Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper

🛶 Introduction / Overview: Discovering Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper

For dedicated Montana outdoor enthusiasts, the mention of the Smith River instantly conjures images of majestic limestone canyons, world-class fly fishing, and an unforgettable five-day float trip. The Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is one of the essential stops along this permitted, 59-mile wilderness stretch. This isn't your average drive-up campground; it is a designated boat-in campsite, meaning access is reserved exclusively for those floating the Smith River. Located deep within the river corridor, the camp provides an authentic, remote Montana camping experience that few ever get to see.

Part of a set of three Scotty Allen camps (Upper, Middle, and Lower) situated approximately 12 miles downriver from the put-in, the Upper camp is a popular and strategically positioned site, often serving as the first-night stop for floaters. It is prized by Montana locals for its sense of seclusion and its proximity to excellent fishing runs. The camp's atmosphere is one of profound tranquility and privacy, offering a truly unique, permit-only immersion into the state's protected river system.

If you have secured one of the highly coveted Smith River float permits, understanding the specific characteristics of Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is crucial for planning a successful trip through this spectacular natural treasure.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Accessible Only by Water in the Smith River Corridor

Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is situated in a spectacularly remote setting on the banks of the Smith River in Meagher County, Montana. While the official mailing address is listed as WHT SPHR SPGS (White Sulphur Springs), MT 59645, USA, this location merely indicates the general area and the nearest public services. **Crucially, this boat camp is not accessible by road.**

The only way to reach Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is via the river itself, typically using a non-motorized vessel such as a drift boat, raft, or canoe. It is located roughly **12 miles downstream** from the main put-in location at Camp Baker. Due to its distance, this boat camp is frequently used as the designated campsite for the first night of the Smith River float trip.

The entire float trip is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) as a State Park, and camping at any of the designated sites, including Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper, requires a valid permit acquired through a competitive lottery system. Float trips typically begin in the spring and run through the early fall, with conditions varying greatly depending on the river level.

Address (General Area): WHT SPHR SPGS, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA

🏕️ Services Offered: Essential, Minimalist, and Leave No Trace Ready

Reflecting the 'wilderness' nature of the Smith River float, Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper offers basic, yet essential, infrastructure designed to facilitate responsible recreation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Comfort and luxury are minimal, with the emphasis placed on preservation and the natural experience.

• **Designated Tent Sites:** The camp features a specific, established area for setting up tents and camp.
• **Privacy and Seclusion:** As part of the three Scotty Allen sites, the Upper camp is noted for being very private, with good spacing between it and the Middle and Lower camps.
• **Toilet Facilities:** Vault or composting toilets are typically available at designated boat camps along the Smith River to manage waste properly in the protected canyon environment.
• **Picnic and Cooking Areas:** Each designated camp generally includes a fire ring (check for seasonal fire restrictions) and a cleared area suitable for setting up a cooking station and picnic table (which must be carried in by the floater).
• **Mandatory Waste Carry-Out:** Due to the sensitive nature of the river corridor, all garbage and human waste (other than what goes into the vault toilet) must be packed out. This includes using a mandatory sealed container system for solid human waste, which is a requirement for all floaters.
• **Water Source:** Water must be filtered, purified, or brought in by the campers, as no potable water is supplied on site.

✨ Features / Highlights: Angler's Dream and Canyon Seclusion

Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper stands out for a few reasons that appeal directly to the Montana adventurer looking for a secluded, natural experience.

• **Prime Fishing Access:** Being one of the first campsites reached, the area around the Scotty Allen camps is known for excellent fishing runs. Anglers often find the water quality and structure ideal for fly fishing, especially in the pocket water around boulders and bends.
• **Exclusive Boat Access:** This is a highlight in itself. Only those with a coveted Smith River permit can access this campsite, ensuring low usage, minimal impact, and an unparalleled level of seclusion.
• **First-Night Stop:** For many floaters, this camp’s position at the 12-mile mark makes it the perfect, strategically planned stop for the first night, allowing for a manageable first day of floating and fishing.
• **Limestone Canyon Views:** While deeper canyon views become more dramatic further downstream, the Scotty Allen area begins to offer the first noticeable glimpses of the stunning limestone canyon walls that the Smith River is famous for.
• **Natural Cover:** The site typically offers good tree and shrub cover, providing necessary shade in the summer months and a natural buffer from other potential campers and the river itself.

☎️ Contact Information

Since Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is a remote, designated site within the Smith River State Park, contact for reservations, permits, and river conditions is handled by the managing state agency. There is no direct phone line to the remote campsite itself.

Address: The campsite is located in the Smith River State Park corridor. The nearest administrative and public access point is near:

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

Phone: For information regarding the Smith River State Park, including the permit lottery, river conditions, and regulations:

Please refer to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) official website or contact their regional offices, as the number for general park information can change frequently and a specific number for this camp is not available.

🎣 What is Worth Choosing Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper

For Montana locals who have successfully navigated the stringent Smith River permit lottery, choosing or being assigned Scotty Allen Boat Camp - Upper is a decision driven by strategic location and the promise of a secluded wilderness start. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

Firstly, it offers **guaranteed, protected solitude**. The campsite is part of a heavily regulated system that ensures an uncrowded, pristine experience, unlike many drive-up campgrounds. Secondly, its position at the 12-mile marker is **perfectly timed** for a relaxed first day of floating, allowing maximum time for set-up, fishing, and settling into the rhythm of the river. The separation from the other two Scotty Allen camps also contributes to a deep sense of privacy.

Finally, for those passionate about **fly fishing**, the Scotty Allen location is highly regarded. By camping here, you are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the morning and evening hatches in this productive stretch of the Smith River. Choosing this camp is choosing a highly desirable, private, and unforgettably scenic segment of one of Montana's true natural treasures—an essential experience for any local adventurer who secures a permit for this iconic float.