How much does camping cost at Bad Bear Campground?

Camping fees at Bad Bear Campground range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bad Bear Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bad Bear Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bad Bear Campground before I book?

Yes! Bad Bear Campground has 16 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 Bad Bear Campground?

Bad Bear Campground is open May 22 - September 29. 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 Bad Bear Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bad Bear Campground?

Fire policies at Bad Bear Campground: Campfires allowed in designated fire rings only. Check fire restrictions during your stay.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bad Bear Campground have?

Bad Bear Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bad Bear Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bad Bear Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bad Bear Campground?

Bad Bear Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bad Bear Campground?

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

Bad Bear Campground

4.43

53 reviews

P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Idaho City Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Idaho City Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Bad Bear Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric site fees range from $15 to $30 per night during the peak season (May 22 - September 29). Seasonal rates apply.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-392-6681mimpson@fs.fed.us

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 53 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are generally positive, praising the cleanliness of the facilities, creekside access, and quiet evenings despite proximity to Highway 21."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA

Bad Bear Campground

P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA

Nearby places

Idaho City (11 miles south, approximately 15-minute drive), Boise (48 miles southwest, approximately 1-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, camping needs, and fuel can be found in Idaho City, approximately 10 miles south.

Driving directionsFrom the Idaho City Ranger Station, drive north on Highway 21 for almost 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Bad Bear Campground. The campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.

The campground is directly accessible from Highway 21, known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Roads are paved, and parking spurs are also paved. However, sites near the highway (e.g., Sites 1 and 6) may experience noise from passing traffic.

Best Time to Camp at Bad Bear Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 65-80°F, cool nights in the mid-30s to 50°F, and easy road access. Mores Creek runs well for fishing, trails stay dry for hiking and mountain biking, and wildflowers peak in early summer. Winter brings snow and temperatures dropping to 15-31°F. Book early for summer weekends since the campground only has six sites and reservations open six months out.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; summer reviews highlight creekside enjoyment and family activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 - September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak camping season runs from May 22 to September 29, with reservations opening 6 months in advance.
Current Alerts: Potential water shut-offs if hand pump water is deemed non-potable during testing.

About Bad Bear Campground

Bad Bear Campground sits 48 miles northeast of Boise along Highway 21 in Boise National Forest. This six-site campground (five singles, one double) offers vault toilets, potable water, and paved parking at $15-$30 per night. Mores Creek runs alongside the sites, and towering Ponderosa pines provide partial shade at 5,100 feet elevation.

Bad Bear Campground offers a blend of tent and RV camping options, with one double site available for larger groups.

Historical Significance

Idaho City sits 11 miles south. The town preserves buildings and boardwalks from the gold rush era, when miners flooded these mountain valleys chasing strikes.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 65-80°F, cool nights in the mid-30s to 50°F, and easy road access. Mores Creek runs well for fishing, trails stay dry for hiking and mountain biking, and wildflowers peak in early summer. Winter brings snow and temperatures dropping to 15-31°F. Book early for summer weekends since the campground only has six sites and reservations open six months out.

ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Bad Bear Campground delivers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean in your lungs. This elevated paradise offers naturally cooler temperatures that provide sweet relief from summer heat, while treating visitors to sweeping vistas of Idaho's majestic peaks. Here, morning mists dance through pine branches and evening alpenglow paints the surrounding ridges in shades of gold and rose.

Natural Features and SceneryMores Creek flows directly through the campground, close enough to several sites that reviewers mention falling asleep to the sound of moving water. Massive Ponderosa pines dominate the canopy, their vanilla-scented bark standing out against the mountain terrain. Wildflowers bloom across the forest floor in early summer. The campground sits in classic Northern Rockies terrain, where the creek has carved through the landscape over millions of years.

Geological RegionBad Bear Campground sits within the vast tapestry of Boise National Forest, where millions of years of geological artistry have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. At 5,100 feet, massive Ponderosa pines dominate the forest canopy, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past. Mores Creek has carved its winding path through this mountain terrain, creating a riparian ribbon that supports diverse wildlife and bursts with colorful wildflowers each summer. This pristine corner of Idaho showcases the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out time is by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay duration is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites accommodate up to 6 guests for single sites and up to 12 guests for double sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread through an open area under partial Ponderosa pine shade. Sites 1 and 6 sit closest to Highway 21. Sites closer to Mores Creek offer better sound buffering from the highway. The double site accommodates 12 people; singles hold up to 6. Some sites have limited space for large trailers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online or through the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited due to the campground's small size (6 sites). Sites may fill quickly during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled date of arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night's camping fee. Modifications within the original date range are free, but changes outside the range incur a $10 fee.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and paved parking spurs enhance usability. No other specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with single sites accommodating up to 6 people and one double site fitting up to 12 individuals.

PrivacySites provide moderate privacy, with some reviewers noting proximity to Highway 21 and limited seclusion in certain locations, such as Sites 1 and 6. Others, like Site 3, offer creekside access enhancing privacy.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 2, 3, or 4 for creek access and quieter conditions. Avoid Sites 1 and 6 if proximity to the highway is a concern.

Need help booking Bad Bear Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and surrounding areas offer diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and ATVing. Winter activities like backcountry skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSites 1 and 6 are adjacent to Highway 21, posing risks for small children and pets. Additionally, seasonal fire restrictions may apply, and water availability depends on monthly testing.

Active AlertsPotential water shut-offs if hand pump water is deemed non-potable during testing.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings only. Check fire restrictions during your stay.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest cell service and emergency contact are available in Idaho City, 10 miles away. Emergency services include the Idaho City Ranger District (208-392-3700).

Trash & RecyclingNo trash service is available. Campers must pack out all trash and recycling.

Water FeaturesMores Creek runs adjacent to the campground, providing opportunities for fishing and creek-side relaxation.

Camp HostHost information is available through Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700.

Weather at Bad Bear Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

53 reviews

Recommended

Bad Bear Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, praising the cleanliness of the facilities, creekside access, and quiet evenings despite proximity to Highway 21.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently mention clean and well-maintained sites, quiet evenings, convenient creekside access, and the beauty of the surrounding area. "Bathrooms were immaculately clean without odors."...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include highway noise from Sites 1 and 6, limited space for larger trailers, and lack of hiking trails directly within the campground. "Too close to highway. Pretty loud." "Sites are...

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include choosing creekside sites like 2, 3, or 4 for better privacy and quieter experiences. "Site #3 is a double site which explains the higher cost." "Site 2 is much better."

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight creekside enjoyment and family-friendly activities. Winter reviews occasionally mention closed campgrounds but positive hiking experiences nearby.

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were immaculately clean without odors." "If you don't mind occasional traffic this is a great place to camp in." "Kids had fun." "Creekside lounging much cooler and less smoke than Boise...

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 and Site 6 are closest to Highway 21 and noted for traffic noise. Site 3 is a double site praised for its creekside access. Site 4 and 5 are tent-only sites with direct creek access. "Site 1...

Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and paved parking enhance accessibility, but no further features are noted.

Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are generally welcomed, with reviewers mentioning enjoyable experiences exploring the area with dogs. "Paths up the mountain were fun to explore with my kids and dog."

Based on 53 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

0 review