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Bad Bear Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Idaho City · Idaho · Boise National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Boise National Forest |
| Location | Idaho City · Idaho · Boise National Forest · 43.90861, -115.69639 · Map |
| Sites | 6 public sites counted from the federal listing — 4 standard nonelectric; 2 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 6 sites Water hookups at 0 of 6 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 6 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 6 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 5 sites · 30 ft: 5 sites · 35 ft: 2 sites · 40 ft: 1 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 12:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 6 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 208-392-6681 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview Bad Bear Campground is located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in the scenic Boise National Forest on the Idaho City Ranger District, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 11 miles south. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the site, offering whitefish and rainbow trout fishing.
Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest.
Recreation Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVing. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers. Facilities This campground contains 5 single sites that can accommodate up to 6 people each, and one double site that can accommodate 12. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided, and most sites also have lantern hooks. The site is in an open area with shade in all sites. Vault toilets are provided. Parking spurs are paved. Due to its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. No trash service. Pack-in-pack-out.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (208) 392-3700. Nearby Attractions
Directions, from the listing
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. Bad Bear Campground is located at milepost 48, just beyond Ten Mile Campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Idaho City IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceHayfork Group Cg
0 mi straight-line · IDAHO CITY IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceTen Mile Campground
1 mi straight-line · Idaho City IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceBeaver Creek Cabin (Id)
6 mi straight-line · IDAHO CITY IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceBlack Rock
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Trip Card — Bad Bear Campground
Idaho City · Idaho · Boise National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Idaho City · Idaho · Boise National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 6 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233352 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.