How much does camping cost at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Camping fees at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin range from $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin before I book?

Yes! Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin is open June 20 through September 28.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Cell phone service at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin have?

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Fire policies at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin: Campfire rings are provided, but guests must adhere to firewood regulations (do not bring outside firewood).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

19 reviews

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Forest Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,482 ft

Price

$80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open late June throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,482 ft

Price

$80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open late June throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

$80.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season nightly rate is $80. Weekend bookings require an additional $20 fee. Out-of-season bookings are unavailable.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 19 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulclean

"Overall, reviews highlight the breathtaking views, solitude, and rustic charm of the Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin. However, issues such as intrusive visitors and minor maintenance problems are frequently noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE, 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, EMMETT, ID 83617, USA

Nearby places

Banks, Idaho (~35 miles)

Nearby supplies

No water or firewood is available on-site. Guests must bring their own supplies such as potable water, trash bags, and other essentials.

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, take Highway 55 north about 35 miles to Banks, Idaho. Turn right (east) on Banks-Lowman Road and proceed 25 miles to the junction with Forest Road 555. Turn left (north) on Road 555 and proceed 9 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 555 and 555EC. Turn right on 555EC and proceed 3 miles to Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin at the end of the road.

The road to the cabin is a dirt access road that is narrow, steep, and winding. High clearance vehicles are recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Summer is the clear choice here. Daytime temps run 70–82°F, trails and meadows are fully open, and wildflowers peak. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally, so plan ridge travel for morning and pack layers. Winter buries the lookout in deep snow, accessible only to visitors willing to navigate serious backcountry conditions. The shoulder seasons can be unpredictable at this elevation.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 4% in ID

Open late June–Sept; comfortable 70–82°F, wildflowers and best accessibility in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 20 through September 28.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open late June through late September. Facility is closed for reservations during the off-season.
Current Alerts: Weather conditions and snow may delay cabin access.

About Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin sits at 7,482 feet on Deadwood Mountain in Boise National Forest, offering one of the region's more distinctive overnight experiences. Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 14x14-foot fire lookout accommodates up to four guests and costs $80 per night. The views are exceptional, but the tradeoff is real: access requires a high-clearance vehicle, and despite privacy signs, several visitors report unwanted intrusions from day hikers.

The Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin is primarily a rental cabin situated in a remote and rugged location. It provides a unique experience combining rustic accommodation and panoramic mountain views.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built this lookout in 1934 during the Great Depression. Fire spotters lived here each summer for nearly forty years, scanning the forest for smoke until the tower was retired from active fire duty in 1972. The structure has been preserved as a recreation rental, a working piece of Idaho's firefighting history still serving the public.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the clear choice here. Daytime temps run 70–82°F, trails and meadows are fully open, and wildflowers peak. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally, so plan ridge travel for morning and pack layers. Winter buries the lookout in deep snow, accessible only to visitors willing to navigate serious backcountry conditions. The shoulder seasons can be unpredictable at this elevation.

ElevationAt 7,482 feet atop Deadwood Mountain, this sky-high retreat places you literally above the everyday world. The elevation creates a natural viewing platform where the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent, and mountain ranges layer into the distance like waves frozen in stone. Here, you'll find yourself eye-to-eye with passing clouds and soaring raptors, experiencing the thin, crisp air that defines life at altitude.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout rises from dense conifer forests on Deadwood Mountain's slopes, surrounded by weathered granite outcroppings and subalpine meadows. Summer brings waves of wildflowers. Indian paintbrush, lupine, mountain asters. Across the high country. From the cabin's catwalk, the view stretches across peaks and valleys shaped by ancient geological forces. Eagles soar at eye level. The night sky, far from any light pollution, delivers stars in full force. Elk, black bears, and occasional moose move through the surrounding wilderness. The elevation creates what amounts to an island ecosystem, distinct from the valleys below.

Geological RegionDeadwood Mountain rises from an ancient geological tapestry, its slopes cloaked in dense conifer forests that have weathered centuries of seasons. The mountain's prominence creates a natural island ecosystem where subalpine meadows burst with wildflowers each summer, and weathered granite outcroppings tell stories written in stone millions of years ago. From this lofty perch, the surrounding peaks and valleys reveal the powerful forces that sculpted Idaho's dramatic mountain landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 am local time.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 12:00 pm local time.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy recommended is 4.

Groups

No group sites are specified.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe cabin occupies the lookout tower at 7,482 feet, with a catwalk circling the structure. The vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring sit at ground level outside. It's a compact setup. Four people will feel the 14x14 dimensions. Bring all your own water, bedding, and cooking gear. The toilet stays clean according to multiple reviews. Verizon works; T-Mobile doesn't.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not specified; reservations are required through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyYou may cancel the reservation any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies along with any reservation fees. Late cancellations incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first-night’s fee. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival for cabins or lookouts are considered late.

AccessibilityCabin can only be accessed via high-clearance vehicles. No specific adaptations for disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin is 14x14 feet in size and accommodates up to four guests.

PrivacyModerately private, but multiple reviews report occasional intrusions from visitors ignoring privacy signs.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for parties of 3-4. High clearance vehicles required to navigate steep and winding dirt roads.

Need help booking Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Activities revolve around the natural setting and include hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The cabin's location provides sweeping views and unique recreational opportunities.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and snakes, sun exposure, and biting flies during warmer months.

Active AlertsWeather conditions and snow may delay cabin access.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are provided, but guests must adhere to firewood regulations (do not bring outside firewood).

Emergency ServicesEmmett Ranger District Office is the closest emergency contact at 1857 HIGHWAY 16, SUITE A, Emmett, ID.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage, as there are no trash or recycling facilities available.

Water FeaturesNo water bodies are nearby. Guests must bring their own potable water.

Camp HostHosts may contact guests to confirm lock combinations and provide additional information.

Weather at Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

19 reviews

Satisfactory

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews highlight the breathtaking views, solitude, and rustic charm of the Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin. However, issues such as intrusive visitors and minor maintenance problems are frequently noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Amazing views, peaceful atmosphere, clean vault toilet, and memorable experiences like thunderstorms and sunsets.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Intrusive visitors disregarding privacy signs, flies during warmer months, and occasional issues with gate and door passcodes.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample water, sunscreen, cooking supplies, bedding, and high-clearance vehicles for access. Verizon service is reliable; T-Mobile is not.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (June through October) is noted for the best weather and accessibility. Winter months may have snow and challenging access conditions.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing views and weather! I doubt if any two stays are the same." - Greg Stringham "Bring lots of water and your camera. Oh! And don’t forget to duck when you open the door to the toilet!" -...

Based on 19 reviews