RV Sites
Tent Sites
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.
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Featured amenities
Picnic Table
About Bad Bear Campground
Bad Bear Campground is located 48 mi northeast of Boise, Idaho, in the scenic Boise National Forest on the Idaho City Ranger District, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5.1 ft. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 11 mi 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.
Available sites
6 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Sep
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
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
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001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 22 ft · Paved
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002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 15 ft · Paved
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003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 33 × 15 ft · Paved
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004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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005, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐
006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 13 ft · Paved
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Site Details
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6 Sites Available
Site
Price
🚐
001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 22 ft · Paved
🚐
002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 15 ft · Paved
🚐
003, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 33 × 15 ft · Paved
⛺
004, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺
005, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐
006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 13 ft · Paved
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
28 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.0
Overall rating
Based on 28 reviews
5 stars
50.0% (14)
4 stars
25.0% (7)
3 stars
7.1% (2)
2 stars
14.3% (4)
1 star
3.6% (1)
Showing 28 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Anne G
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
too close to highway. Pretty loud.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
Courtney H
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
We love Bad Bear!!! It's so quiet, great for exploring.
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Camille S
VerifiedJune 13, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
nice spot to stay the night. Close to Boise. Kids had fun.
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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.
Helpful
Stacy G
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Site 6 is right by road, site 2 is much better
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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.
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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.
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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.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Bad Bear Campground
P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID 83631 United States
Elevation: 1,615 ft
Getting There
From the Idaho City Ranger Station, drive north on Highway 21 for almost 10 mi, then turn left at the sign for Bad Bear Campground. Bad Bear Campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
Highway access
Bad Bear Campground is accessible via Highway 21, which is approximately 10 miles from the Idaho City Ranger Station.
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: October 24, 2026
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Explore Idaho City, ID
Population: 581
Nearby city: Meridian, ID
Approx. 40 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 3,904 ft
Idaho City, ID
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service