Lookout Butte Lookout
4.7510 reviewsFenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd
Lookout Butte Lookout
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
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
Nightly rates for peak season are $40 per night. Additional reservation fees may apply, such as $8 online, $9 via contact center, or $3 in-person.
About this campground
Perched high above the wilderness, Lookout Butte Lookout invites adventurers to spend the night in an authentic fire lookout tower where forest rangers once stood watch. This extraordinary mountaintop retreat combines rustic charm with jaw-dropping 360-degree vistas that stretch across the Selway Crags, the jagged peaks of the Seven Devils Mountain Range, and the winding ribbons of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers far below. Days here unfold with endless possibilities for exploration, from trail hiking through alpine meadows to spotting golden eagles soaring on thermal currents, while evenings reward guests with front-row seats to spectacular sunsets painting the wilderness in shades of gold and crimson.
The Lookout Butte Lookout provides a unique camping experience by offering a historic fire lookout for rent. It is a cabin-style accommodation set within Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
Historical SignificanceStanding as a testament to eight decades of fire protection heritage, Lookout Butte tells the story of vigilant forest guardians who've watched over these wild lands since 1923. The original wooden towers that once crowned this peak have given way to the current steel structure, erected in 1962 as the tallest lookout in the region. Each weathered beam and historic artifact within the tower whispers tales of solitary fire spotters who spent long summers scanning the horizon for telltale smoke plumes, their dedication helping preserve the vast wilderness that surrounds this mountaintop sentinel.
Weather and SeasonsThe changing seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Lookout Butte. Summer visitors bask in warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures, though nature occasionally adds drama with smoke from distant wildfires that creates ethereal, hazy sunsets. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine while winter transforms the lookout into a snow-dusted sanctuary where moderate snowfall blankets the surrounding peaks and freezing temperatures create a crystalline wonderland perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty.
ElevationAt 5,869 feet above sea level, Lookout Butte rises into that sweet spot where the air turns refreshingly crisp and summer heat becomes a distant memory. This lofty perch places visitors nearly a mile closer to the stars, where mountain breezes carry the scent of subalpine fir and the temperature drops just enough to make morning coffee taste extraordinary while wrapped in a blanket on the catwalk.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its commanding 5,869-foot vantage point, Lookout Butte reigns over a kingdom of wilderness wonder. The panoramic theater unfolds with the rugged ramparts of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness stretching to the horizon, while the dramatic granite spires of the Selway Crags pierce the sky like ancient cathedrals. To the west, the Seven Devils Mountain Range lives up to its ominous name with dark, serrated peaks, while Coolwater Ridge rolls away in gentle waves of green. Far below, the Lochsa and Selway Rivers carve their serpentine paths through deep valleys, their waters catching sunlight like scattered diamonds. On clear days, eagle-eyed visitors can spot the distant silhouette of Pilot Knob Lookout, a sister sentinel keeping watch over its own corner of this vast wilderness tapestry.
Geological RegionNestled within the heart of the legendary Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Lookout Butte rises from a landscape sculpted by millennia of geological drama. This rugged terrain tells the story of ancient upheavals and patient erosion, where second-growth forests have reclaimed slopes once stripped bare, creating a vibrant tapestry of renewal. The surrounding wilderness showcases nature's raw power through deeply carved river drainages where the Lochsa and Selway Rivers have spent eons cutting through bedrock, creating the dramatic valleys and ridgelines that make this region a paradise for those who seek untamed mountain landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess requires climbing five flights of stairs to reach the cabin. The final 200-meter access road demands a high-clearance vehicle.
Sites SizeThe cabin provides space for four individuals with two twin beds and two cots.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is relatively secluded but does experience occasional visits from Forest Service employees and the public.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring bedding, cleaning supplies, and high-clearance vehicles. Maps are highly recommended for navigating backcountry roads.
Best CampsitesThe Lookout Butte Lookout Tower is the only campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 7 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The lookout accommodates a maximum of four people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-site layout with the lookout tower as the main rental option.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens June 30, 2025, and closes September 17, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, contact center, or the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe lookout is reservable only; walk-up availability is not mentioned explicitly.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations carry a $10 fee and late cancellations (within 14 calendar days for cabins/lookouts) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations outside this window are allowed with a $10 fee for date modifications.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Guests can engage in a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, birding, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle driving. The nearby Selway River offers opportunities for scenic drives and wildlife observation.
