Overview Bad Bear Campground is located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in the scenic Boise National Forest on the Idaho City Ranger District, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 11 miles south. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the si…
Overview Bad Bear Campground is located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in the scenic Boise National Forest on the Idaho City Ranger District, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 11 miles south. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the site, offering whitefish and rainbow trout fishing. Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Recreation Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVing. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.Facilities This campground contains 5 single sites that can accommodate up to 6 people each, and one double site that can accommodate 12. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, and most sites also have lantern hooks. The site is in an open area with shade in all sites. Vault toilets are provided. Parking spurs are paved. Due to its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. No trash service. Pack-in-pack-out. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 392-3700. Nearby Attractions
Photos
A paved parking area with two concrete beams. — Peggy Nance / USDA Forest ServiceCampsite with picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook. — USFSBoise National Forest Bad Bear Campground sign — USFSPath to Site 5 — USFSCampsite with fire ring and picnic table. — USFSTrail up hill to Site 4 — USFSNarrow path leading to creek — USFSVault Toilet — USFSParking for campsite with picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook. — USFSCampsite with picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook — USFSHand pump for drinking water — USFSLong paved driveway leading towards campsites — USFS
How to Get There
From the Idaho City Ranger Station, drive north on Highway 21 for almost 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Bad Bear Campground. Bad Bear Campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Heading to BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233352) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND?
BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND has 6 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND?
From the Idaho City Ranger Station, drive north on Highway 21 for almost 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Bad Bear Campground. Bad Bear Campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
How do I contact BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-392-6681 or email: [email protected].
