Spyglass Ground House

Star4.15
8 reviews
2502 East Sherman Ave, Coeur d Alene, ID 83814
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,190 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season from Jul...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Spyglass Lookout Ground House 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
Spyglass Ground House
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for renting the cabin is $45 during peak season (July 10, 2025 - September 14, 2025). Displayed rates do not reflect discounts,...
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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
208-783-2363
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocation

"Reviews for the Spyglass Lookout Ground House highlight its scenic, peaceful location and well-maintained facilities. However, the challenging gate lock and occasional disturbance from off-road vehicle users are noted as drawbacks."

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Campground Map

2502 East Sherman Ave, Coeur d Alene, ID 83814

Spyglass Ground House

2502 East Sherman Ave, Coeur d Alene, ID 83814

Driving directionsFrom I-90 take Exit #43 (Kingston) and drive 24 miles north on Forest Highway 9 (2-lane and paved) to Prichard Junction. Continue on Forest Road 208 for 28 miles to the end of the pavement and the start of Forest Road 6310 (a gravel road with large rocks and potholes). Travel 7 miles to Magee Ranger's Cabin historic site, then continue approx. 1/4/ mi. to the junction with Forest Road 422. Turn left on Road 422 for about 1/2 mile, then left on Road 265. Road 265 is a windy, single lane road with ruts and limited turnouts. Use caution and go slow. Continue past the Magee Airstrip and cross the bridge over Tepee Creek (Forest Road 422) and continue on Road 265 towards Spyglass Peak for 6 miles. At an unsigned intersection near the top of Spyglass Peak take a right turn and unlock service road gate with the combination that is emailed in your confirmation letter. This is the bottom of the access road to Spyglass Lookout Ground House. Drive past the gate ¼ mile until you come to the top of Spyglass Peak and the rental cabin. Travel time from Coeur d'Alene is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes.
The access roads vary from paved to gravel with large rocks and potholes. Forest Road 208 is paved but transitions to gravel at Forest Road 6310. The final stretch, Road 265, is described as a windy single-lane road with ruts and limited turnouts, requiring cautious and slow driving.
Nearby places
Coeur d'Alene (approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes away), Kingston (approximately 24 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Visitors are advised to bring all essential supplies including water, sleeping bags, food storage, lanterns, and cooking stoves. No nearby supply stores are explicitly referenced.

Best Time to Camp at Spyglass Ground House

Summer unveils Spyglass Peak in all its glory, with the cabin welcoming guests during its prime season from July 10 through September 14, 2025. These precious months offer the perfect window to experience the Idaho wilderness at its most accessible, when mountain meadows bloom with wildflowers and warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights at elevation.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Peak season runs Jul 10–Sep 14; summer praised for trails, berry picking and best conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site lists a defined peak season Jul 10–Sep 14; fall use appears unsupported in overview.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site lists a narrow summer peak season; spring availability not indicated.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Cabin's stated season excludes winter; winter access/operations not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 10, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season from July 10, 2025, to September 14, 2025.

About Spyglass Ground House

Perched atop Spyglass Peak, this lovingly restored 1930s cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. After its careful restoration in 2019, the historic Spyglass Ground House now welcomes up to four guests to experience dry camping at its finest. Wake to misty mountain mornings, spend days exploring miles of hiking trails, and discover pristine fishing streams that have been drawing outdoor enthusiasts to this remote sanctuary for over a century.
Spyglass Lookout Ground House is a historic rental cabin offering a unique dry camping experience. It is limited to cabin rental only, with no tent or RV camping allowed.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights
  • total annual stay limit is 5 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Activities around Spyglass Lookout Ground House include hiking on nearby trails, fishing in local streams, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The site is also suitable for wildlife viewing, photography, and picnicking. Seasonal berry and mushroom picking are available as well.
HikingThe cabin is close to several hiking trails. Fearn Creek Trail (#407) is 1.5 miles away, and the upper trailhead for Halsey Creek (#451) is about 2 miles away. Within an 8-10 mile range are the Boundary Peak Trail (#325), the lower end of Halsey Creek Trail, and the Little Elk Creek Trail (#32). Independence Creek National Recreation Trail (#22) offers opportunities for multiple activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
FishingFishing is available at Tepee Creek, a nearby stream known for its westslope cutthroat trout fishery. Visitors have described it as a favorite spot for fly fishing.
BikingMountain biking opportunities exist on the Independence Creek National Recreation Trail (#22), which is accessible from the cabin.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, whitetail and mule deer, wolves, black bears, mountain lions, fishers, and numerous bird species such as goshawks. Visitors often enjoy spotting these animals in the surrounding forests.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe final access road (Road 265) is single-lane with ruts and limited turnouts, requiring caution. Wildlife hazards include black bears and mountain lions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Spyglass Ground House

Reviews

4.2
8 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Spyglass Ground House is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for the Spyglass Lookout Ground House highlight its scenic, peaceful location and well-maintained facilities. However, the challenging gate lock and occasional disturbance from off-road vehicle users are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the cabin’s cleanliness and excellent condition. "Outstandingly clean and well maintained for a FS cabin," wrote Daniel M. Guests also appreciated the natural beauty and serenity of the...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users found the gate and lock mechanism frustrating, with Daniel M. calling it "an exercise in pure frustration" and describing the process as cumbersome and time-consuming. Mike B. expressed...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a flashlight to help with the gate lock, as advised by Daniel M. Carry extra firewood since the stove burns smaller diameter wood. Be prepared to pack out all trash due to the Pack In/Pack Out...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer season sees most visitors, with activities like berry picking being a highlight. ATV noise appears to be more common during peak seasons.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Outstandingly clean and well maintained for a FS cabin. Clean pit toilet. Really one of the nicer FS cabins I've stayed in." - Daniel M. 2. "Definitely took a ways to get to but the journey was...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews beyond general comments on the cabin were provided.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility concerns, though the challenging road and gate may pose issues for individuals with mobility limitations.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin, which may be a limitation for some users.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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