Can you reserve a site at Bad Bear Campground?

Yes, Bad Bear Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Bad Bear Campground?

40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Bad Bear Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bad Bear Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Bad Bear Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Bad Bear Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Bad Bear Campground, Idaho — 6 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Bad Bear Campground is located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in the scenic Boise National Forest on the Idaho City Ranger District, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 11 miles south. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the site, offering whitefish and rainbow trout fishing.

Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest.

Recreation

Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVing. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.

Facilities

This campground contains 5 single sites that can accommodate up to 6 people each, and one double site that can accommodate 12. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, and most sites also have lantern hooks. The site is in an open area with shade in all sites. Vault toilets are provided. Parking spurs are paved. Due to its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. No trash service. Pack-in-pack-out.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 392-3700.

Nearby Attractions

The facts

6 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 40 ft
Up to 12 people per site
Loops: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

Site types

4 Standard Nonelectric
2 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available
Sewer hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

6 campsites at Bad Bear Campground

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Water	Max rig	People
001	BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	36 ft	6	🐾
002	BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Springs	40 ft	6	🐾
003	BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Springs	33 ft	12	🐾
004	BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Springs	17 ft	6	🐾
005	BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Springs	30 ft	6	🐾
006	BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾

Getting there

From the Idaho City Ranger Station, drive north on Highway 21 for almost 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Bad Bear Campground. Bad Bear Campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.

43.90861, -115.69639 · 43°54'31.0"N 115°41'47.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	7.6	5.5	5.5	3.6	2.9	1.9	0.5	0.6	1.1	2.8	5.7	8.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Bad Bear Campground

Can you reserve a site at Bad Bear Campground?: Yes, Bad Bear Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Bad Bear Campground have?: 6 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Bad Bear Campground?: 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Bad Bear Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Bad Bear Campground.
Does Bad Bear Campground have hookups?: No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Bad Bear Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Bad Bear Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Bad Bear Campground

Hayfork Group CG less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Edna Creek Campground less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ten Mile Campground 1.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Beaver Creek Cabin (Id) 5.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hayfork Campground (Group Only) 0.1 mi · Campground
Bad Bear Campground 0.8 mi · Campground
Whoop Um Up Park N' Ski 5 mi · Facility
Whoop Um Up Trailhead 5 mi · Facility
Edna Creek Campground 5.2 mi · Campground
Upper Crooked River Trailhead 5.6 mi · Facility
Willow Creek Campground (Idaho City) 8.9 mi · Campground
Buena Vista Trailhead 9.2 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Bad Bear Campground