Little Guard Lookout

Star0
3 reviews
173 COMMERCE DR. P.O. BOX 159, SMELTERVILLE, ID 83868, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,031 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The cabin is open fo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Idaho Panhandle National Forests site

Official Website
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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
Little Guard Lookout
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin during the peak season from July 11, 2025, to September 14, 2025, is $55. Fees do not include additional service, tax,...
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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

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Provider
208-664-2318
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Little Guard Lookout highlight the unique and luxurious experience of staying at a historic fire lookout. Positive sentiments mention the well-equipped kitchen, scenic views, and wildlife encounters. Common complaints include the rough access road, presence of bees, and spotty cell coverage."

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Campground Map

173 COMMERCE DR. P.O. BOX 159, SMELTERVILLE, ID 83868, USA

Little Guard Lookout

173 COMMERCE DR. P.O. BOX 159, SMELTERVILLE, ID 83868, USA

Driving directionsFrom I-90, take Exit #43 (Kingston) and drive 24 miles north on Forest Highway 9 to Prichard junction. From there, continue on Forest Road 208 for about 5 miles to Forest Road 602 (on the right just past Shoshone Base Camp). Drive about 9 miles to the lookout at the end of the road. Vehicles with high clearance and good tires are strongly recommended.
The access road is recommended for vehicles with high clearance and good tires due to its rough condition. Seasonal accessibility may vary.
Nearby places
Kingston (approximately 24 miles south), Prichard (approximately 5 miles south)
Nearby supplies
There is limited information available about the nearest grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel services. Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Little Guard Lookout

Summer transforms Little Guard into a mountain paradise, where moderate temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing from your lofty perch. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forests burst into golden flames of color, while winter wraps the lookout in a pristine blanket of deep snow, creating a wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid adventurers equipped for extreme cold and challenging conditions.

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

Summer described as mountain paradise; July–Aug highlighted as preferred months and cabin open then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Autumn mentioned but cabin closes Sep 14; limited fall access reduces appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Cabin only open starting July 11; spring season not available for stays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Cabin closed outside July 11–Sep 14; winter access/activities not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 11, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The cabin is open for reservations from July 11, 2025, to September 14, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Spotty cell coverage and potential fire restrictions.

About Little Guard Lookout

Perched high above the Coeur d'Alene River valley, Little Guard Lookout beckons adventurers to experience a slice of firefighting history while sleeping among the clouds. This lovingly preserved two-story cabin, standing sentinel at 6,031 feet, transforms your camping trip into an unforgettable journey back in time. Since earning its place on the National Historic Lookout Register in 1990, this fully furnished mountain refuge has welcomed visitors seeking both solitude and adventure, with scenic hiking trails radiating from your doorstep like spokes on a wheel.
Little Guard Lookout offers cabin camping exclusively, with no tent, RV, or group camping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 5 nights per visit and 5 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Little Guard Lookout offers hiking and wildlife viewing as primary recreational activities. The lookout provides access to Shoshone Ridge Trail #81, which is described as a scenic day hike with multiple viewpoints but no water sources along the trail. Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, moose, osprey, and calliope hummingbirds. The elevation of 6,031 feet offers spectacular views of the Coeur d'Alene River and Bitterroot Mountains.
HikingHiking is a popular activity, with access to Shoshone Ridge Trail #81 described as a 'very nice day hike.' The trail offers multiple scenic viewpoints but lacks water sources, requiring hikers to bring adequate supplies.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes mule deer, moose, osprey, and calliope hummingbirds. The elevated location provides excellent opportunities for spotting these species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe road leading to the lookout is rough and requires high-clearance vehicles. Wildlife such as bears and bees may pose occasional hazards.
Active AlertsSpotty cell coverage and potential fire restrictions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Little Guard Lookout

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Little Guard Lookout has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Little Guard Lookout highlight the unique and luxurious experience of staying at a historic fire lookout. Positive sentiments mention the well-equipped kitchen, scenic views, and wildlife encounters. Common complaints include the rough access road, presence of bees, and spotty cell coverage.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently praise the lookout's 'spectacular views,' cozy lodging facilities, and wildlife encounters. One user noted, 'Monster Bull elk in the dark the first night,' and another...
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Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include 'road to get up to the lookout is in pretty rough shape' and 'lots of bees this time.' Issues with the refrigerator being 'basically a freezer' were also highlighted by one...
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Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing traps for yellow jackets, extra firewood, and adequate supplies due to the remote location. One user suggested, 'I would suggest bringing disposable yellow jacket traps.'
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summers are ideal for visiting due to weather conditions and easier road access. Guests highlight July and August as preferred times for their stays.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Had 2 days of sunny weather at Little Guard - 3rd time staying at the most luxurious Rental Lookout on the list.' - Corey V. 2. 'Lovely place, refrigerator is basically a freezer and there could...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews are specific to the Little Guard Lookout cabin facility. Users consistently praise site 208 in Loop AREA LITTLE GUARD LOOKOUT for its luxury and views.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the rugged road and stair access to the cabin, making it unsuitable for guests with mobility challenges.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin, and reviews reflect adherence to this policy. Users are advised to clean up after pets and keep waste outside the cabin vicinity.
Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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