Creek sounds carry through the fir trees at Bad Bear Campground, a drive-in Forest Service site along Highway 21 in Boise National Forest. Sites sit on both sides of the highway: the main camping area is set back from the road, while a day-use picnic area occupies the river side and has its own restroom. Road noise is present but light, given how little traffic moves through this corridor. The campground runs from late May through late September, with nightly rates between $20 and $40.
"The campsites are spacious with lots of room to park," notes Amy S., and reviewers consistently back that up. A creek runs along the back of the campground, and tree cover from the surrounding firs provides shade through the warmer parts of summer days. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. A well provides water on-site, and a vault toilet serves the camping area. Crowd levels tend to run low, with at least one mid-July visit finding the entire campground empty.
Full hookups with water and sewer accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though one camper with a 31-foot trailer noted having to park the tow vehicle sideways to fit the site. Reservations are available, pets are welcome, and fishing gives anglers a reason to linger near the creek. Campers who want to explore more of the area can browse campsites near Idaho City or look into dog-friendly camping near Boise National Forest. Bad Bear works well for campers who want a low-key, established site with hookups and water access close at hand.
Description
Overview
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.
Recreation
Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVing. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.
Facilities
This campground contains 5 single sites that can accommodate up to 6 people each, and one double site that can accommodate 12. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, and most sites also have lantern hooks. The site is in an open area with shade in all sites. Vault toilets are provided. Parking spurs are paved. Due to its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. No trash service. Pack-in-pack-out.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 392-3700.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Bad Bear Campground will no longer have water due to faulty well. For any questions please contact Idaho City Recreation Manager @ 208-392-3732.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBoise National Forest Bad Bear Campground is located in Idaho near Idaho City
Public CampgroundDirections
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.
Address
P.O. Box 129
Idaho city, ID 83631
Coordinates
43.9086111 N
115.6963889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 56 min from Boise, ID
- 2 hrs 30 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 49 min from Pocatello, ID
- 5 hrs 10 min from Lewiston, ID
