SCOTTS LAKE DISPERSED CAMPING

Closed

Seasonal access dependent on snow conditions. Highway 88 is currently open with no restrictions. The dirt access road typically opens late May through June once snowmelt permits. Forest-wide 14-day camping limit applies. Fire restrictions may be in effect during fire season; check current fire danger status before building campfires.

Red Flag Warning issued October 9 at 11:23AM PDT until October 10 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

11:23 AM — 9:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Reno NV has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 AM to 9 PM PDT Saturday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 274 Southern Mono County, 420 Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties, 421 Southern Sierra Front including Alpine, Northern Mono, Southern Lyon, and Western Mineral Counties, 423 West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County, and 429 Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 9 PM PDT Saturday. * WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum Humidity between 14 to 22 percent. * DURATION...3 to 6 hours. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and prolonged dry conditions, even in areas where humidity may not be as low, can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Lake Wind Advisory issued October 9 at 12:47PM PDT until October 10 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

12:47 PM — October 10th, 11:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves 2 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area, and Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake. * WHEN...From 5 AM to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

About

Scotts Lake Dispersed Camping is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Carson Ranger District, positioned between Waterhouse Peak and Stevens Peak on the west side of Hope Valley. This free dispersed camping area sits at high elevation and features a small alpine lake surrounded by aspen groves, large meadows, and old-growth forest. The area is accessed via Scotts Lake Road, a high-clearance 4WD road that climbs approximately 1,000 feet over several miles from Highway 88. The site offers primitive camping without designated sites. A 2025 Forest Service project installed two vault toilets and an informational kiosk to improve the area. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. The 14-day camping limit applies forest-wide. The access road is closed seasonally due to snow and typically opens in late spring or early summer once conditions allow. Highway 88 over Carson Pass provides the primary paved access, though the final stretch to the lake requires a capable vehicle. The area draws visitors for dispersed camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking.

Directions

From Highway 88 near Hope Valley, turn onto Scotts Lake Road after passing the cattle guard. The dirt road requires high-clearance 4WD and climbs approximately 5 miles to the lake. Drive slowly through camping areas. Access is also possible via dirt roads from the east side through Hope Valley.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (775) 882-2766

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!