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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Bear Creek Dispersed Campground

Bear Creek Dispersed Campground, near Mackay, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a little solitude in the great outdoors. Tucked away in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this area offers a true escape with stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains and plenty of wildflowers to brighten your stay.

This location is all about the natural experience, with no developed sites or amenities like electric hookups or showers. Visitors have noted the beauty of the nearby creek and the peacefulness of the surroundings, making it a perfect place to unwind. One camper shared, “The road goes for quite a while and you can get to some beautiful creek/forest spots with 4WD.”

While there are no trash services or drinking water, the campground does have vault toilets, which can be a lifesaver. Just keep in mind that facilities may not always be available, as some campers mentioned that port-a-potties were removed during their stay.

For those looking to explore, the area is great for hiking, ATV riding, and fishing in pristine alpine settings. Just be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, as black bears roam the region. Whether you're setting up a tent or parking your RV, Bear Creek offers a rugged and beautiful backdrop for your next adventure.

Description

National Forest

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

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Location

Bear Creek Dispersed Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.98692046 N
113.4576154 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

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.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Beautiful Dispersed Camping

The road first takes you through a canyon with a few dispersed spots with tables and fire pits. Saw one vault toilet too. As you continue to this spot, there’s lots of places to pull off and camp. The road goes for quite a while and you can get to some beautiful creek/forest spots with 4WD. Lots of wildflowers :)

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Creek Dispersed Campground by Nikki A., June 19, 2022
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  • Review photo of Bear Creek Dispersed Campground by Nikki A., June 19, 2022
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Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Beautiful camping

We enjoyed the nearby creek and beautiful wildflowers that were blooming. Port-a-potties were there when we first set up camp but they were later taken by forest staff which left us without a toilet.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Creek Dispersed Campground by Jamie M., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Bear Creek Dispersed Campground by Jamie M., July 1, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2021

Nice and warm

Found a couple sites that were cool didnt take any pics this time.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2019

Amazing Scenery and Solitude!!!

This is an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho.  We've been coming here for years and my fathers been coming here since the 60's.  Not much has changed except for better upkeep of the roads and the occasional vault toilet that are scattered across the area.  The campground is free to stay at and has a dispersed feeling to it.  There are no developed rings or tables but you can tell where people usually set up camp.  For the most part this is an RV campsite mostly because of how the spots are arranged.  You could put a tent in here if you wanted but there are way better spots just up the road out of the RV'ers reaches.  These forests are pretty wild still so definitely keep an eye out for black bears.  We haven't seen any Grizzly in this area but they are definitely in the Salmon/Challis area which isn't too far away.  Also if you're from Idaho this is a good spot to ride around on your motorcycle or ATV and get some pristine alpine fishing in!

Month of VisitAugust
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  • Review photo of Bear Creek Dispersed Campground by Alan B., September 7, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Bear Creek Dispersed Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bear Creek Dispersed Campground does not have wifi.