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

Alicia T

Verified

July 7, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

3

We ended up paying for another camp site (4) because site 1 was right off the highway and didn’t feel comfortable with my small child right by the highway. It was really pretty and I’m glade there was the other site that we were able to use. Site 1 and 6 are right off the highway all the other sites were decent.

MATTHEW A

Verified

May 26, 2020 Stayed at: 006, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

It is very beautiful and the small creek that runs along the side of the campground was perfect for kids to dip there toes in. Only thing that was not great was campsite #6 be aware that it is not tent friendly lots of bushes and a few feet from the road. Would be better suited for a tent trailer or RV spot.

BRIAN P

Verified

January 10, 2020 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND

5

Bad Bear was a great first time camping experience for my 5 and 3 year old grandson and granddaughter when they came to visit grandpa in Meridian from the UK this past summer. We had a campsite away from the road near Mores creek which added to their enjoyment. There was enough room for their family tent with mom and dad as well as grandpa’s backpacking quarter done tent. The site was clean and provided a nice picnic table and campfires ring.

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.

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