Bad Bear Campground, Idaho City, ID

Bad Bear Campground is located in the Idaho City Ranger District, Boise National Forest (1 hr 4 min northeast of Boise, ID) with an elevation of 5,265 feet. There are a total of 6 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs between 40 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, trash dumpster. Activities include fishing.
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Campsite Reviews (27)

4.2 out of 5

5 star
67%
4 star
7%
3 star
7%
2 star
11%
1 star
7%
@MollyW6440369 · Camped on Oct 4, 2024 at Campsite #1
My dog and I spent a night here in early October, so the overnight and next morning were properly chilly. There weren't many fallen twigs or branches to gather for firewood since it was the end of the season. There is a nice, dedicated picnic area a quick walk down and across the highway.
@DannaM0C2C66AD · Camped on May 17, 2024 at Campsite #2
This was a beautiful little camping area. Next time I will reserve more days.
@JenniferH28313 · Camped on May 29, 2023 at Campsite #1
We recently camped at Bad Bear, It is a very small campground only 6 sites, it's very clean and beautiful area. We have a large 5th Wheel and we stayed in Site #1. It is the longest, widest, with ease/room to back in. The only thing is this site is next to highway 21. Though it was not bad with noise or anything, the only concern I can see is if someone has small kids or pets that tend to wander. It was nicely shaded and we would definitely stay again at this campground! Highly recommend for a quick getaway camping trip.
@StacyG6269696 · Camped on Jul 29, 2022 at Campsite #6
Site 6 is right by road, site 2 is much better
@gregf7707217 · Camped on Jun 13, 2022 at Campsite #3
Always a pleasant stay at Bad Bear. Enjoyed some rain, hail, and 30 degree June nights by the roaring campfire. Campsite was clean and quiet.
@CamilleS989033 · Camped on Jun 4, 2022 at Campsite #6
nice spot to stay the night. Close to Boise. Kids had fun.
@CourtneyH67862 · Camped on Aug 20, 2021 at Campsite #2
We love Bad Bear!!! It's so quiet, great for exploring.
@CourtneyH301 · Camped on Aug 20, 2021 at Campsite #2
We love Bad Bear!!! It's so quiet, great for exploring.
@ChristopherC10 · Camped on Aug 19, 2021 at Campsite #3
Had a double site. Enjoyed a fire and creek side lounging. Much cooler and less smoke than boise in august.
@Christoph81424 · Camped on Aug 19, 2021 at Campsite #3
Had a double site. Enjoyed a fire and creek side lounging. Much cooler and less smoke than boise in august.
@anneg4248603 · Camped on Jul 29, 2021 at Campsite #1
too close to highway. Pretty loud.
@AnneG241 · Camped on Jul 29, 2021 at Campsite #1
too close to highway. Pretty loud.
@TimC9142347 · Camped on Jun 13, 2021 at Campsite #3
Great spot! Lots of trees for shade and a little area for splashing. Went during the week and campground was empty.
@TimC834 · Camped on Jun 13, 2021 at Campsite #3
Great spot! Lots of trees for shade and a little area for splashing. Went during the week and campground was empty.
@KarlieC138 · Camped on Jun 12, 2021 at Campsite #3
It was a great campsite, and we plan on going back there again. It's fairly close to Idaho City, but out enough that it still feels like you are out of civilization which is always a plus for me. The bathroom is well maintained, and the whole area was very clean! There are a few paths up the mountain that were fun to explore with my kids and dog, although they are fairly steep at times. There is a stream nearby with a toppled over log that we were able chill around when it got a bit warmer during the afternoon. Overall, it's one of the better sites we have been to in awhile!
@KarlieC5789141 · Camped on Jun 12, 2021 at Campsite #3
It was a great campsite, and we plan on going back there again. It's fairly close to Idaho City, but out enough that it still feels like you are out of civilization which is always a plus for me. The bathroom is well maintained, and the whole area was very clean! There are a few paths up the mountain that were fun to explore with my kids and dog, although they are fairly steep at times. There is a stream nearby with a toppled over log that we were able chill around when it got a bit warmer during the afternoon. Overall, it's one of the better sites we have been to in awhile!
@JoeW8718686 · Camped on Jun 3, 2021 at Campsite #1
Had a very relaxing campout and the sound of more's creek it put me to sleep in a very short time. The campground was very nice and the restroom had plenty of toilet paper. Spent two nights and had a really great time. Would do it again!
@joeW831 · Camped on Jun 3, 2021 at Campsite #1
Had a very relaxing campout and the sound of more's creek it put me to sleep in a very short time. The campground was very nice and the restroom had plenty of toilet paper. Spent two nights and had a really great time. Would do it again!
@DenaA692 · Camped on May 28, 2021 at Campsite #6
This site is small we could not back up into it no matter how hard my husband tried and even uf he was able to, there is absolutely no room for our granddaughter and 2 dogs to play. I am sure the highway noise was very loud as it is literally right off Hwy 21. We ended up finding a non-pay area to camp along Enda Creek.
@DenaA3069599 · Camped on May 28, 2021 at Campsite #6
This site is small we could not back up into it no matter how hard my husband tried and even uf he was able to, there is absolutely no room for our granddaughter and 2 dogs to play. I am sure the highway noise was very loud as it is literally right off Hwy 21. We ended up finding a non-pay area to camp along Enda Creek.
@JaneP819 · Camped on Aug 21, 2020 at Campsite #6
Nice campground, clean. Our site, #1 was a little too close to the road but we enjoyed our stay.
@AngelaS400 · Camped on Aug 7, 2020 at Campsite #1
Great experience, quiet little loop except the traffic on Site 1, evenings were quiet though, not too much traffic and there is a great little book for a tent that provides privacy
@JamieH985 · Camped on Aug 7, 2020 at Campsite #6
Clean and quiet
@BrianH930 · Camped on Jul 10, 2020 at Campsite #2
Always very clean campsites and quiet.
@AliciaT470 · Camped on Jun 18, 2020 at Campsite #1
We ended up paying for another camp site (4) because site 1 was right off the highway and didn’t feel comfortable with my small child right by the highway. It was really pretty and I’m glade there was the other site that we were able to use. Site 1 and 6 are right off the highway all the other sites were decent.

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