How much does camping cost at Arid Peak Lookout?

Camping fees at Arid Peak Lookout are $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Arid Peak Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Arid Peak Lookout 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 Arid Peak Lookout before I book?

Yes! Arid Peak Lookout has 16 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 Arid Peak Lookout?

Arid Peak Lookout is open June 26 to September 27. 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 Arid Peak Lookout?

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

Can I have a campfire at Arid Peak Lookout?

Fire policies at Arid Peak Lookout: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Arid Peak Lookout have?

Arid Peak Lookout 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 Arid Peak Lookout?

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

What amenities are available at Arid Peak Lookout?

Arid Peak Lookout offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Arid Peak Lookout?

Popular activities at Arid Peak Lookout include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Arid Peak Lookout

4.65

24 reviews

34 HOYT DRIVE HC BOX 1, AVERY, ID, 83802, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,306 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,306 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Arid Peak Lookout

$45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-245-4517

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

34 HOYT DRIVE HC BOX 1, AVERY, ID, 83802, USA

Arid Peak Lookout

34 HOYT DRIVE HC BOX 1, AVERY, ID, 83802, USA

Nearby places

The town of Avery is the nearest population center. Specific distances from other nearby cities are not provided.

Driving directionsFrom Avery, turn left and head north up the North Fork of the St. Joe River Road #456 toward Wallace. Travel about 4.5 miles, then turn left down the hill just before the bridge across the river. You will then be on Road #1997, which is a single lane gravel road with pull outs. Drive about 3.5 miles and turn left on the first road (also labeled Road No. 1997). Travel 6.5 miles to Trailhead #175. A turn-around is just past the trailhead before the gate. Do not block the turnaround or the gate. Park in the wide spot by the trailhead. Hike up Trail #175 for 1.5 miles to the junction with Trail #173. Turn right and hike 1.5 miles on Trail #173 to Arid Peak.

Weather at Arid Peak Lookout

Current alerts(9)

Bring plenty of blankets and warm clothes for cold nights
Click here for more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Entry is by combination lock; combination can be found on your confirmation.
No drinking water available; bring water or treat and boil spring water, found a half-mile down a steep trail

Best Time to Camp at Arid Peak Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer provides the best combination of reliable access, mild mountain weather (daytime highs around 70–75°F, nights dropping to the mid-40s°F), and full availability of the historic lookout (campground open June 27–Sept 28). Trails are clear and dry for the steep 3-mile ascent, fishing for native cutthroat is strong in cool early mornings, and long daylight plus clear nights make for excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Expect moderate visitation—busier on holiday weekends but at Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: summer; site open June–Sep; mild days (70–75°F) and comfortable nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 26 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from June 27, 2025, to September 28, 2025, during its peak season.

About Arid Peak Lookout

Arid Peak Lookout sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Avery, offering a historic fire lookout cabin rental and small tent camping area at mid-elevation. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this remote site draws visitors seeking solitude and panoramic views accessed by a steep 3-mile trail. Hikers and mountain bikers use the lookout as a base for exploring surrounding forest trails, while the cabin itself provides a unique overnight experience in a working piece of fire-watch history.

Arid Peak Lookout is a unique accommodation offering a historic fire lookout cabin for rent. The cabin provides a rustic lodging experience with basic essentials. "The lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts and provides epic 360-degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer provides the best combination of reliable access, mild mountain weather (daytime highs around 70–75°F, nights dropping to the mid-40s°F), and full availability of the historic lookout (campground open June 27–Sept 28). Trails are clear and dry for the steep 3-mile ascent, fishing for native cutthroat is strong in cool early mornings, and long daylight plus clear nights make for excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Expect moderate visitation—busier on holiday weekends but at Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5306 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas fir and spruce blanket the mountainsides around the lookout. The tower offers 360-degree views across the Bitterroot Mountains, overlooking Loop Creek's curves and the Hiawatha Bicycle Trail cutting through the valley below. Elk, black bears, and moose range through the surrounding forests and meadows. Bald eagles ride thermals at eye level with the lookout's windows. Native cutthroat trout swim in the gin-clear streams of this Wild and Scenic River country.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lodging consists of the Arid Peak Lookout cabin, which is furnished with basic amenities. "The cabin fits up to four guests. Furnishings include two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, a propane lantern, propane camp stove, water containers, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 5 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin fits up to four guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe cabin is reached by a moderately steep 3-mile hike, which may pose challenges for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four guests.

PrivacyThe location offers significant privacy due to its remote and isolated setting.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend packing extra supplies like water, propane, and bedding. Several reviews highlight the steep trail to the spring, and recommend hauling sufficient water to avoid repeat trips.

Best CampsitesThe lookout itself gets consistent praise for cleanliness and comfort. Multiple reviews mention the fire pit area near the tower and well-marked paths around the site.

Need help booking Arid Peak Lookout?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Arid Peak Lookout provides a rustic and historic camping experience. The cabin accommodates up to four guests and includes basic essentials such as two cots with mattresses, cooking gear, dishes, a propane lantern, a propane camp stove, water containers, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove. "An outhouse is located outside the tower." Guests must bring their own drinking water or treat water from a nearby spring located down a steep half-mile trail. Additional items to pack include bedding, food, binoculars, a first aid kit, flashlights, towels, toilet paper, and dish soap. "No water is available, so guests must bring their own or boil and treat stream water." The lookout is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility and requires visitors to dispose of waste properly and bring garbage bags.

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Arid Peak Lookout

Arid Peak Lookout offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. "The lookout offers access to the Arid Peak Trail #173, Mozier Peak Trail #174, and Kyle Creek Trail #175. All three trails are great for day-hiking but can also be explored over longer backpacking treks or on horseback." The nearby Hiawatha Bicycle Trail is renowned for its scenic beauty and historic trestles and tunnels. Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, deer, black bears, moose, and bald eagles frequently observed.

Hiking4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 10% in Idaho

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, isolated setting and high elevation make for good dark‑sky potential and disconnect.

Photography4.5/5360° mountain panoramas, wildlife and scenic overlooks make it highly photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; there is an outhouse located outside the tower.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

24 reviews

Top-Rated

Arid Peak Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the unique and rustic nature of staying at Arid Peak Lookout. Visitors frequently mention the breathtaking views, challenging hike, and opportunity to disconnect from modern distractions. "The hike in was beautiful, and the lookout was awesome."

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include the stunning views, opportunity to relax in solitude, proximity to scenic trails, and the historical significance of the lookout. "The hike in was beautiful." "Such a fun and...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention challenges such as steep climbs, limited water availability, and maintenance issues like a faulty latch on the catwalk door. "Water is a challenge but all around a great trip."...

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is frequently mentioned in user reviews, highlighting its unique location and rustic accommodations. "There were several flat spots near the fire pit to set up tents since the lookout...

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water, sturdy hiking gear, and preparing thoroughly for the hike. "Bring plenty of blankets and warm clothes for cold nights." "Always best to hike it yourself...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends suggest summer and early fall are the best times to visit, with cooler nights providing comfort. "Temperature was very warm but cooled down nice at night." "Air quality was great; no...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful lookout & the hike in was beautiful." "The solitude and peace really made it magical." "The spring water is very very cold and refreshing." "As old and rickety as it appeared on the...

Based on 24 reviews