Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
01 reviewBear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees for camping at this dispersed camping area.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
3 Google reviews
Some mention
dusty
"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."
Fees & Passes at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Null
Cancellation: Null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Salmon-Challis National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
Bear Valley's weather tells a story of dramatic seasonal transformation. Winter arrives with a crystalline beauty, bringing snow-dusted mornings and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags, with up to a 30% chance of fresh powder perfect for snowshoeing adventures. As spring awakens the meadow, expect crisp nights giving way to warming days, punctuated by refreshing mountain showers. Summer unfolds as the campground's golden season, with gloriously dry days ranging from cool 40-degree mornings to pleasant 75-degree afternoons—ideal for trail exploration. Fall paints the landscape in amber hues while temperatures dance between extremes, creating that perfect campfire weather.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
- Current Alerts: Water is turned off for the season as noted on 11/2/15.
About Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
Escape to Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground, where six thoughtfully placed picnic tables with fire rings await beneath open skies. This dispersed camping gem offers the essentials for a true wilderness experience—fresh drinking water from a hand pump and a vault toilet—while encouraging visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Set in a tranquil meadow where a cheerful creek babbles its timeless song, this campground serves as your gateway to the spectacular Bear Valley National Recreation Trail, where countless adventures begin at your tent door.
Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground is categorized as a dispersed camping area, offering minimal facilities and emphasizing a natural setting.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded human history of this specific campground remains unwritten, visitors become part of an ongoing story—one where modern adventurers follow in the footsteps of countless others who have sought solace in these mountain meadows.
Weather and SeasonsBear Valley's weather tells a story of dramatic seasonal transformation. Winter arrives with a crystalline beauty, bringing snow-dusted mornings and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags, with up to a 30% chance of fresh powder perfect for snowshoeing adventures. As spring awakens the meadow, expect crisp nights giving way to warming days, punctuated by refreshing mountain showers. Summer unfolds as the campground's golden season, with gloriously dry days ranging from cool 40-degree mornings to pleasant 75-degree afternoons—ideal for trail exploration. Fall paints the landscape in amber hues while temperatures dance between extremes, creating that perfect campfire weather.
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 SceneryPicture yourself waking to the gentle symphony of a mountain creek weaving through verdant meadowlands, where wildflowers dance in summer breezes and the encompassing Lemhi Mountains create a natural amphitheater of wonder. This pristine landscape offers more than just a place to pitch your tent—it's a canvas where nature paints daily masterpieces, from misty morning meadows to star-studded evening skies. The nearby creek provides both a soothing soundtrack and a refreshing respite after days spent exploring the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeNo specific information about the size of campsites is available.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews note 'several shady spots,' but no detailed information about privacy levels is provided.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information about group camping sites is available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features six picnic tables with fire rings and scattered dispersed camping areas.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open starting May 15 each year, though specific closing times are not mentioned.
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
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
The Bear Valley National Recreation Trail is accessible from the campground, providing day hiking opportunities. No specific details about trail difficulty or length are mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
There is no information on water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within the designated fire rings provided at each picnic table.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include dusty roads (as mentioned in a user review) and variable weather conditions including snow in colder weeks.
Active alertsWater is turned off for the season as noted on 11/2/15.
Weather at Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out their trash since there are no garbage collection services available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near Bear Valley Creek, offering proximity to water features.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight that the access road can be 'dusty as hell,' which may detract from the overall experience.
HostNull
Campground Map
Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest
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.Nearby places
Leadore: 28 miles northwest.
Nearby supplies
Null
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 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 1 reviews
What Campers Love
'Nice campground with access to Bear Valley Creek'; 'several shady spots' noted by users.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The road leading to the campground is described as 'dusty as hell,' which could be a deterrent for some visitors.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations are provided by users.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide enough data to analyze seasonal trends.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Nice campground with access to Bear Valley Creek and several shady spots.' - Brady Bever.
2. 'Road is dusty as hell.' - Brady Bever.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific information about individual campsites or their characteristics is available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There is no information about accessibility features or users' experiences with them.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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