Bad Bear Picnic Area

Overview:

Bad Bear Picnic Area and Campground are located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in a scenic Ponderosa pine forest 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.

The Picnic area is just across Highway 21 from the Campground.  There are picnic tables and a vault toilet. The site is in an open area with shade. Parking spurs are paved. Due to its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected.

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.  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.

For site specific questions, contact the Idaho City Ranger District.