a comprehensive restoration under the direction of Jack Nicklaus, updating greens, bunkers, irrigation, turf, practice areas and other course features while preserving the character of the original design.
The clubhouse serves as the community’s social and dining center, with indoor and outdoor dining, private dining spaces, an outdoor bar and terrace overlooking the golf course. A modern fitness center offers cardiovascular and strength equipment, personal training and group classes, while outdoor recreation includes two lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts and two bocce courts.
One of Bear’s Paw’s most unusual amenities is its connection to the Gordon River. A 16-slip marina and boat ramp provide access to the river and ultimately Naples Bay and the Gulf, while club kayaks and canoes offer another way to enjoy the water. A fishing pier adds to the waterfront experience.
Together, the golf, racquet sports, fitness, dining, social programming and boating facilities create a true country club lifestyle. What separates Bear’s Paw from many Naples golf communities, however, is the ability to combine those amenities with Gordon River access and a location only a few miles from Downtown Naples and the Gulf beaches.
What Is Near Bears Paw?
Downtown Naples (5th Avenue South): 2.5 miles
Closest beach: Lowdermilk Park, 2.3 miles
RSW Airport: 24.8 miles
Notable shopping & dining nearby: The Gateway of Naples, 1.5 miles
Closest park: Freedom Park Preserve, 0.8 miles
(Distances are approximate straight-line distances.)
Bears Paw Floor Plans
Builder floor plans aren’t available for Bears Paw, most often because the homes were custom built or the community predates published plans. Contact Renee Hahn for details on a specific home.
View Bears Paw floor plans (PDF)
Where Is Bears Paw?
Bears Paw FAQ
Where is Bear's Paw located?
Bear's Paw is in Central Naples on about 245 acres with frontage along the Gordon River. Naples Zoo, Freedom Park, the Gordon River Greenway, Downtown Naples, Fifth Avenue South and the beaches are all nearby.
What types of homes are in Bear's Paw?
Residences include condominiums, villas and a limited collection of single-family homes. Many overlook the golf course, lakes or the Gordon River, and since the community has been established for decades, age and renovation levels vary.
Is Bear's Paw gated, and is club membership required?
Bear's Paw is a private, gated golf and country club community. Membership requirements, initiation fees, dues and transfer rules should be confirmed with Bear's Paw Country Club for the specific property.
What amenities does Bear's Paw offer?
Golf centers on an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course with a driving range and short-game area, plus a clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining and a terrace bar. There is also a fitness center, two lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts, two bocce courts, a 16-slip marina, boat ramp, club kayaks and canoes and a fishing pier.
What makes Bear's Paw unique among Naples golf communities?
It was the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on Florida's west coast, and it adds Gordon River boating access toward Naples Bay and the Gulf. Marina slips are limited, so boaters should check availability before assuming dockage.
Last updated October 2026 by Renee Hahn, Your Naples Expert. Community details, fees and amenities can change, so confirm specifics for any home you are considering.
