Challis National Forest stretches across a wide swath of central Idaho, and Bear Creek Dispersed Campground sits within it as a free, drive-in option for campers who don't need hookups or developed infrastructure. The area has a long history of use, with one reviewer noting that family visits stretch back to the 1960s. Road conditions have improved over the decades, and vault toilets are scattered across the area, though their presence isn't guaranteed at any given spot. Campers researching campgrounds near Challis National Forest will find this one among the more accessible free sites in the corridor.
The layout is dispersed. There are no formal fire rings or picnic tables at every pull-off, but established use patterns make camp spots easy to identify. The road first passes through a canyon with a handful of spots that include tables and fire pits, then continues deeper into the forest where pull-offs multiply. Four-wheel drive opens up creek-side sites further in. Wildflowers are a recurring feature in late spring and early summer, and the nearby creek draws anglers and those who simply want water within earshot.
Black bears are present in these forests. Keep food stored properly. The area also draws ATV and motorcycle riders on the forest roads, so expect some motor traffic, particularly on summer weekends. Alan B., a long-time visitor, describes it as "an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains." Pack in all supplies, as the nearest services are back toward Mud Lake Canyon by Mill Creek and beyond. Late summer and early fall tend to offer drier road conditions for those without high-clearance vehicles.
Description
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBear Creek Dispersed Campground is located in Idaho near Mackay
Coordinates
43.98692046 N
113.4576154 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Creek Dispersed Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 50 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 5 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 37 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 37 min from Boise, ID
