How much does camping cost at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground?

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

Is Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are first-come, first-served, and no reservations are required.

What is the best time to visit Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground?

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground is open Null. 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 Trailhead/Upper Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground: Campfires are allowed within the designated fire rings provided at each picnic table.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground have?

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground?

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground?

Popular activities at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

5 reviews

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest

Featured in:Spring Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

6,837 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,837 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There are no fees for camping at this dispersed camping area.

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest

Nearby places

Leadore: 28 miles northwest.

Nearby supplies

Null

Driving directionsFollow Highway 28 north 19 miles to Lemhi. One mile north of Lemhi, turn west on the Hayden Creek Road. Follow Forest Service Road #008 to Bear Valley Creek at 8.5 miles. At this road junction take the right fork, Forest Service Road #009, up Bear Valley Creek Road for 4.7 miles to the Bear Valley (upper) Trailhead Campground.

Access to the campground requires navigating unpaved Forest Service roads (#008 and #009). While accessible, these roads can be dusty and are not paved. Seasonal conditions may affect road usability.

Weather at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

Current alert: Water is turned off for the season as noted on 11/2/15.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s and cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s. Wildflowers peak during this season, the creek runs strong, and trails are generally snow-free for backpacking. Summer weekends see moderate use, but weekdays stay quiet at this six-site campground. Winter transforms the area with snow, creating opportunities for snowshoeing though access becomes much more difficult.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open from May 15; mid-60s to low-80s days, wildflowers peak and creek runs well in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open starting May 15 each year, though specific closing times are not mentioned.

About Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground sits at 6,837 feet in the Lemhi Mountains, offering six primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground provides direct access to the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail and sits beside Bear Valley Creek. Expect a dusty approach road but plenty of shade once you arrive.

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground is categorized as a dispersed camping area, offering minimal facilities and emphasizing a natural setting.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s and cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s. Wildflowers peak during this season, the creek runs strong, and trails are generally snow-free for backpacking. Summer weekends see moderate use, but weekdays stay quiet at this six-site campground. Winter transforms the area with snow, creating opportunities for snowshoeing though access becomes much more difficult.

ElevationPerched at an elevation where meadow grasses thrive and mountain air carries the crisp clarity that only comes from ascending into the high country, Bear Valley offers that perfect balance between accessibility and alpine adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a meadow where Bear Valley Creek flows through the Lemhi Mountains. Reviews mention several shady spots along the creek. The surrounding peaks show the results of ancient geological forces that carved out these valleys. Wildflowers fill the meadows at peak season, and the creek provides both scenery and a water source for day hikes into the surrounding wilderness.

Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Lemhi Mountains of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bear Valley occupies a special place where ancient geological forces have carved out peaceful meadows between towering peaks. This remarkable landscape showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's wilderness, where mountain streams have spent millennia sculpting valleys perfect for both wildlife and wanderers. The Bear Valley National Recreation Trail winds through this geological wonderland, offering intimate encounters with the forces that shaped this corner of the American West.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of the surrounding meadow, creek, and nearby forested areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo details are available regarding lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no references to cultural or educational programs being available.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix sites scattered through the meadow, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Reviews note several shady spots, likely near the creek or under scattered trees.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; the campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served, and no reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyNull

Site SizeNo specific information about the size of campsites is available.

PrivacyUser reviews note 'several shady spots,' but no detailed information about privacy levels is provided.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

The dispersed camping area has 6 picnic tables with fire rings, hand pump for drinking water and a vault toilet. Please pack out your trash since garbage collection services are not available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers day hiking opportunities along the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail and single picnicking activities. User reviews do not elaborate on other recreational opportunities.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include dusty roads (as mentioned in a user review) and variable weather conditions including snow in colder weeks.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally appreciate the natural setting, mentioning 'access to Bear Valley Creek' and 'several shady spots.' However, the dusty road leading to the campground is a common complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

'Nice campground with access to Bear Valley Creek'; 'several shady spots' noted by users.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The road leading to the campground is described as 'dusty as hell,' which could be a deterrent for some visitors.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers and anyone craving a quiet base camp on a zero budget will do well here. Weekdays in July and August hit the sweet spot: wildflowers up, trails snow-free, and enough creek shade to make the mid-day heat bearable.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means you're filtering from the creek or hauling your own. The access road is genuinely dusty, so if you're driving a freshly detailed rig or have respiratory sensitivities, that's a real deterrent.

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Campgrounds

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This campground is along a scenic meadow near a babbling creek where hiking along the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail is a delightful side trip. The dispersed camping area has 6 picnic tables with fire rings, hand pump for drinking water and a vault toilet. Please pack out your trash since garbage collection services are not available.</p>

Open Season: 5/15