Deer Ridge Lookout

Star4.76
45 reviews
6286 MAIN STREET
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

4,755 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Deer Ridge Lookout
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season cabin non-electric fee is $45 per night from May 31st to October 5th. Rates may not include taxes or discounts.
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.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-267-5561Null
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 45 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingwell-maintained

"Deer Ridge Lookout is praised for its cleanliness, solitude, and stunning views. The facility receives high ratings for its scenic beauty and well-maintained conditions. Guests enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and huckleberry picking. Common complaints include the occasional missing cooking grate and challenges with the steep stairs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6286 MAIN STREET

Deer Ridge Lookout

6286 MAIN STREET

Driving directionsTake Highway 95/2 north from the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station for 5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 2 and head east for 2 miles. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road and head north and east for 10 miles to the bridge over the Moyie River. Turn right onto Road 2541 (Placer Creek Road) and go east 1.5 miles. Next, drive north on Road 2540 for 6 miles until the road ends at Deer Ridge Lookout.
The lookout can be accessed by car, and the gravel road to the lookout is well-maintained.
Nearby places
Bonners Ferry (24 miles, approximately 1 hour driving).
Nearby supplies
Bonners Ferry (24 miles away) for groceries and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Ridge Lookout

Summer days bring warmth that fills the lookout's glassed interior, creating a natural solarium effect that's perfect for afternoon reading or wildlife watching. As evening approaches, dramatic thunderstorms often roll across the distant peaks, putting on nature's most spectacular light show from the safety of your elevated perch. On clear nights, the absence of light pollution transforms the sky into a glittering tapestry of stars, making this mountaintop refuge an astronomer's dream destination.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in ID

Summer favored for huckleberry picking, clear views, warm solarium effect and many positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in ID

Fall praised for changing foliage and peaceful sunsets; reviews call it a great season to visit.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Site opens May 31; late-spring visits limited by opening date and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside May 31–Oct 5; winter access and activities are not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 31, 2025 - October 5, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 31st to October 5th, with reservable stays starting June 25th.
  • Current Alerts: Null as no active alerts are mentioned.

About Deer Ridge Lookout

Ascend the winding mountain road to discover Deer Ridge Lookout, where adventure begins with a climb up steep wooden stairs to reach your extraordinary accommodation—a historic fire lookout cabin suspended 40 feet above the forest floor. This one-of-a-kind retreat crowns the ridgeline with a wraparound catwalk that serves as your personal observation deck, offering uninterrupted 360-degree vistas of three states and provinces. While you'll need to bring your own water for this backcountry experience, the isolation and panoramic splendor of the Purcell Mountains stretching across Northern Idaho, Canada, and Montana make every preparation worthwhile.
The Deer Ridge Lookout offers a unique lodging experience in a fire tower cabin, emphasizing rustic and remote accommodations.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is specified by contacting the ranger district 10-14 days prior to arrival for combination lock access.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests can enjoy hiking on trails such as Deer Ridge and Ruby Ridge, picking huckleberries in late summer, fly fishing in the nearby Moyie River for rainbow and brook trout, and observing local wildlife including elk, deer, and black bears.
HikingHiking trails originate from the lookout and traverse the Deer Ridge and Ruby Ridge areas. User reviews highlight the trails' accessibility straight from the facility: 'Hiking trails right out the front steps.'
FishingFly fishing is available in the Moyie River, where anglers can try for rainbow and brook trout. Regulations and permits must be obtained from local authorities before fishing.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently see elk, deer, and black bears in the area, as highlighted in user reviews: 'I saw 4 bears within 1/2 mile of the tower in 2 days.'
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears in the area. Guests are advised to practice bear safety.
Active AlertsNull as no active alerts are mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Deer Ridge Lookout

Reviews

4.8
45 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Deer Ridge Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Deer Ridge Lookout is praised for its cleanliness, solitude, and stunning views. The facility receives high ratings for its scenic beauty and well-maintained conditions. Guests enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and huckleberry picking. Common complaints include the occasional missing cooking grate and challenges with the steep stairs.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-maintained facility, breathtaking views, access to hiking trails directly from the lookout, abundant huckleberries during late summer, and opportunities for stargazing at night. 'Really lovely,...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Pit toilet odor during warm summer months, steep stairs that challenge older dogs or less agile individuals, occasional missing cooking grates for fire rings. 'The outhouse can get a little aromatic.'
Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring garbage bags for waste management. Consider bringing a cooking grate in case the fire ring is missing one. Exercise caution climbing steep stairs and secure permits for fishing in advance. 'Use...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is favored for huckleberry picking and clear mountain views. Fall receives praise for changing foliage and peaceful sunsets. Winter may bring moderate snow, impacting accessibility but...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Well appointed, safe, clean, sturdy and incredible mountain top views.' 2. 'The outhouse is rustic but usable to all but the most picky camper.' 3. 'Everything was neat and tidy.' 4. 'Had a few...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 is highlighted for its cleanliness and proximity to hiking trails: 'Hiking trails right out the front steps.'
Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep stairs posed challenges for older dogs and potentially for individuals with mobility issues: 'Our old dog wasn't able to get up the steep stairs to the top.'
Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets may face difficulty accessing the cabin due to steep stairs. 'Our old dog wasn't able to get up the steep stairs to the top.'
Based on 45 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Deer Ridge Lookout? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Idaho

Campgrounds
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Deer Ridge Lookout