Bad Bear Campground
Boise National Forest
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.
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.
Need to Know
- 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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Contact Information
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P.O. Box 129 Idaho City ID 83631
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-392-6681
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 001, Loop BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop BAD BEAR CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
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