Established Camping
Scout Mountain Campground
Scout Mountain Campground, near Pocatello, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors. Set high in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, it offers a beautiful backdrop of towering pines and stunning mountain views.
This campground is perfect for tent and RV camping, with sites that provide a good mix of privacy and access to essential amenities like drinking water and vault toilets. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, with many noting the abundance of shade from the surrounding trees. One camper mentioned, “The site was quiet, and no one next to us,” which is a big plus for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck! There are plenty of trails nearby, making it easy to explore the natural beauty of the area. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer, moose, and various birds. Just be aware that the campground doesn’t have showers or electric hookups, so come prepared for a more rustic experience.
Scout Mountain Campground is about a 30-minute drive from Pocatello, which is handy if you need to grab supplies or want to explore the local scene. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, this campground offers a serene environment to unwind and connect with nature.
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.
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.
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.
Location
Scout Mountain Campground is located in Idaho
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-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageLast on 6/9/25
Detours Nearby
Crystal Springs Campground
45 min away
Malad Summit Guard Station
1 hr 12 min away
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageLast on 6/9/25
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
