Bad Bear Campground

Boise National Forest Bad Bear Campground sign.
A paved parking area with two concrete beams.
Campsite with picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook.
Boise National Forest Bad Bear Campground sign
Path to Site 5

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

6 total sites

RV Sites

4 sites

Tent Sites

2 sites

About Bad Bear Campground

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.

Number of accommodations: 6

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 22 to Sep 18

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
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Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

6 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND RV
No Hookups
Price not available
004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
005, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (27)

What Guests Are Saying

Bad Bear Campground offers a peaceful and clean environment, with well-maintained restrooms and beautiful natural surroundings, including a soothing creek and nearby hiking trails. While some sites experienced issues with trash left by previous campers and challenges with water access, many visitors enjoyed spacious sites and the overall camping experience. However, improvements to the reservation system and clearer signage for reserved sites are needed to enhance guest satisfaction.

Review Summary

4.0
27 reviews
5
48.1%
13
4
25.9%
7
3
7.4%
2
2
14.8%
4
1
3.7%
1

Jesse K

Verified

July 30, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

4

Site 2 was clean and away from the road. We were able to setup 2 tents at this site. The restrooms were close to all camp sites and had toilet paper. Red water pump was not operational during our 3 day stay in July. Short hike up camp site had trials, fire wood and game trail camera.

Reed C

Verified

July 19, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

4

Beautifully peaceful spot. Only drawback is no water or power.

Benjamin H

Verified

June 28, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

4

I had a really fun time at Bad Bear campgrounds. Unfortunately, the previous attendees of the lot I reserved left a fair amount of trash. I did my best to clean up but I’m sure I missed a few things. There is a stream along the back of site #2, with crystal clear cold water. The sounds of the small creek were relaxing to fall asleep to, and waking up to a cacophony of bird calls (Ravens, Swainson’s Thrush, Pine Siskin) was a pleasure. Sunset Mountain is nearby, offering a challenging but rewarding hike.

Heather R

Verified

June 6, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

2

The campground itself is great..the reservation system is not.. there should be at my reserved site…a sign with dates saying reserved. It’s not at any site and it’s at the info board in the beginning. I paid about 50$ for the last reservable site and it was a double but wanted to make sure I had a spot on a Friday night rolling in around 8 pm.. I got there and someone was set up camp in my site. I had to kick them out. There’s no camp host so it was up to me. She said they thought it was first come first serve since there was no sign saying reserved. I was not happy at all ..this is my worst fear and has never happened till this campground when they don’t take the time to put some sort of taken sign at the site itself. You need to do this , it could have gone very badly for me if they got upset.

BRIAN P

Verified

August 7, 2025 Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

4

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

Verified

June 18, 2025 Stayed at: 004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

2

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

Verified

June 8, 2025 Stayed at: 004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

4

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

Verified

October 17, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

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

Verified

May 26, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

This was a beautiful little camping area. Next time I will reserve more days.

Jennifer H

Verified

June 9, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

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.

Location Bad Bear Campground

Address:
P.O. Box 129
Idaho City, ID, 83631
United States

Highway access

Bad Bear Campground is accessible via Highway 21, which is approximately 10 miles from the Idaho City Ranger Station.

Elevation: 1615 feet

Distance to downtown

10 mi drive to downtown Idaho City (about 17 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Please click here for further information about the facility and recreation opportunities in the area.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Reservations cancelled last minute due to weather or smoke conditions will not be refunded unless campground is closed to the public 
  • No trash service: Pack-in-Pack-out
  • Campfires are allowed in fire rings ONLY, unless fire restrictions are in place. Contact Idaho City Ranger District for updates regarding fire restrictions.
  • Sites 1, 5 and 6 are adjacent and within close proximity to Highway 21. 
  • Sites 2, 3, 4, and 5 have direct access to creek. 
  • Closest cell service is in Idaho City (approx. 10 miles) or Mores Creek Summit (approx. 5 miles).
  • Sites 4 and 5 are tent only- NO TRAILER ACCESS 
  • For questions regarding the campground, please contact the Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700. 
  • For questions regarding reservations and refunds, please contact Recreation.gov customer service.

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Last updated: September 6, 2026

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