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.
From Recreation.gov
Bad Bear Campground will no longer have water due to faulty well. For any questions please contact Idaho City Recreation Manager @ 208-392-3732.
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.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
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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