Bad Bear Campground

Star4.43
53 reviews
P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Idaho City Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bad Bear Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric site fees range from $15 to $30 per night during the peak season (May 22 - September 29). Seasonal rates apply.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$30.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-392-6681mimpson@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 53 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are generally positive, praising the cleanliness of the facilities, creekside access, and quiet evenings despite proximity to Highway 21."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA

Bad Bear Campground

P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA

Driving directionsFrom the Idaho City Ranger Station, drive north on Highway 21 for almost 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Bad Bear Campground. The campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
The campground is directly accessible from Highway 21, known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Roads are paved, and parking spurs are also paved. However, sites near the highway (e.g., Sites 1 and 6) may experience noise from passing traffic.
Nearby places
Idaho City (11 miles south, approximately 15-minute drive), Boise (48 miles southwest, approximately 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping needs, and fuel can be found in Idaho City, approximately 10 miles south.

Best Time to Camp at Bad Bear Campground

From May through September, Bad Bear Campground basks in the gentle warmth of mountain summers, with comfortable days perfect for hiking and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms this alpine haven into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dipping between 15°F and 31°F. While the off-season brings occasional rain showers and snowfall, these quieter months offer their own serene beauty for those seeking true solitude in nature's embrace.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 22–Sep 29; summer reviews highlight creekside enjoyment and family use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Peak season ends late Sept; early fall likely pleasant but limited season window.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 22 (late spring); spring conditions limited but can be cool and scenic.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground peak season runs May 22–Sep 29; often closed in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 - September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak camping season runs from May 22 to September 29, with reservations opening 6 months in advance.
  • Current Alerts: Potential water shut-offs if hand pump water is deemed non-potable during testing.

About Bad Bear Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Boise National Forest, Bad Bear Campground offers an intimate mountain escape just 48 miles northeast of Idaho's capital. This charming six-site retreat beckons adventurers seeking solitude among towering pines and rushing creek waters. Journey along scenic Highway 21 to discover five cozy single sites and one spacious double site, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and convenient paved parking. Modern vault toilets and the gentle sounds of nature complete this wilderness sanctuary, where the busy world feels wonderfully far away.
Bad Bear Campground offers a blend of tent and RV camping options, with one double site available for larger groups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and surrounding areas offer diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and ATVing. Winter activities like backcountry skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.
HikingHiking trails are accessible in the vicinity, although direct trails from the campground are limited. "There are a few paths up the mountain that were fun to explore with my kids and dog, although they are fairly steep at times."
FishingFishing is available in Mores Creek, adjacent to the campground. Common catches include whitefish and rainbow trout. "Access to creek right from camp site, (#3)."
BikingBiking trails are available near the campground, suitable for exploring the forested areas.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in the region, enhancing the natural experience with opportunities for spotting various species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSites 1 and 6 are adjacent to Highway 21, posing risks for small children and pets. Additionally, seasonal fire restrictions may apply, and water availability depends on monthly testing.
Active AlertsPotential water shut-offs if hand pump water is deemed non-potable during testing.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bad Bear Campground

Reviews

4.4
53 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bad Bear Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, praising the cleanliness of the facilities, creekside access, and quiet evenings despite proximity to Highway 21.
Review Summaries
Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mention clean and well-maintained sites, quiet evenings, convenient creekside access, and the beauty of the surrounding area. "Bathrooms were immaculately clean without odors."...
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Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include highway noise from Sites 1 and 6, limited space for larger trailers, and lack of hiking trails directly within the campground. "Too close to highway. Pretty loud." "Sites are...
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Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include choosing creekside sites like 2, 3, or 4 for better privacy and quieter experiences. "Site #3 is a double site which explains the higher cost." "Site 2 is much better."
Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight creekside enjoyment and family-friendly activities. Winter reviews occasionally mention closed campgrounds but positive hiking experiences nearby.
Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were immaculately clean without odors." "If you don't mind occasional traffic this is a great place to camp in." "Kids had fun." "Creekside lounging much cooler and less smoke than Boise...
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Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 and Site 6 are closest to Highway 21 and noted for traffic noise. Site 3 is a double site praised for its creekside access. Site 4 and 5 are tent-only sites with direct creek access. "Site 1...
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Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and paved parking enhance accessibility, but no further features are noted.
Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are generally welcomed, with reviewers mentioning enjoyable experiences exploring the area with dogs. "Paths up the mountain were fun to explore with my kids and dog."
Based on 53 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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