How much does camping cost at Bear Valley Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Valley Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Valley Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Valley Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Valley Campground?

Bear Valley Campground is open Mid-June to the end of September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Valley Campground?

Bear Valley Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear Valley Campground have?

Bear Valley Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Valley Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Valley Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bear Valley Campground?

Bear Valley Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Valley Campground?

Popular activities at Bear Valley Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Valley Campground

Q: Is Bear Valley Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Valley Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 10 sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with higher usage during weekends and the hunting season.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear Valley Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Valley Campground: Campfires are allowed but must comply with local fire regulations. There are fire pits available at sites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.00

12 reviews

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season June 19 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season June 19 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Valley Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There are no fees for camping at Bear Valley Campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bear Valley Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Bear Valley Campground

44.4111, -115.3701

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.

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.

Weather at Bear Valley Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Valley Campground

July and August are the best months, with warm days between 65 and 80°F and cool nights dropping to 35–50°F. The high elevation means summer comes late and snow closes access for much of the year, typically from late September through May. Morning and evening are prime times for trout fishing during summer hatches. Holiday weekends see more visitors, but weekdays remain quiet.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

July–August best months; warm days and late summer access; busiest and most pleasant season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-June to the end of September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season June 19 - September 30.

About Bear Valley Campground

Bear Valley Campground sits at 6,600 feet along Bear Valley Creek near the headwaters of the Middle Fork Salmon River. The 10-site campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a secluded lodgepole pine forest. Reviews consistently praise its cleanliness and quiet, though the access road is rough washboard and there's no water or trash service.

Bear Valley Campground accommodates tent camping and has combined sites suitable for tents and limited RVs.

Weather and SeasonsJuly and August are the best months, with warm days between 65 and 80°F and cool nights dropping to 35–50°F. The high elevation means summer comes late and snow closes access for much of the year, typically from late September through May. Morning and evening are prime times for trout fishing during summer hatches. Holiday weekends see more visitors, but weekdays remain quiet.

ElevationPerched at 6,600 feet in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bear Valley Campground offers the refreshing clarity of high-altitude air and spectacular mountain vistas. This elevation brings delightfully cool evenings even in summer's peak, perfect for sleeping under a blanket of stars. Visitors should pace themselves during the first day or two as bodies adjust to the thinner air, but the reward is an escape to a world where summer temperatures rarely climb above the comfortable mid-70s.

Natural Features and SceneryBear Valley Creek runs through the campground before joining the Middle Fork of the Salmon River downstream. Lodgepole pines provide shade, though ongoing beetle activity has opened the canopy in places. The high mountain valley shows signs of its glacial past, with willows lining the creek's edges. Wildlife sightings are common. Reviews mention deer and bears regularly passing through camp.

Geological RegionPositioned at the headwaters of one of America's most legendary wild rivers, Bear Valley Campground occupies a crucial spot in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed. This high mountain valley, carved by ancient glaciers and sculpted by countless seasons of snowmelt, cradles Bear Valley Creek as it begins its journey to join the "River of No Return." The surrounding lodgepole pine ecosystem, though experiencing natural beetle-driven changes, continues to provide critical habitat and watershed protection in this remote corner of the Rocky Mountains.

Scenic ViewsGuests can enjoy views of Bear Valley, known for its scenic beauty within the Boise National Forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or other lodging accommodations are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has 9 combined-use sites and 1 tent-only site spread through the pines. Two sites can handle larger RVs and trailers despite the generally limited driveway lengths. Parking aprons are grass and gravel. Five sites include grills in addition to the standard picnic tables and fire rings.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations can be made.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 10 sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with higher usage during weekends and the hunting season.

Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-serve; there is no reservation system or cancellation policy.

Site SizeDriveway lengths for RVs are limited, but two sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers. The parking aprons are grass and gravel.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded by users, with one noting it’s a "nice isolated area.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesTwo sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Bear Valley Campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but must comply with local fire regulations. There are fire pits available at sites.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are likely in Stanley or Lowman, Idaho, though specific facilities are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no trash service. Campers must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesLocated along Bear Valley Creek, a habitat for endangered fish species (catch and release only).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bear Valley Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.0

12 reviews

Satisfactory

Bear Valley Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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...

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers and small-rig travelers who want quiet mountain creek access without paying a dime. July and August hit the sweet spot: warm days, cold nights, and catch-and-release brook trout in the creek at dawn and dusk.

Skip if

No potable water, no trash service, no hookups, and a washboard access road that punishes large rigs. Big trailers can only use two sites, and pet owners have flagged real bear activity close to camp.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited