The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Scott's Basin is a beautiful site located on the western edge of Utah, just across the border of Nevada amidst the Deep Creek Mountains. The basin, alongside the high mountain peaks, creates a stunning stretch of highs and lows. The area is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a public organization that manages over 245 million acres of public lands throughout the United States. Since its founding in 1946, the BLM has worked to make it possible for visitors to spend quality time in breathtaking sites across America through hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. Almost all BLM areas can be used for free camping. To find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for your next trip, search for "BLM camping near me."
Scott's Basin is a great spot for camping, but it also offers fantastic opportunities for fishing, hiking, and biking. This site is located less than three hours from Great Basin National Park, another phenomenal stop for taking in the stunning outdoors. Great Basin National Park is known for its breathtaking caverns, caves, and wildlife.
While this trail can be a bit strenuous, it provides a bit of serenity and isolation for visitors to disconnect and enjoy nature.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This route offers stunning views of nearby mountains and takes travelers near a waterfall. It's also relatively secluded.
Length: 3.0 miles
Intensity: Beginner
Most visitors traverse this area during the summer months. With strenuous terrain and impressive sights, this is a great trail for most skill levels.
Length: 11.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Although Scott's Basin sits in the middle of the desert, there are actually plenty of great spots for fishing. Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is a large preserve with vast opportunities for fishing. Here, visitors can expect clear waters and lots of wildlife. Fishing is also possible along Basin Creek, the small creek that runs through the middle of Scott's Basin. There are no nearby boat launches, but Basin Creek is a good spot for wading.
Wildlife viewing is especially rich at Scott's Basin. Home to many species of small mammals, this site also provides opportunities for travelers to spot elk, deer, and snakes. Wolves and mountain lions also call this area home. When viewing wildlife in their natural habitat, be sure to keep a safe distance.
Many visitors choose to try their luck at duck hunting at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to plenty of these water birds. The refuge typically isn't very busy, making it a quiet spot for hunting.
Many of the common areas inside Scott's Basin can be used when you'd like to stop and enjoy a meal outdoors. Picnics can be set up near the basin on picnic blankets. When eating on public lands, however, remember to clean up the area in order to ensure the public lands stay protected.
BLM RV camping is possible at Callao CCC Camp. While visitors can park their RV at this site, there are no official sites or RV hookups. Wendover KOA Journey is a nearby RV park that's also suitable for RV camping and offers hookups, bathrooms, and other amenities.
Visitors of Scott's Basin and the surrounding area can camp on BLM land for free. While there are no formal campsites, primitive camping is possible. Free camping options at Scott's Basin include the opportunity to spend the night among beautiful scenery, starry night skies, and a nearby rippling creek. The Bureau of Land Management free camping options make it easy and affordable for visitors to spend time in beautiful spaces.
When preparing for your trip to Scott's Basin, it's important to keep in mind that there's rarely cell service in the area. Considering the isolation that this spot brings, visitors should make others aware of their location beforehand in the event of an emergency. You should also plan to bring a map or printed directions in order to access the site and nearby locations.
It's equally important to plan what you may bring based on the time of year you decide to travel. Spring, summer, and fall bring lots of sun and warm temperatures. The winter season, especially during the December and January months, carries temperatures below freezing. Snow is also common throughout this time of year. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When planning a trip to Scott's Basin, it's crucial that visitors follow Leave No Trace principles during their stay. This refers to a set of guidelines set by the BLM that aid in protecting and preserving all public lands. Be sure to respect all wildlife, dispose of any waste properly, and take out anything that you take in.
There is no official address to this site, but the easiest way to access Scott's Basin is through travel from Ibapah, Utah. From Ibapah, take Lower Gold Hill Road east from Highway 1 for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Pony Express Overland Stage Road. The entrance to the northern boundary of this site will be accessible approximately 9 miles south from here.
Ready to visit Scott's Basin? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