Hiking
"Hiking trails through second-growth forests are available, offering opportunities for birding and enjoying local flora and fauna."Biking
"Several primitive roads in the area are open to mountain biking and off-road vehicles."Wildlife viewing
"Guests can engage in birding and observe local wildlife from both the trails and the lookout tower."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed or mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable to the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire ring is available near the base of the lookout tower. Guests are encouraged to obtain firewood near the destination to prevent spreading tree-killing pests.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep roads, unreliable cell service, and the dangers of sleeping in a tower. Smoke from nearby fires has also been noted as a concern.
Active alertsGuests should check for rockslide-related closures at Selway Road and other hazards before traveling.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are accessible via Lowell or Kooskia along the major highways leading to the lookout.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from June 30 to September 17 annually.
Trash and recycling"This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility. Guests should bring garbage bags to dispose of waste responsibly."
Proximity to water featuresClose to Lochsa and Selway River drainages, a drive along Selway River offers scenic views of Selway Falls.
Common complaintsHeavy smoke from nearby fires, occasional public visitors at the site, and lack of cleaning supplies left by prior guests.
HostThe lookout is unstaffed, but occasional visits from Forest Service employees and public visitors are allowed.
Campground Map
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd
Driving directionsTravel to Lowell, Idaho, located approximately midway between Lewiston, Idaho and Missoula, Montana on Highway 12, milepost 97. Cross the Selway Bridge, drive 3.5 miles and cross the Swiftwater Bridge on your right. Follow the signs 13 miles for about 1 hour to the lookout.
Alternative Route: From Hwy 12, cross the middle fork of the Clearwater River at the bridge above Kooskia (MP 74) turn left onto paved County Road 1842, towards the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, pass the fish hatchery approximately, 3.5 miles stay to the left on County Route 286 for approximately 5 miles when it will convert from County Road to Forest Road 286 and turn into a gravel road. Follow Forest Road 286 for an additional 8 miles where Forest Road #470 joins from the left. Stay right on #286 for approximately 1.5 miles to the junction of Road #286 w/ Forest Road #1129 and take a left onto #1129. Travel approximately 1.3 miles and the spur road to Lookout Butte Lookout is signed and to the right. It is about 1/8th of a mile up the lookout from the main road. This last segment is a rough, outsloped, native surface road that requires high clearance to reach Lookout Butte Lookout Tower.
The last segment to the lookout requires a high-clearance vehicle. The roads are described as gravel and rough, typical of backcountry Forest Service roads. Trailers are not recommended.Nearby places
Lowell (~1 hour drive), Kooskia (~90 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Maps are available at the USFS office in Grangeville, ID for $14. Groceries and supplies can also be obtained from Lowell or Kooskia, ID on the way to the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.8
10 reviews
Lookout Butte Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the unique and memorable experience of staying in a historic lookout tower, emphasizing panoramic views, tranquility, and opportunities for birding and hiking. Some guests noted the difficulty of climbing five flights of stairs and the need for a high-clearance vehicle to access the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews frequently mention the breathtaking views, the uniqueness of staying in a historic lookout, the tranquility of the setting, and the abundance of birding opportunities. One reviewer...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users reported challenges with access roads, unreliable cell phone service, and occasional visits from the public and Forest Service employees. A reviewer noted, "Most turns on the way have...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing a high-clearance vehicle, purchasing a USDA map for navigating the roads, and packing lightly due to limited space and the effort required to haul supplies up five...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlight the beauty of sunsets and hot weather, while reports from other seasons note heavy smoke from nearby fires impacting views and breathing conditions. "Heavy smoke blew...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Had a wonderful time at this fire lookout tower! Truly a once in a lifetime experience!" - Taylor R. "The lookout is solidly constructed. There were a couple of boards broken on the catwalk around...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site LB1 received praise for its exceptional condition and panoramic views but warnings about the steep final access road. "The lookout is in excellent condition; much better than others we’ve...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility challenges include climbing five flights of stairs to reach the cabin and navigating the rugged final access road, which requires a high-clearance vehicle. One user advised, "Guests are...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but caution is advised due to the height of the lookout tower and the steep access road. "Did a solo trip with my dog, and it was an amazing experience," noted one reviewer.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025