Bear Valley Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates mid-June through the end of September. First-come, first-served with no fees.
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
Bear Valley Campground is situated along Bear Valley Creek, one of the major headwater streams for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Boise National Forest. The campground is well shaded by a stand of lodgepole pine, though some trees in the area are affected by mountain pine beetle infestation. Access requires traveling along scenic State Highway 21 past Banner Summit, then west on Forest Service Road 579 through Bear Valley. The campground sees moderate to high use during summer months and hunting season, with sites often full on weekends. While most sites have limited driveway lengths, two sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers. Popular activities include fishing in Bear Valley Creek, wildlife viewing, day hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. The remote location provides a peaceful setting for experiencing the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed. Visitors should note that no trash service is provided and all garbage must be packed out. Potable water is not available on-site, so campers must bring their own water supply. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or advance reservations.
Directions
From Boise, travel north on Highway 55 to Banks (38 miles). Turn east on Highway 17 to Lowman (31 miles). At Lowman, turn left onto Highway 21 and travel northeast towards Stanley for approximately 40 miles. Turn west onto Forest Service Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit. The campground is a short distance past Bruce Meadows rest stop.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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) 373-4100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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