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Camping

Established Camping

Bear Valley

Bear Valley, near Lowman, Idaho, is a peaceful campground that offers a serene escape for those looking to unwind in nature. With a backdrop of stunning scenery and the soothing sounds of the nearby river, it’s an ideal place to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground features basic amenities like clean pit toilets and access to drinking water, though you’ll need to bring your own firewood and trash bags since there’s no trash service. Campers have noted that the sites are spacious, making it easy for families or groups to set up comfortably. One visitor mentioned, “Our spot was clean and big, plenty of room for two families to camp.”

For those who enjoy water activities, Bear Valley is a great spot for river boating and exploring Bear Valley Creek. Just be prepared for some challenges with downed trees in the creek, as one reviewer pointed out. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but a good repellent can help keep them at bay.

The campground is open from mid-June to the end of September, making it a perfect summer getaway. Whether you’re looking to relax by the campfire or venture out for some boating, Bear Valley provides a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of Idaho’s wilderness.

Description

National Forest

Overview: Bear Valley Campground is located along Bear Valley Creek which is one of the major headwater streams for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The campground is well shaded by a stand of lodgepole pine. However, many of the trees in the area are beginning to die due to a mountain pine beetle infestation. Use is moderate to high during the summer months and hunting season, and the campground is often full on weekends. Access to the campground is normally not available until June. There is no trash service, please pack it out!!! (Driveway lengths for RVs are limited. However, two sites will easily accommodate larger RV's and trailers.)

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Location

Bear Valley is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Stanley, ID, at the intersection of State Rts. 75 and 21, take Rt. 21 west 21.4 miles to Bruce Meadows and Forest Rt. 579 sign. Turn right at sign onto Rt. 579 (gravel) and go 12.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

Coordinates

44.41100066 N
115.3700004 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2023

Nice quiet area!

Decent traffic now and then but overall nice quiet area on a peaceful part of the river!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bear Valley by Zach P., August 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Valley by Zach P., August 19, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Beautiful spot

We went Memorial weekend. We ended up being the only ones camping there, it was nice and secluded. The bathrooms hadn't been unlocked for the season yet. There was plenty of fallen logs/branches for firewood. Our spot was clean and big, plenty of room for two families to camp and we both parked at the same site. Lots of mosquitoes but they were manageable with repellent. I highly recommend it and we will go back.

  • Review photo of Bear Valley by Nick B., July 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Bear Valley by Nick B., July 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Bear Valley by Nick B., July 8, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Stunning

Had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. It was quiet n few neighbors. Still snow on the ground but warm enough to enjoy. It it's not burned up from the fire, we will be going back.

  • Review photo of Bear Valley by Jackie S., August 30, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2016

Great spot for river boaters

We spent a weekend here and took our boats so we could play in Bear Valley Creek. This campground was full on the weekend we went. The pit toilet was clean and stocked with toilet paper although it is a pit toilet. Plenty of firewood for the fire. The creek had downed trees and was a challenge to navigate. Be prepared to pack out everything as there is no trash service.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Bear Valley?

    Bear Valley allows vehicles up to 40 feet.