Bear Valley Campground

Star4.80
12 reviews

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lowman Ranger District site

Official Website
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Bear Valley Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees for camping at Bear Valley Campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanrestrooms

"User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the campground's beauty, seclusion, and cleanliness. Several reviewers noted the presence of wildlife, including bears and deer."

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Campground Map

Bear Valley Campground

44.4111, -115.3701

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles. At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) and travel to Lowman, Idaho approximately 31 miles. At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed northeast towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21 approximately 40 miles. Along the route, you will travel past Banner Summit, Bull Trout Campground and eventually arrive at the Forest Service (FS) Road 579 turnoff. Turn (west) onto FS Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit. There is a big parking area and an information board. Travel along FS Road 579 through Bear Valley. The campground is a short distance from the rest stop at Bruce Meadows.
Expect a gravel road with a washboard surface on Forest Rd 579, which may require caution when navigating.
Nearby places
Stanley (approx. 40 miles), Lowman (approx. 31 miles), Banks (approx. 38 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be expected in Stanley or Lowman, Idaho. Specific information regarding groceries, fuel, or camping needs is unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Valley Campground

Summer arrives late but gloriously to Bear Valley, with the campground typically welcoming visitors from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, depending on mountain weather patterns. July and August bring warm, sun-drenched days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool, star-filled nights that invite campfire conversations. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though evening temperatures can dip dramatically. Winter transforms the valley into an inaccessible wonderland of deep snow and silence, preserving its wild character until spring's return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season mid-June through Sept; summer described as 'glorious' though arrives late.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into Sept; quieter but can coincide with hunting season and seasonal closures begin.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens around Memorial Day (late spring); early spring is generally closed due to mountain weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal campground; closed outside Memorial Day–Sept 30 timeframe.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-June to the end of September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through September 30, weather dependent.

About Bear Valley Campground

Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Bear Valley Creek, this intimate mountain retreat offers a peaceful escape into Idaho's rugged backcountry. Bear Valley Campground provides a tranquil setting where the gentle murmur of the creek mingles with the whisper of wind through towering lodgepole pines. Though nature is reshaping the forest through a natural pine beetle cycle, the campground maintains its serene charm with shaded sites perfect for small groups seeking solitude. With space for up to 10 individual campsites, this hidden gem delivers an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Bear Valley Campground accommodates tent camping and has combined sites suitable for tents and limited RVs.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Valley Campground provides access to a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is also noted for its suitability for horseback riding and picnicking.
HikingDay hikes are available from this location. Specific trail details are not mentioned.
FishingFishing is permitted in Bear Valley Creek, which has brook trout and endangered fish species. Fishing is strictly catch-and-release.
Wildlife viewingWildlife can be observed in and around the campground. One user review noted, "Had a deer come through in the evening."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present in the area, and food must be stored safely. The campground does not provide storage lockers, so campers must bring their own solution.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bear Valley Campground

Reviews

4.8
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bear Valley Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the campground's beauty, seclusion, and cleanliness. Several reviewers noted the presence of wildlife, including bears and deer.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful and peaceful place to camp," "Nice restrooms and well-maintained camping areas," "Clean and quiet," "Fire pits and picnic tables included."
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

"No trash service," "Limited RV accommodations," "Bears were present, making it intimidating for pet owners."
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack out your trash, be prepared for bears, and keep pets secure. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid high weekend usage.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campground is busiest in the summer and during hunting season. It is open seasonally from Memorial Day through September 30, weather permitting.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very beautiful and peaceful place to camp." - David Hughes. "In case you were wondering why it's called 'bear valley' it's because there's bears 😂." - Moderately Entertaining. "We had fun with the...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has two sites capable of accommodating larger RVs. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user noted potential hazards for pets due to the presence of bears. "Had one maybe two [bears] come through the campsite last night... cool but I don't recommend if you have a pet with you in a...
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Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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