Bad Bear Campground
4.4825 reviewsP.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA
Bad Bear Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Standard Nonelectric site fees range from $15 to $30 per night during the peak season (May 22 - September 29). Seasonal rates apply.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Boise National Forest, Bad Bear Campground offers an intimate mountain escape just 48 miles northeast of Idaho's capital. This charming six-site retreat beckons adventurers seeking solitude among towering pines and rushing creek waters. Journey along scenic Highway 21 to discover five cozy single sites and one spacious double site, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and convenient paved parking. Modern vault toilets and the gentle sounds of nature complete this wilderness sanctuary, where the busy world feels wonderfully far away.
Bad Bear Campground offers a blend of tent and RV camping options, with one double site available for larger groups.
Historical SignificanceJust 11 miles south lies the legendary Idaho City, where gold rush dreams once echoed through mountain valleys and fortune seekers carved their stories into the landscape. This historic gem invites modern explorers to walk wooden boardwalks where miners once tread, discovering preserved buildings and tales of the Wild West that shaped Idaho's rugged character. The proximity to such rich cultural heritage adds depth to any camping adventure at Bad Bear.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Bad Bear Campground basks in the gentle warmth of mountain summers, with comfortable days perfect for hiking and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms this alpine haven into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dipping between 15°F and 31°F. While the off-season brings occasional rain showers and snowfall, these quieter months offer their own serene beauty for those seeking true solitude in nature's embrace.
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 SceneryImagine waking to the whisper of wind through ancient Ponderosa pines and the melodic babble of Mores Creek flowing just steps from your tent. Bad Bear Campground immerses you in a living postcard of Idaho's natural splendor, where towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Come summer, the forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers - Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain daisies - while the surrounding peaks frame every view with dramatic mountain majesty.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and paved parking spurs enhance usability. No other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with single sites accommodating up to 6 people and one double site fitting up to 12 individuals.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose sites 2, 3, or 4 for creek access and quieter conditions. Avoid Sites 1 and 6 if proximity to the highway is a concern.
Best CampsitesSite #3 is highly rated for its creek-side and spacious layout. Site #2 is quieter and offers creek access.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 6 sites, including 5 single sites and 1 double site. Sites are arranged in an open area with shade.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak camping season runs from May 22 to September 29, with reservations opening 6 months in advance.
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.
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
Hiking trails are accessible in the vicinity, although direct trails from the campground are limited. "There are a few paths up the mountain that were fun to explore with my kids and dog, although they are fairly steep at times."Fishing
Fishing is available in Mores Creek, adjacent to the campground. Common catches include whitefish and rainbow trout. "Access to creek right from camp site, (#3)."Biking
Biking trails are available near the campground, suitable for exploring the forested areas.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the region, enhancing the natural experience with opportunities for spotting various species.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.Water Sports
No specific non-motorized water sports are mentioned, but light creek-related activities such as splashing may be available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings only. Check fire restrictions during your stay.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSites 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.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest cell service and emergency contact are available in Idaho City, 10 miles away. Emergency services include the Idaho City Ranger District (208-392-3700).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 - September 29
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is available. Campers must pack out all trash and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresMores Creek runs adjacent to the campground, providing opportunities for fishing and creek-side relaxation.
Common complaintsNoise from Highway 21 at Sites 1 and 6. Limited space in certain sites for large trailers or RVs.
HostHost information is available through Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID, 83631, USA
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.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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
25 reviews
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 25 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 25 reviewsShow more
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 25 reviewsShow more
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 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight creekside enjoyment and family-friendly activities. Winter reviews occasionally mention closed campgrounds but positive hiking experiences nearby.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper 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 25 reviewsShow more
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 25 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets and paved parking enhance accessibility, but no further features are noted.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-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 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025