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
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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
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.
Anne G
VerifiedAugust 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
too close to highway. Pretty loud.
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.
Courtney H
VerifiedAugust 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
We love Bad Bear!!! It's so quiet, great for exploring.
Camille S
VerifiedJune 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
nice spot to stay the night. Close to Boise. Kids had fun.
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.
Stacy G
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND
Site 6 is right by road, site 2 is much better
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.
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.
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.
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
