Scott Mountain Campground

For Californians seeking an authentic, tranquil, and truly beautiful outdoor experience, Scott Mountain Campground in Callahan is a hidden gem. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet within the sprawling Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this campground offers a serene escape from the everyday. It’s a place where the landscape itself becomes a vivid painting, with meadows so vibrant "you won't believe the color of the grass... it's almost neon green with a little stream winding its way through it." This vivid description from a past visitor captures the essence of what makes Scott Mountain Campground a must-visit for those who appreciate unspoiled natural beauty.

Scott Mountain Campground is renowned for its quiet atmosphere and spacious, well-placed campsites, ensuring a sense of privacy and peace even during busier times. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the high-country wilderness of Northern California. Whether you're a serious hiker, an enthusiastic mountain biker, or simply someone yearning for quiet contemplation amidst breathtaking scenery, this campground provides an ideal setting. As a California local, you understand the preciousness of such untouched natural spaces, and Scott Mountain Campground stands out as a prime example of the state's diverse and accessible wilderness, waiting to be explored.

Scott Mountain Campground is located in Callahan, CA 96014, USA, specifically near the summit of Scott Mountain, a 5,554-foot mountain pass within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Its coordinates are approximately 41.27460849 latitude and -122.6981317 longitude. The campground is conveniently situated directly off Highway 3, making it relatively accessible despite its high-elevation, wilderness setting. To reach the campground from Weaverville, you would take Highway 3 north for approximately 53.4 miles to the top of Scott Mountain summit, where the campground is located on the left side of the highway, near the summit sign.

For California residents, this location strikes a desirable balance between a genuine wilderness experience and manageable accessibility. While it offers a truly remote feel, the well-maintained highway approach ensures that most vehicles, including those towing smaller trailers (up to 15 feet), can reach the campground with relative ease. The scenic drive through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest adds to the overall adventure, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Northern California. Its proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail also provides direct access to one of the world's most famous long-distance hiking routes. This combination of remote tranquility and straightforward access makes Scott Mountain Campground an appealing option for locals seeking an authentic and convenient escape into the state's stunning mountain environment.

Scott Mountain Campground provides essential services designed to offer a comfortable yet rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to fully connect with the natural environment:

• Campsites: Offers a limited number of sites, typically around 7 campsites, which contributes to its quiet and uncrowded atmosphere. These sites can accommodate tents and trailers up to 15 feet in length. Given the limited number of spots, arriving early is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining and activities.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings are available at each site, often with grills, for campfires and cooking. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting any fires, as California frequently implements bans during dry seasons.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are provided for convenience.
• No Piped Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is no piped or potable water available at the campground. Campers must bring their own sufficient supply of water for drinking, cooking, washing, and, importantly, enough extra water to fully extinguish campfires.
• No Showers or Hookups: The campground does not offer showers or electrical/water/sewer hookups at individual sites, reinforcing its dry camping, off-grid appeal.
• No Fee: Scott Mountain Campground is a free campground, provided by the US Forest Service, making it an incredibly accessible and cost-effective option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, but should be kept on a leash and cleaned up after to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors and wildlife.

The features and highlights of Scott Mountain Campground are centered around its unique natural setting and recreational opportunities:

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is praised for its "damn beautiful" scenery, featuring lush, almost "neon green" meadows with winding streams, and forested areas.
• Pacific Crest Trail Access: Located directly off the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), offering unparalleled opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and connecting with this iconic long-distance trail. The campground even has an auxiliary trail for PCT hikers.
• Mountain Biking Paradise: Described as a "hard core bike ride," the area around Scott Mountain is ideal for mountain biking, with "Shasta gravity" (likely referring to shuttle services like Shasta Gravity Adventures) available to transport riders.
• High Elevation: Situated at 5,400 feet, providing cooler temperatures in summer and offering a distinct alpine environment.
• Quiet and Secluded: With only a few sites, the campground maintains a remarkably quiet and uncrowded atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude and peace.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural environment, including meadows and forested areas, provides opportunities for observing local wildlife.
• Stargazing: Away from significant light pollution, the night skies offer exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
• Open Year-Round: The campground is open year-round, allowing for seasonal variations in activities and scenery, though accessibility in winter will depend on snow levels.
• Proximity to Siskiyou Wilderness: The general area is near the Trinity Alps Wilderness and Trinity Lake, offering further exploration for those willing to venture out.

For inquiries about Scott Mountain Campground, given its location within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, direct phone contact is typically with the overseeing forest service office. The provided contact information is for the Weaverville Ranger Station, which manages this area.

Address: Callahan, CA 96014, USA

Phone: (530) 623-2121

Mobile Phone: +1 530-623-2121

It is highly recommended for California residents planning a visit to call the Weaverville Ranger Station or check the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website for the most up-to-date information regarding current conditions, fire restrictions, road accessibility (especially in winter or after heavy rains), and any changes to the first-come, first-served availability. Given that there is no potable water, confirming that information and preparing accordingly is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

For California locals, Scott Mountain Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness of Northern California without an entry fee. Its "so damn beautiful" landscape, combined with its accessibility to the Pacific Crest Trail and excellent mountain biking terrain, makes it incredibly suitable for adventurous spirits seeking an authentic outdoor experience. The limited number of sites ensures a quiet and uncrowded environment, providing the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life.

The fact that it’s a free, dry-camping site appeals to those who are well-equipped and desire a more rustic, self-sufficient adventure. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker, a dedicated mountain biker, or simply someone yearning for a tranquil spot to appreciate California's high-country beauty, Scott Mountain Campground promises a deeply rewarding escape. Embrace the chance to discover this peaceful sanctuary and create lasting memories amidst the stunning landscapes of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a true testament to California's diverse and accessible wilderness.

Scott Mountain Campground

Callahan, CA 96014, USA