Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper

Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is a highly sought-after destination for those embarking on a multi-day float trip down Montana's iconic Smith River. Located within a dramatic and breathtaking canyon, this boat camp offers a truly immersive wilderness experience that is a hallmark of Montana's legendary outdoor recreation. As a "boat camp," it is a unique type of campground accessible only by river, making it a special and exclusive retreat for permitted floaters. This seclusion adds to its appeal, providing a pristine and peaceful environment far from roads and urban noise. It’s one of three Scotty Allen camps—Upper, Middle, and Lower—and is often considered a great choice for the first night of a float trip due to its mile marker location. Despite being a popular first-night stop, the camp is known for its privacy and secluded feel. The quiet atmosphere, combined with the stunning scenery, makes it a cherished spot for anglers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a genuine Montana adventure. This is not a place for car camping; it's a place where the journey itself is part of the experience, and the destination rewards you with some of the most spectacular views the state has to offer.

The character of Scotty Allen Boat Camp is defined by its dramatic surroundings. It is situated in a part of the canyon where the walls begin to feel the full effect of the landscape's grandeur, with a massive orange limestone cliff face across the river from the camp. This backdrop, along with the natural springs and waterfall on-site, creates a truly aesthetic and memorable setting. The camp is shady, with plenty of trees providing cover from the sun, and a large rock bar provides a convenient spot for parking boats. It is a place where you can relax and truly feel the majesty of the canyon. While the hike to the "bathroom" can be steep, the overall beauty and sense of being in a wild, untouched place make it well worth the effort. The campground’s design, with sites that are private despite their proximity to other camps in the area, reflects a thoughtful approach to preserving the wild feel of the Smith River while accommodating the floaters who come to experience it. It's a peaceful and scenic spot that allows visitors to fully appreciate the raw, natural beauty of Montana.

Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is located on the Smith River, approximately 12 miles from the put-in point at Camp Baker. The address provided, WHT SPHR SPGS, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA, is a general location for the river corridor itself, as the campground is only accessible by floating down the river. The nearest major town is White Sulphur Springs, which serves as a gateway to the area for those preparing for their float trip. The campground's accessibility is tied entirely to the Smith River's float trip permit system, a regulated process that ensures the river's wild and scenic character is preserved. This unique form of access means there is no on-site parking for campers who are not part of a permitted float trip. The journey to the camp is part of the adventure, involving a full day of floating down the river. The camp is situated at the start of a tighter river bend, with cliffs on the opposite side of the river, providing a picturesque setting. The natural springs on-site also serve as a source of fresh, cold water, a welcome amenity for those on a multi-day trip. This exclusive, river-only access is what makes a visit to Scotty Allen Boat Camp a truly special and memorable Montana experience.

As a primitive boat camp, Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper offers a basic but essential set of services designed to support a multi-day float trip. The amenities are rustic, with the focus on providing a functional and low-impact camping experience that preserves the natural environment.

Services Offered:

• Designated campground for boat-in camping.
• A natural spring provides a source for cold, fresh water.
• On-site pit toilets are available, though some may require a steep hike.
• A large rock bar serves as a landing area for boats and provides a place to park them.
• The campground is shady with an abundance of trees, offering a natural canopy for campers.
• The campsite is well-defined and private, despite being one of several camps in the area.

The lack of modern conveniences such as running water (beyond the natural spring), showers, or picnic tables is typical for a wilderness boat camp. The purpose of these services is to provide the bare necessities while leaving the environment as undisturbed as possible. Campers are expected to bring all their own gear and supplies, as this is a true "pack in, pack out" experience. The provision of pit toilets and a water source is a key amenity that makes a multi-day trip more manageable and helps preserve the pristine nature of the river corridor.

Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is distinguished by several key features that make it a premier destination on the Smith River float trip. These highlights are centered on the unique experience that the location provides.

Features / Highlights:

• Exclusive access for floaters with a Smith River permit, making it a less crowded and more private experience.
• Located at a natural spring and waterfall, which offers a refreshing spot and a source for water bottle refills.
• Provides a dramatic and scenic setting with breathtaking views of a massive orange limestone cliff face across the river.
• Excellent fishing opportunities both up and downstream from the camp.
• A large eddy at the bottom end of the campground provides a safe place to park boats.
• The site is shaded by numerous trees, offering a cool and comfortable environment.
• It is a popular and well-regarded first-night camp for floaters due to its distance from the put-in point.

These features, particularly the stunning scenery and the exclusive access, are what make Scotty Allen Boat Camp a highly sought-after destination for those lucky enough to secure a permit. The camp's natural beauty and prime location for fishing and exploring make it a memorable part of any float trip down the Smith River.

For those interested in a float trip down the Smith River, here is the essential contact information:

Address: WHT SPHR SPGS, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA

Phone: The provided phone numbers, (406) 646-1012 and +1 406-646-1012, are not specific to this campsite. For general information about the Smith River permit process and state park, it is best to contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at (406) 454-5840.

What is worth choosing Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper? The answer is its unique combination of a stunning, remote location and its exclusive river-access-only nature. This is not a campground you can simply drive to; it is a reward for a full day of floating down one of Montana's most beautiful and protected rivers. Its scenic beauty, with the dramatic cliffs and natural springs, sets it apart from other camps. The privacy of the site, despite being popular, is a significant draw, and the excellent fishing opportunities in the area make it a paradise for anglers. Choosing Scotty Allen is choosing an authentic wilderness experience, one that is carefully managed to preserve the integrity of the river and its surroundings. For Montana locals who know and appreciate the value of a float trip on the Smith, securing a spot at this campground is a major win. It is the perfect place to set up camp, enjoy a peaceful evening, and prepare for the rest of your adventure down the river. The lack of modern amenities is not a drawback; it's a feature that ensures the experience remains true to the rugged and wild spirit of Montana.

Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper

WHT SPHR SPGS, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA