Bad Bear Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Typically operates mid-May through mid-October. Water pumps and toilets are locked during closure. Reservations available through Recreation.gov when open.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Flat Fire GNA Salvage Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during timber operations near the Flat Fire burn area. These will be in effect from June 20 through December 31, 2025.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
Bad Bear Campground is situated 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in a scenic Ponderosa pine forest along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The campground features 6 individual sites that can accommodate up to 6 people each, with both reservable and first-come, first-served options available through Recreation.gov. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the site, offering excellent whitefish and rainbow trout fishing opportunities. Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, provides breathtaking views as it winds along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge. The area is rich with wildlife and summer wildflowers, making it a nature lover's paradise. Numerous trail opportunities surround the campground, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding during the warmer months. Historic Idaho City is just 11 miles south, providing a glimpse into Idaho's gold rush past. In winter, when the campground is closed for camping, the area transforms into a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers. Each campsite includes a picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire ring with benches in an open area with shade. Paved parking spurs accommodate trailers and RVs, though some highway noise should be expected due to the campground's proximity to Highway 21.
Directions
From Idaho City, travel State Highway 21 north for about 10 miles to the campground. The entrance is on the west side of the road at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mimpson@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (208) 392-6681 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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