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.
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
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 |
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