Bad Bear Campground
Boise National Forest, Idaho
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As of September 2026, Bad Bear Campground is a campground in Boise National Forest, Idaho with 6 campsites. Bad Bear Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Bad Bear Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Bad Bear Campground is located at 43.9086° N, 115.6964° W.
- people allowed on 5 of 6 sites
- 6
- people allowed on the largest site
- 12
Bad Bear Campground reservations and next available dates
September 2026
Campsites at Bad Bear Campground
- Standard 4
- Tent 2
What an RV fits
- 30 ft1 site
- 33 ft1 site
- 40 ft1 site
Amenities
- restrooms
At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.
Things to do: fishing, hiking, wildlife, photography, offroad, horse riding.
All sites at Bad Bear Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | 6 | - |
| 002 | Standard | 6 | 40 ft |
| 003 | Standard | 12 | 33 ft |
| 004 | Tent | 6 | - |
| 005 | Tent | 6 | - |
| 006 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
About Bad Bear Campground
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.
Nearby Attractions
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 392-3700.
Rules and notices at Bad Bear Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Bad Bear Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Please click here for further information about the facility and recreation opportunities in the area.
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.
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.
Reservations cancelled last minute due to weather or smoke conditions will not be refunded unless campground is closed to the public
No trash service: Pack-in-Pack-out
Campfires are allowed in fire rings ONLY, unless fire restrictions are in place. Contact Idaho City Ranger District for updates regarding fire restrictions.
Sites 1, 5 and 6 are adjacent and within close proximity to Highway 21.
Sites 2, 3, 4, and 5 have direct access to creek.
Closest cell service is in Idaho City (approx. 10 miles) or Mores Creek Summit (approx. 5 miles).
Sites 4 and 5 are tent only- NO TRAILER ACCESS
For questions regarding the campground, please contact the Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-3700.
For questions regarding reservations and refunds, please contact Recreation.gov customer service.
Bad Bear Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Bad Bear Campground?
Bad Bear Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Bad Bear Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Bad Bear Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Bad Bear Campground have?
Bad Bear Campground has 6 campsites.
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