About SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
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
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Heading to SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233968) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND?
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.
How do I contact SCOUT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-236-7500.
References & Official Resources
