OutReserve

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

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

Campground Amenities

  • Picnic Table
    Picnic Table

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 closed - Opens on May 22

Sites & Availability

6 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
$40.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
$40.00
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
$40.00
/ per night
004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
005, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
$40.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.1
23 reviews
5
56.5%
13
4
17.4%
4
3
8.7%
2
2
13.0%
3
1
4.3%
1

Christopher C

Verified

August 29, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

Had a double site. Enjoyed a fire and creek side lounging. Much cooler and less smoke than boise in august.

Anne G

Verified

August 7, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

2

too close to highway. Pretty loud.

Tim C

Verified

June 23, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

Great spot! Lots of trees for shade and a little area for splashing. Went during the week and campground was empty.

Karlie C

Verified

June 20, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

It was a great campsite, and we plan on going back there again. It's fairly close to Idaho City, but out enough that it still feels like you are out of civilization which is always a plus for me. The bathroom is well maintained, and the whole area was very clean! 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. There is a stream nearby with a toppled over log that we were able chill around when it got a bit warmer during the afternoon. Overall, it's one of the better sites we have been to in awhile!

joe W

Verified

June 12, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

Had a very relaxing campout and the sound of more's creek it put me to sleep in a very short time. The campground was very nice and the restroom had plenty of toilet paper. Spent two nights and had a really great time. Would do it again!

Dena A

Verified

June 7, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

1

This site is small we could not back up into it no matter how hard my husband tried and even uf he was able to, there is absolutely no room for our granddaughter and 2 dogs to play. I am sure the highway noise was very loud as it is literally right off Hwy 21. We ended up finding a non-pay area to camp along Enda Creek.

Angela S

Verified

August 30, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

Great experience, quiet little loop except the traffic on Site 1, evenings were quiet though, not too much traffic and there is a great little book for a tent that provides privacy

Jane P

Verified

August 30, 2020 Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

3

Nice campground, clean. Our site, #1 was a little too close to the road but we enjoyed our stay.

Jamie H

Verified

August 10, 2020 Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

Clean and quiet

Brian H

Verified

July 20, 2020 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

4

Always very clean campsites and quiet.

Location Bad Bear Campground

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

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations