Bad Bear Campground
The campground opens around May 22 for the 2026 season and operates through mid-October. Water is currently unavailable due to a faulty well; campers must bring their own water. Sites are available both through Recreation.gov reservations and first-come, first-served.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 11 at 1:27PM MDT until August 14 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Boise ID
...MONSOON MOISTURE WILL BRING SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY... A push of monsoon moisture will bring scattered thunderstorms to the region Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Lingering dry surface air will limit the rainfall amounts on Thursday, increasing concern for lightning ignitions. The National Weather Service in Boise has issued a Fire Weather Watch for lightning, which is in effect from Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night. * AFFECTED AREA...In Idaho, Fire Weather Zones 400 Northern Boise BLM, 401 Western Payette National Forest, 402 Eastern Payette National Forest, 403 Northern Boise National Forest, 420 Treasure Valley BLM, 421 Southern Boise/Western Sawtooth NF, including the Camas Prairie, 423 Owyhee Mountains, 424 Western Twin Falls BLM and 426 Southern Highlands. In Oregon, Fire Weather Zones 672 Southern Grasslands, 673 Central Canyonlands and 674 Northwestern Vale BLM. * TIMING...From Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered coverage with abundant lightning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusty erratic winds up to 40 mph. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 8:40PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette,and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 10:29AM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT THIS AFTERNOON. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
About
Bad Bear Campground is located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in the Boise National Forest at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The campground sits in a scenic Ponderosa pine forest along Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the site, offering whitefish and rainbow trout fishing opportunities. The campground has 6 sites: 4 standard nonelectric sites and 2 tent-only sites. Each site includes a picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire ring with benches. Paved parking spurs are provided. Vault toilets are available. Historic Idaho City is approximately 10 miles south. Numerous trails in the surrounding area offer hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV access. In winter, the area serves backcountry skiers and snowmobilers. Note that horses and pack animals are not permitted in the campground.
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. Located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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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