Scout Mountain Campground sits at elevation in the Caribou National Forest, accessible via a winding 13-mile paved road from Pocatello that takes roughly 30 minutes to navigate. The US Forest Service manages this forested campground with 38 total sites, including 13 reservable spots and approximately 25 first-come, first-served options. Sites accommodate RVs up to 70 feet, though the mountain road requires careful driving.
Pine and fir trees provide substantial shade across most campsites, with many tent pads positioned behind picnic tables and fire rings rather than immediately visible from the road. Some tent pads run small for larger family tents, leading campers to pitch on the more spacious parking areas instead. Vault toilets serve the campground, and drinking water spigots are distributed throughout the loops. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with attached grill, and lantern post.
The campground draws wildlife including moose, deer, and cattle that graze in the area. Hiking trails branch from the campground, and a natural spring flows nearby. Alexandra T. notes the location is "high up in the Caribou National Forest" among the conifers. Site 20, positioned at the loop's end, offers particular privacy and quiet.
The $20 per night fee applies from late May through October. Reservations help secure weekend spots, as walk-in sites fill quickly during peak times. GPS devices may suggest dirt road shortcuts, but staying on the paved route proves most reliable for the mountain ascent.
Description
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.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (208) 757-3999.
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.
Charges & Cancellations
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsScout Mountain Campground is located in Idaho near McCammon
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.
Address
4350 CLIFFS DRIVE
Pocatello, ID 83204
Coordinates
42.6916667 N
112.3588889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/16/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 36 min from Pocatello, ID
- 1 hr 12 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 49 min from Logan, UT
- 2 hrs 1 min from Ogden, UT
