Featured amenities
About Bad Bear Campground
Number of accommodations: 6
Campground Amenities
-
Picnic Table
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
6 Sites Available
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Site Details
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6 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (23)
What Guests Are Saying
Bad Bear Campground offers spacious sites, particularly site 3, which can accommodate multiple tents and is perfect for family gatherings. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, making campfires, and the scenic creek. Some minor drawbacks include occasional bee activity during meals and limited water access, so it's advisable to bring your own water.
What Guests Are Saying
Bad Bear Campground offers spacious sites, particularly site 3, which can accommodate multiple tents and is perfect for family gatherings. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, making campfires, and the scenic creek. Some minor drawbacks include occasional bee activity during meals and limited water access, so it's advisable to bring your own water.
Review Summary
BRIAN P
VerifiedAugust 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
I live inMeridian and this was the third time I’ve take my visiting grandkids to Bad Bear campground. It’s the second time at site 3, ( I prefer site2 but it was Already reserved for our dates). The site 3 is huge( double site) and could fit even more than 2 tents.We had a wonderful time making campfires and wading in the creek. The only negative was that for the first time there were bees constantly around, especially when we were eating. We had to put up a bee trap which did help. We also looked at 10 mile campground and site 2 there was really nice but much smaller ( only 1 tent would fit).
maggi B
VerifiedJune 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
It was quiet and the water sounds were nice, but if spot 4 was supposed to be water access either bring a jug of water or a chainsaw because there was no chance if water access.
Teresa S
VerifiedJune 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Nice small campground; spot 4 is nicely situated far enough away from the road. There was a water spigot, but I wasn't able to get any water from it, so be sure to bring enough water
Molly W
VerifiedOctober 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
My dog and I spent a night here in early October, so the overnight and next morning were properly chilly. There weren't many fallen twigs or branches to gather for firewood since it was the end of the season. There is a nice, dedicated picnic area a quick walk down and across the highway.
Danna M
VerifiedMay 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
This was a beautiful little camping area. Next time I will reserve more days.
Jennifer H
VerifiedJune 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
We recently camped at Bad Bear, It is a very small campground only 6 sites, it's very clean and beautiful area. We have a large 5th Wheel and we stayed in Site #1. It is the longest, widest, with ease/room to back in. The only thing is this site is next to highway 21. Though it was not bad with noise or anything, the only concern I can see is if someone has small kids or pets that tend to wander. It was nicely shaded and we would definitely stay again at this campground! Highly recommend for a quick getaway camping trip.
Stacy G
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Site 6 is right by road, site 2 is much better
Greg F
VerifiedJune 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Always a pleasant stay at Bad Bear. Enjoyed some rain, hail, and 30 degree June nights by the roaring campfire. Campsite was clean and quiet.
Camille S
VerifiedJune 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
nice spot to stay the night. Close to Boise. Kids had fun.
Courtney H
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
We love Bad Bear!!! It's so quiet, great for exploring.
Location Bad Bear Campground
Address:
P.O. Box 129
Idaho City, ID, 83631
United States
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 43.9086 / -115.696
Elevation: 1615 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Please click here for further information about the facility and recreation opportunities in the area. |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
| General |
Water from hand pump is tested monthly for contaminants and will be abruptly shut off if not currently potable. Please plan accordingly with your own water supply in case of a shut off during your stay. |
| General |
Reservations cancelled last minute due to weather or smoke conditions will not be refunded unless campground is closed to the public |
| General |
No trash service: Pack-in-Pack-out |
| General |
Campfires are allowed in fire rings ONLY, unless fire restrictions are in place. Contact Idaho City Ranger District for updates regarding fire restrictions. |
| General |
Sites 1, 5 and 6 are adjacent and within close proximity to Highway 21. |
| General |
Sites 2, 3, 4, and 5 have direct access to creek. |
| General |
Closest cell service is in Idaho City (approx. 10 miles) or Mores Creek Summit (approx. 5 miles). |
| General |
Sites 4 and 5 are tent only- NO TRAILER ACCESS |
| General |
For questions regarding the campground, please contact the Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700. |
| General |
For questions regarding reservations and refunds, please contact Recreation.gov customer service. |
