Bear Creek Transfer Camp

Star4.00
6 reviews
32 miles north of Fairfield, Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Quick Facts

6,037 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Fairfield Ranger District site

Official Website
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Bear Creek Transfer Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground is free of charge; no fees are required.
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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USFS
Provider
208-764-3202
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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 6 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestrooms

"Users appreciate the equestrian amenities such as corrals and stock mangers, as well as the cleanliness of the vault toilet. Some expressed frustration when non-equestrian campers occupy sites intended for equestrians."

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Campground Map

32 miles north of Fairfield, Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Bear Creek Transfer Camp

32 miles north of Fairfield, Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Driving directionsTravel over Fleck Summit on Road No. 012. Once at the summer home area, turn onto Road No. 079 and continue north past the Methodist Church Camp then turn left onto Road No. 889. Look for the entrance sign.
Access requires travel over Fleck Summit, which may have challenging terrain. Seasonal closures may apply as operations are weather-dependent.
Nearby places
Fairfield is 32 miles south (~45-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Fairfield contains grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Transfer Camp

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Sawtooth wilderness at Bear Creek Transfer Camp. Spring and fall bring a crisp mountain chill with occasional snowfall painting the landscape in pristine white, creating a stunning backdrop for hardy adventurers. As summer unfolds, the campground transforms into a temperate haven where daytime temperatures climb to a pleasant 70-80°F under brilliant blue skies. These warm months offer ideal conditions for extended trail rides and comfortable evenings around the campfire, though seasoned visitors know to pack layers for the cool mountain nights that remind you of the elevation.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–Oct; summer likely peak season for hiking and equestrian use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct; autumn colors and hunting season increase use but can bring crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Open from mid-May; early spring often snowy and accessibility can be weather-dependent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates mid-May to Oct; winter access/operations not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified, but summer and early fall months likely represent peak usage.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-May through October 31, weather-dependent.

About Bear Creek Transfer Camp

Nestled in the heart of the Sawtooth National Forest, Bear Creek Transfer Camp beckons equestrian adventurers with six thoughtfully equipped campsites designed for riders and their horses. Each site comes complete with sturdy picnic tables for evening meals under the stars, fire rings perfect for storytelling sessions, and essential amenities including corrals, mangers, and convenient loading ramps for your equine companions. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with its single vault restroom and no potable water on-site, fresh stock water flows just 150 yards north at the pristine Bear Creek, ensuring your horses stay well-hydrated after a day on the trails.
Bear Creek Transfer Camp is a free, rustic campground offering equestrian camping, tent camping, and hunting-related accommodations.
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Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Creek Transfer Camp offers various recreational activities, including equestrian camping, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. The proximity to Bear Creek provides opportunities for these activities, notably during the hunting season.
HikingHiking opportunities include day hikes and backpacking, but there are no specifics provided about trail lengths or difficulty levels.
FishingFishing is available in nearby Bear Creek, though no details are provided about the types of fish or fishing conditions.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter conditions can include snow accumulation, extreme cold, and icy roads. Wildlife may also pose a risk, particularly to unattended food.
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 Creek Transfer Camp

Reviews

4.0
6 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bear Creek Transfer Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users appreciate the equestrian amenities such as corrals and stock mangers, as well as the cleanliness of the vault toilet. Some expressed frustration when non-equestrian campers occupy sites intended for equestrians.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great equine camp," remarked Mule Skinner, praising the inclusion of pens for horses. Joe Gillis noted, "One of the cleanest restrooms we've ever been in thanks to the forest service keeping it...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

A recurring complaint is the destruction of picnic tables, with users attributing it to snowmobilers and other irresponsible behaviors. Joe Gillis stated, "Tables are getting destroyed......
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Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers with horses should arrive early as the site is popular and may be occupied by non-equestrian campers. Additionally, users are advised to bring their own water as potable water is not...
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Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from mid-May through October, but its popularity peaks during hunting season, according to user observations. Weather conditions could impact accessibility at the start and end...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We don’t have many [campsites] with pens. It’s sad when you haul in and it’s full of normal campers," commented Mule Skinner. Joe Gillis reflected, "Campsite was all clean... restrooms are one of...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground only has 6 sites, and no specific site numbers are reviewed. However, equestrian campers emphasize the importance of arriving early to secure a spot.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews mention accessibility for people with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at this campground, provided they are leashed. No specific user reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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