Featured amenities
Picnic Table
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates6 total sites
RV Sites
4 sites
Tent Sites
2 sites
About Bad Bear Campground
Number of accommodations: 6
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
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Rates, 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 (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.
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
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.
Christopher C
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Had a double site. Enjoyed a fire and creek side lounging. Much cooler and less smoke than boise in august.
Anne G
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
too close to highway. Pretty loud.
Tim C
VerifiedJune 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Great spot! Lots of trees for shade and a little area for splashing. Went during the week and campground was empty.
Karlie C
VerifiedJune 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
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
VerifiedJune 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
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
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
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.
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.
Bad Bear Campground is accessible via Highway 21, which is approximately 10 miles from the Idaho City Ranger Station.
Elevation: 1615 feet
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
