How much does camping cost at Bear Gulch Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Gulch Campground range from $14/night. 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 Gulch Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Gulch Campground has 6 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 Gulch Campground?

Bear Gulch Campground is open May to October marks the peak season, as indicated by authoritative sources.. 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 Gulch Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bear Gulch Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Gulch Campground: .. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear Gulch Campground have?

Bear Gulch Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Gulch Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bear Gulch 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 Gulch Campground?

Bear Gulch Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Gulch Campground?

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

Bear Gulch Campground

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

Bear Gulch Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are likely first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest the campground fills during holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

4.10

37 reviews

Top 20% in IDWinter

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

5,991 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

May 15 through Nov. ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,991 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

May 15 through Nov. ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Gulch Campground

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This a no-fee campground.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

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USFS

Provider

208-678-0430.

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bear Gulch Campground

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Campground Map

Bear Gulch Campground

Nearby places

Twin Falls: 27 miles (approximately 30–40 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Twin Falls provides the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, approximately 27 miles away.

Weather at Bear Gulch Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bear Gulch Campground

Summer is the reliable window, with daytime highs of 65–80°F and nights dropping to 35–50°F. Wildlife viewing and trail access peak now, though early summer can bring mosquitoes and fire restrictions. The campground operates May through October. Memorial Day weekend has seen flooding issues on access roads. Fall mornings turn frosty. Some campers use the area for winter activities December through March, but expect snow squalls and wind during shoulder seasons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Oct; late spring/early summer offers wildflowers, wildlife and pleasant temps (65–80°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to October marks the peak season, as indicated by authoritative sources.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 15 through Nov. 30

About Bear Gulch Campground

Bear Gulch Campground sits at 5,991 feet in Sawtooth National Forest near Twin Falls, offering 9 sites (tent, RV, and one group site) for $14 per night. The campground borders Shoshone Wildlife Pond, a fenced sanctuary that draws birds and wildlife. Sites are spacious and well-spaced. This small campground gets you close to off-road trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing without crowds, though spring visitors should watch for road flooding.

The campground caters to tent and trailer camping, with additional accommodations for group visits. Primitive, RV, and glamping options are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the reliable window, with daytime highs of 65–80°F and nights dropping to 35–50°F. Wildlife viewing and trail access peak now, though early summer can bring mosquitoes and fire restrictions. The campground operates May through October. Memorial Day weekend has seen flooding issues on access roads. Fall mornings turn frosty. Some campers use the area for winter activities December through March, but expect snow squalls and wind during shoulder seasons.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation within the Sawtooth National Forest, Bear Gulch Campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and the sky seems just a little bit closer.

Natural Features and SceneryDense forest opens onto meadows centered around Shoshone Wildlife Pond. The pond and a nearby creek offer fishing access via a short trail from camp. Deer, elk, and moose appear regularly according to campers. During peak season, wildflowers blanket the area and butterflies swarm the blooms. The mix of trees and open space creates habitat variety that explains the bird activity. Green trails wind through the forest.

Geological RegionBear Gulch Campground claims its place within the magnificent Sawtooth National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. Here, dense forest groves give way to sun-dappled meadows, all centered around the life-giving waters of Shoshone Wildlife Pond. This unique positioning creates a rich tapestry of microhabitats, supporting an impressive array of birds and wildlife that make this corner of Idaho their home. The interplay between forested slopes and open spaces creates perfect conditions for both wildlife viewing and peaceful contemplation.

Scenic ViewsThe campground boasts views of Shoshone Wildlife Pond and forested areas. User reviews mention the area's beauty during wildflower bloom and the presence of wildlife like deer, elk, and moose.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of additional lodging or accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs being offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days in a 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 2 vehicles per site. Vehicles must park on gravel spurs provided.

Groups

The group site can accommodate larger gatherings, but specific details about the number of people and vehicles allowed are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNine sites spread across the campground with enough spacing for privacy. Reviewers note sites are large. Big enough for two parties or more. The layout feels organized and clean.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms specified; availability is likely first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are likely first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest the campground fills during holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

Cancellation PolicyBear Gulch Campground does not specify cancellation policies.

AccessibilityThe campground is handicapped accessible, and a barrier-free stock loading ramp is provided for equestrian users nearby.

Site SizeSites are described as large enough for two parties or more, according to user reviews.

PrivacySites are noted to be spaced out nicely, allowing for some privacy.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSome sites are described as large enough to accommodate multiple parties. Sites are spaced out for privacy.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Gulch Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities for campers. These include fishing, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports from December to March. The campground is also popular for off-road vehicle activities, such as ATV and side-by-side riding, as noted by user reviews.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight the 'awful' condition of Shoshone Basin Road leading to the campground, suggesting potential hazards for vehicle access.

