Lunch Peak Lookout

Star4.83
35 reviews
1602 Ontario Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,414 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lunch Peak Lookout 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
Lunch Peak Lookout
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $35 per night during the peak season (July 11, 2025 - October 3, 2025). Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or...
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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
208-263-5111
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What Campers Say

4.83

Top-Rated

Based on 35 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikinglake

"User reviews highlight the stunning natural views, challenging access road, and the remote, tranquil experience of staying at Lunch Peak Lookout."

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Campground Map

1602 Ontario Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA

Lunch Peak Lookout

1602 Ontario Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA

Driving directionsFrom Sandpoint take Hwy 200 east 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road; turn left onto Trestle Creek Road #275 and go 12 miles to Lunch Peak Road #1091; turn left onto Road 1091 and go 4 miles to the lookout.
The last four miles of the access road is rough in spots and high clearance vehicles are necessary.
Nearby places
Sandpoint, ID: 35 miles / 1 hour drive
Hope, ID: 20 miles / 1 hour drive.
Nearby supplies
The closest convenience store and fuel is located in Hope, ID, approximately 20 miles or a one-hour drive.

Best Time to Camp at Lunch Peak Lookout

The mountain's moods shift with the seasons at Lunch Peak, where moderate winds whisper through the peaks and dry mountain air creates crystal-clear viewing conditions. Early autumn emerges as the golden season for visitors, when gentle temperatures blend with minimal precipitation to create perfect hiking and stargazing conditions. Those who time their visit for early October are rewarded with nature's trifecta: mosquito populations have retreated, winter's snow hasn't yet arrived, and the crisp mountain air carries the earthy scent of fall. Weather patterns here remind visitors they're truly in the high country, where conditions can change quickly but rewards are abundant.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-July onward; clear dry air and good viewing conditions during summer months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in ID

Fall cited as a favorite season; early Oct offers no snow and fewer mosquitos per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed in spring; reservations start July 11.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside Jul 11–Oct 3; winter access generally not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 11, 2025 to October 3, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from July 11, 2025 to October 3, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Facility was closed in 2021 (historical note).

About Lunch Peak Lookout

Perched high above the world at Lunch Peak Lookout, adventurers discover a sanctuary where the raw beauty of the American Northwest unfolds in every direction. This remote fire lookout cabin crowns the landscape with sweeping 360-degree vistas of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the jagged Selkirk Mountains, and the shimmering expanse of Lake Pend Oreille far below. True to its backcountry heritage, this rustic retreat offers an authentic 'roughing it' experience with simple furnishings—a basic sleeping platform, sturdy table, and storage cabinet. Without modern conveniences like heat, running water, or cooking facilities, visitors embrace a simpler way of life while immersed in one of the region's most spectacular settings.
Lunch Peak Lookout offers a rustic, cabin-based camping experience with minimal amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 3 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The lookout provides access to various outdoor activities, leveraging its proximity to the Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 and surrounding natural beauty.
HikingThe Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 starts below the lookout and offers stunning views along ridge lines. It is suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. A popular hike is an 8-mile roundtrip to Mt. Pend Oreille.
BikingThe trail is suitable for mountain biking, providing challenging terrain and scenic views.
Wildlife viewingWildlife native to the area includes bear, deer, elk, and cougar. Visitors are cautioned to practice bear safety during their stay.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear habitat; visitors are required to practice bear safety. No water onsite; guests must bring their own supply.
Active AlertsFacility was closed in 2021 (historical note).
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lunch Peak Lookout

Reviews

4.8
35 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lunch Peak Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the stunning natural views, challenging access road, and the remote, tranquil experience of staying at Lunch Peak Lookout.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the breathtaking views of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains, and Lake Pend Oreille, along with the excellent hiking opportunities provided by Pend Oreille Divide...
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Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaint is about the rough access road, which requires high-clearance vehicles and can be difficult to navigate. Some reviewers also mention the lack of basic amenities such as...
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Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, garbage bags for waste, and ensuring your vehicle is capable of navigating the rough access road. Keeping the gate shut is also suggested to ensure...
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Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall appears to be a favorite season for visitors, with early October offering no snow and reduced mosquito activity.
Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful drive with great views along the way and of course once you get here. Early October is our favorite time to come here. No mosquitos and no snow on the road.' - Lisa Manske - 'Great...
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Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews do not mention individual campsite numbers, as the campground consists of a single cabin.
Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

The rough access road may pose challenges for visitors with mobility restrictions or vehicles that lack high clearance.
Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 35 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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