Name: Bear Valley Campground
Bear Valley Campground sets in Bear Valley at almost 6400 feet in elevation. Bear Valley offers views of large flowered meadows with a splash of timbered hills here and there. Bear Valley and Elk Creeks wander through the valley and join at the campground. This is a very picturesque area. Some of the sites are down beside the creek while others are on a small rise above. These are drier and seem to be newer.
Campsites: There are 10 tent / RV camping sites in the campground. Each site offers a picnic table and fire pit with grill. The road and driveways are gravel.
Host on Site: So far, Bear Valley Campground does not have a camp host.
Water: Bear Valley Campground doesn't offer potable water as of 2010.
Garbage Services: You will need to pack out you own garbage.
Restroom: There is a vault style outhouse which had just been cleaned and was well stocked. There is another in the primitive camping area across the creek.
Handicap Accessible: The outhouse is handicap accessible, but the campground is pretty rough.
Firewood: No, you will need to provide your own.
Pets: Pets allowed on a leash.
Picnic Area: There is a picnic area at Bruce Meadows which you will pass by on the way in.
Recreation: At the campground itself, camping, fishing and splashing in Bear Valley Creek is the recreation. A mile west, past the Elk Creek Ranger Station, is a trailhead leading into the upper Elk Creek area. If you want to take a ride, drive north to Dagger Falls. The float trips down the Salmon River start there, and the falls are worth looking at. If you enjoy photography, check out my pictures of the meadows and creeks.
Fishing: Check the regulations, 2010 Bear Valley Creek is catch and release with barbless hooks.
Swimming: There is no "swimming" area, but I am sure one could find a place to cool off in Bear Valley Creek.
Wildlife: Deer and bear are the most common big game animals here. However, one could see elk, moose and wolves.
Additional Camping Opportunities: There are many primitive sites available near Bear Valley Campground. One of these is just across Bear Valley Creek and has its own outhouse. Another very pretty site is on the road to Dagger Falls where the road crosses Bear Valley Creek. Fir Creek, Boundary Creek, and Dagger Falls campgrounds are also options.
Phone service: Stanley is the nearest service. You may find provisions at the Elk Creek Ranger Station which is to the west on Road 579.
Nearby Services: There are no "nearby" services. Stanley is the nearest options for camping supplies such as gas, food, pop, ice and such.
RV Dumping Site: There is no RV dumping station. The closest one is in Stanley.
Location/Driving instructions: From Stanley, Idaho, take Hwy 21 west 21.1 miles to Bear Valley Road. Turn right onto Bear Valley Road (#579), and travel 12.0 miles to the campground. There are 2 intersections to watch for, both are after the Fir Creek Campground road. At the first one, stay left. Turning right will take you to Dagger Falls. At the second intersection, stay right. The left turn will take you south all the way to Lowman.
Coordinates: 44.411045,-115.370268
Elevation: 6409 Feet
Reviewed Date: July 2010
Fees And Reservations: No reservations are available. However, there were many open sites on a July Sunday as we passed through. As of April 2017 indicates there is no daily fee.
This information is accurate as of the date of the review.