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

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

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From Booking Sources

4.1

37 reviews

Satisfactory

Bear Gulch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally describe Bear Gulch Campground as a clean and organized camping area with spacious sites and beautiful surroundings. Notable highlights include the nearby trails for off-road vehicles, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the organized and clean campsites, spacious layout, and respectful neighbors. Highlights include wildlife sightings such as deer, elk, and moose, as well as trails for off-road...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted issues with the condition of the road leading to the campground, describing it as 'awful.' During certain seasons, flooding was mentioned as a problem, particularly during Memorial...

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not mentioned in the reviews, but users noted that the sites are spacious enough to accommodate multiple parties.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to be prepared for road conditions and potential flooding during the spring. Some reviews suggest visiting during the blooming season for wildflowers and butterflies.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is particularly scenic in late spring and early summer when wildflowers and butterflies are abundant. However, flooding can be an issue during the wet season, and...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great camping spot. Organized camp locations but fairly clean.' - Kade Kunzler 2. 'Nice campground. Could use a couple more spots but they are spaced out nicely so you aren't on top of each other...

Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as handicapped accessible, which is a positive feature for those with mobility challenges.

Based on 37 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

OHV riders and wildlife watchers who can hit the road mid-week in July or August. The off-road trail access is the main draw, wildflower bloom peaks in summer, and the spacious sites rarely feel crowded with only nine spots.

Skip if

The access road on Shoshone Basin gets rough, and Memorial Day weekend flooding has stranded campers before. No potable water on-site means you're hauling everything from Twin Falls, 27 miles out.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Upper Penstemon Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Upper Penstemon Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This primitive, secluded site attracts hikers and wildlife watchers who come for the trail access and frequent moose sightings. The setting rewards visitors willing to forgo modern hookups for a quieter backcountry experience.

2306 HILAND AVE, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA

Lower Penstemon is a free, very small campground in Sawtooth National Forest managed by the Minidoka Ranger District, situated in mid-elevation forest near Burley. The campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing visitors for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing along Rock Creek. Moose sightings are common, and the peaceful setting appeals to campers seeking solitude during the summer season.

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Pettit Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Sawtooth National Forest, offering primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets and trail access. This very small campground operates June through September, when high-elevation snow clears and hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities open up. Summer daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low-80s, with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-50s.

Sawtooth National Forest

Pettit Campground sits in Sawtooth National Forest at 6,800 feet, offering nine sites for tent and RV camping with vault toilets. The small size keeps crowds thin, and the mid-elevation forest setting provides access to trails and nearby lakes. Summer brings mild days and crisp nights ideal for hiking, fishing, and stargazing.

Diamondfield Jack Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Diamondfield Jack Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Sawtooth National Forest, Utah, and is designed primarily for winter use. The Forest Service maintains a warming shelter and sledding hill alongside standard tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers use the campground as a trailhead for routes around Pike Mountain and Eagle, taking advantage of reliable winter snowpack.

Diamondfield Jack Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Diamondfield Jack Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground is known for its striking fall aspen displays, typically peaking in late September to early October, and abundant wildlife including elk and deer. Visitors come for the privacy, quiet, and access to hiking and photography in a less crowded mountain setting.

Third Fork Campground

: null

Third Fork Campground sits in Rock Creek Canyon within Sawtooth National Forest, offering five campsites at 5,187 feet elevation. The small, free campground is a base for accessing Wahlstrom Hollow Trail (#38) and Rim View Trail (#235). Currently closed due to fire damage, it traditionally accommodates RVs and tents, though many visitors use it as a day-use area for trail access.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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(20)

Steer Basin Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Steer Basin Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Creek access and trailhead proximity make this a base for hikers exploring the surrounding terrain. The campground offers vault toilets and a straightforward forest camping experience.

3560 S Overland Ave, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA

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Harrington Fork Picnic Area operates as a day-use site in Sawtooth National Forest, open April through October at 4,770 feet elevation. The area provides picnic tables, hand pumps for water, and ADA-accessible restrooms. No overnight camping is allowed. Harrington Fork Rock Creek runs through the site, and the 10-mile Harrington Fork Trail (#006) starts here, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

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Schipper Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

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$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds

Sawtooth National Forest

Bear Gulch Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bear Gulch Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Bear Gulch Campground is a developed campground composed of 8 individual units and 1 group unit near the Shoshone Wildlife Pond. The area is suitable for trailer and tent camping. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between May and October. Campground amenities include toilets and the facilities are handicapped accessible. A short trail from the campground goes to the pond which is fenced to provide habitat for bird and wildlife species; fishing is available in the creek and pond. For equestrians, there is a barrier-free stock loading ramp and corral near the campground. The area is a winter play area from December through March.</p>

Open Season: May