Bear Valley Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opens June 19 and operates through September 30. After September 30, dispersed camping is allowed until snow closes access, but vault toilets are not serviced.
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…
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.
National Forest System Road #311 Temp Road Closure (May 26-29, 2026)
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during road maintenance operations. The road will be closed to all uses, including foot traffic, beginning 6 AM on May 26 through 8 PM on May 29, 2026.
Pine Flats Campground Area and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during the timber falling operations of hazard trees in and around the Pine Flats Campground. This order is in effect from May 12 at 8:00 a.m. through June 30, 2026. This order will be rescinded if tree removal operations end early.
Deer Point Road, Trail and Area Closure
Beginning May 11, 2026, the Deer Point Forest Stewardship Project, located about 1 mile south of Bogus Basin, will resume its second season of logging and forest restoration work. For everyone’s safety, several temporary road, trail, and area closures will be in effect. This project reduces the…
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and natural resources.
Antelope & Hollywood Campgrounds Closed for Construction
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during construction and remediation of the Antelope and Hollywood Campgrounds. These campgrounds will be modernized to accommodate more RV camping, improved amenities, more campsites overall, and adding a toilet. Construction is expected to last…
Sage Hen Creek Campground & Boat Ramp, and Eastside Campground closed for construction
Sage Hen Creek and Eastside campgrounds, along with Sage Hen Creek Boat Ramp, will be closed through July 1, 2026 while construction and remediation activities occur to update these sites.
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.
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.
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. The purpose of this Order is to protect…
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
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
Bear Valley Campground sits along Bear Valley Creek in Idaho's Boise National Forest, within the Lowman Ranger District. The creek is one of the major headwater streams feeding the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The campground is well shaded by a stand of lodgepole pine, though some trees in the area have succumbed to mountain pine beetle infestation. This is a primitive, no-fee campground with vault toilets, picnic tables, and limited amenities. There is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided; pack out all garbage. Use is moderate to high during summer months and hunting season, with the campground often filling up on weekends. Driveway lengths for RVs are limited at most sites, though two sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers. After the official season ends on September 30, the campground transitions to dispersed camping status until snow closes access. Vault toilet services are not available after the seasonal closure.
Directions
From Boise, travel north on State Highway 55 to Banks (approximately 38 miles). At Banks, turn east onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) and travel to Lowman (approximately 31 miles). From Lowman, continue northeast on Highway 21 for approximately 40 miles, then turn west on Forest Service Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 259-3361 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Bear Valley Campground | |
| Lowman Ranger District |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!