Scout Mountain Campground

SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND

Part of Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Overview

Scout Mountain Campground is located on beautiful Scout Mountain at an elevation of 6,900 feet, just 13 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho. Scout Mountain is part of the Mink Creek area, a popular place for birding and wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy exploring a variety of local multi-use trails.

Facilities

The campground contains one large group site that can accommodate up to 100 people, with picnic and serving tables, grills and a campfire ring with benches. Single sites, double sites, and one triple site are available with picnic tables, campfire rings, utility serving tables, lantern posts, and tent pads. 

The campground has first-come, first-serve campsites and reservable campsites. Visitors can first check with the campground host for available campsites. If the campground host is not available, visitors must check if the campsite is occupied, and if available pay at the fee tube. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Scout Mountain Campground is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.

Natural Features

The campground sits high atop the Bannock Mountain Range in a scenic forest of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and aspen, which offers partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant.

A wide variety of birds can be found in the area, including the Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Green-tailed and Spotted Towhees and Calliope Hummingbirds.

Recreation

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking are very popular activities in the area. The paved 1-mile Scout Mountain Nature Trail loops the campground, leading to several overlooks. The East Fork Mink Creek Trail begins within the site and the Crestline Trail is nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Cherry Springs Nature Area is less than 6 miles from the campground, with its pretty namesake spring, a stream for fishing, paved self-guided nature trails and picnic facilities. Mink Creek Nordic Center is about 5 miles away, with hiking and horseback riding trails in summer months and groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (208) 757-3999.

Important Notices

  • Scout Mountain Campground is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.

  • The campground has first-come, first-serve campsites and reservable campsites. Visitors can first check with the campground host for available campsites. If the campground host is not available, visitors must check if the campsite is occupied, and if available pay at the fee tube. 

  • An additonal fee of $5 will be collected on-site for extra vehicles parked in a campsite. The Allowable Vehicle/Driveway Details section has information on maximum vehicles allowed for individual campsites. Single sites: 1 vehicle, Double Sites: 2 vehicles, Triple Site: 3 vehicles 

  • The road to the campground is paved and has a few switchbacks; RVs should have no trouble accessing the facility
  • There is not water, sewer, or electrical hookups in the campground. 

  • This is a pack it in, pack it out facility; please bring garbage bags

  • Horses, livestock and off-road vehicles are not permitted in the campground
  • Wildlife Caution
  • Idaho OHV Safety Message
  • Click here for more info about the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

Take I-15 to exit 63 south of Pocatello. Follow the brown Mink Creek Recreation Area signs to Bannock Highway for 2 miles. Turn left up the canyon. Go 4.5 miles to the East Fork Mink Creek road and turn left. Go 5.3 miles up East Fork Mink Creek road to the campground.

Cancellation Policy

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.

Contact Information

Phone: 208-236-7500

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE
POCATELLO, ID 83204

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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