Bear Valley Campground
Overview:
Bear Valley Campground is located along Bear Valley Creek which is one of the major headwater streams for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
The campground is well shaded by a stand of lodgepole pine. However, many of the trees in the area are beginning to die due to a mountain pine beetle infestation.
Use is moderate to high during the summer months and hunting season, and the campground is often full on weekends.
Access to the campground is normally not available until June.
There is no trash service, please pack it out!!! (Driveway lengths for RVs are limited. However, two sites will easily accommodate larger RV's and trailers.)
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | June - September |
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Reservations: | No reservtions are necessary. This campground is first come, first serve. |
Fees: | This is no fee campground. 10 sites / No fees. |
Usage: | Light |
Closest Towns: | Stanley, Idaho |
Water: | Not for Drinking |
Restroom: | Vault |
General Information
Directions:From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles.
At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks/Lowman Road) and travel to Lowman, Idaho approximately 31 miles.
At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed northeast towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21 approximately 40 miles.
Along the route, you will travel past Banner Summit, Bull Trout Campground and eventually arrive at the Forest Service (FS) Road 579 turnoff.
Turn (west) onto FS Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit. There is a big parking area and an information board.
Travel along FS Road 579 through Bear Valley. The campground is a short distance from the rest stop at Bruce Meadows.
Activities
Campground Camping
Total of 10 sites.River and Stream Fishing
Bear Valley Creek is managed as a wild fishery by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. A variety of fish are found in these streams including cutthroat trout, brook trout, steelhead/rainbow trout, whitefish, and Chinook salmon. All fish must be released EXCEPT brook trout and whitefish. These streams provide important habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. These fish must be immediately released if they are caught. Also, help protect spawning beds by staying off the gravel beds that fish use to lay their eggs. Bull Trout may be easily confused with Brook Trout. Both species have yellow spotting on the body; however, brook trout have black worm-like markings on the large fin (dorsal) on their back. Bull trout do not have any of the black worm-like markings. Release fish if you are in doubt of the species.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Day Hiking
The North Fork of Elk Creek trail which accesses Corduroy Meadows and Bernard Lake in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is located 3 miles west of the campground. Nearby trailheads into the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Horse Riding
The North Fork of Elk Creek trail which accesses Corduroy Meadows and Bernard Lake in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is located 3 miles west of the campground. Nearby trailheads into the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness.Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Viewing Wildlife
Best viewing time is July through September for elk and mule deer. Common bird species in Bear Valley include mountain bluebirds, sandhill crane, and Swainson's hawk. You may also see spawning salmon in the creeks in Bear Valley in July and August.Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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