Bear Valley Campground
04 reviewsBear Valley Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
There are no fees for camping at Bear Valley Campground.
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About this campground
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Bear Valley Creek, this intimate mountain retreat offers a peaceful escape into Idaho's rugged backcountry. Bear Valley Campground provides a tranquil setting where the gentle murmur of the creek mingles with the whisper of wind through towering lodgepole pines. Though nature is reshaping the forest through a natural pine beetle cycle, the campground maintains its serene charm with shaded sites perfect for small groups seeking solitude. With space for up to 10 individual campsites, this hidden gem delivers an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Bear Valley Campground accommodates tent camping and has combined sites suitable for tents and limited RVs.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late but gloriously to Bear Valley, with the campground typically welcoming visitors from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, depending on mountain weather patterns. July and August bring warm, sun-drenched days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool, star-filled nights that invite campfire conversations. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, though evening temperatures can dip dramatically. Winter transforms the valley into an inaccessible wonderland of deep snow and silence, preserving its wild character until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 6,600 feet in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bear Valley Campground offers the refreshing clarity of high-altitude air and spectacular mountain vistas. This elevation brings delightfully cool evenings even in summer's peak, perfect for sleeping under a blanket of stars. Visitors should pace themselves during the first day or two as bodies adjust to the thinner air, but the reward is an escape to a world where summer temperatures rarely climb above the comfortable mid-70s.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Valley Creek flows through the heart of this mountain sanctuary, its crystal-clear waters serving as the lifeblood for the mighty Middle Fork of the Salmon River downstream. The campground rests in a natural amphitheater of lodgepole pines, where shafts of sunlight filter through the canopy to dapple the forest floor. While the ongoing beetle infestation has created openings in the forest canopy, these clearings frame stunning views of the surrounding valley and reveal hidden meadows where willows line the creek's meandering path. This dynamic landscape showcases nature's constant evolution, offering visitors a front-row seat to the forest's transformation.
Geological RegionPositioned at the headwaters of one of America's most legendary wild rivers, Bear Valley Campground occupies a crucial spot in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed. This high mountain valley, carved by ancient glaciers and sculpted by countless seasons of snowmelt, cradles Bear Valley Creek as it begins its journey to join the "River of No Return." The surrounding lodgepole pine ecosystem, though experiencing natural beetle-driven changes, continues to provide critical habitat and watershed protection in this remote corner of the Rocky Mountains.
Campsite details
Sites SizeDriveway lengths for RVs are limited, but two sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers. The parking aprons are grass and gravel.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded by users, with one noting it’s a "nice isolated area."
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTwo sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 10 individual sites, 9 of which are combined-use sites and one tent-only site. Each site has a picnic table, with five sites also featuring grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day through September 30, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations can be made.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 10 sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with higher usage during weekends and the hunting season.
Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-serve; there is no reservation system or cancellation policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Valley Campground provides access to a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is also noted for its suitability for horseback riding and picnicking.
Hiking
Day hikes are available from this location. Specific trail details are not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Bear Valley Creek, which has brook trout and endangered fish species. Fishing is strictly catch-and-release.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife can be observed in and around the campground. One user review noted, "Had a deer come through in the evening."Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must comply with local fire regulations. There are fire pits available at sites.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present in the area, and food must be stored safely. The campground does not provide storage lockers, so campers must bring their own solution.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
The closest emergency services are likely in Stanley or Lowman, Idaho, though specific facilities are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-June to the end of September.
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash service. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Bear Valley Creek, a habitat for endangered fish species (catch and release only).
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the lack of water and trash services and the washboard surface of the access road.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles. At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) and travel to Lowman, Idaho approximately 31 miles. At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed northeast towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21 approximately 40 miles. Along the route, you will travel past Banner Summit, Bull Trout Campground and eventually arrive at the Forest Service (FS) Road 579 turnoff. Turn (west) onto FS Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit. There is a big parking area and an information board. Travel along FS Road 579 through Bear Valley. The campground is a short distance from the rest stop at Bruce Meadows.
Expect a gravel road with a washboard surface on Forest Rd 579, which may require caution when navigating.Nearby places
Stanley (approx. 40 miles), Lowman (approx. 31 miles), Banks (approx. 38 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be expected in Stanley or Lowman, Idaho. Specific information regarding groceries, fuel, or camping needs is unavailable.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Bear Valley Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the campground's beauty, seclusion, and cleanliness. Several reviewers noted the presence of wildlife, including bears and deer.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful and peaceful place to camp," "Nice restrooms and well-maintained camping areas," "Clean and quiet," "Fire pits and picnic tables included."
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
"No trash service," "Limited RV accommodations," "Bears were present, making it intimidating for pet owners."
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Pack out your trash, be prepared for bears, and keep pets secure. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid high weekend usage.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Campground is busiest in the summer and during hunting season. It is open seasonally from Memorial Day through September 30, weather permitting.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very beautiful and peaceful place to camp." - David Hughes. "In case you were wondering why it's called 'bear valley' it's because there's bears 😂." - Moderately Entertaining. "We had fun with the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has two sites capable of accommodating larger RVs. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user noted potential hazards for pets due to the presence of bears. "Had one maybe two [bears] come through the campsite last night... cool but I don't recommend if you have a pet with you in a...
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Last updated August 10, 2025