How much does camping cost at Spyglass Ground House?

Camping fees at Spyglass Ground House range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Spyglass Ground House first-come first-served or reservation?

Spyglass Ground House 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 Spyglass Ground House before I book?

Yes! Spyglass Ground House has 28 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 Spyglass Ground House?

Spyglass Ground House is open July 10 to September 14. 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 Spyglass Ground House?

Spyglass Ground House does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Spyglass Ground House have?

Spyglass Ground House 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 Spyglass Ground House?

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

What amenities are available at Spyglass Ground House?

Spyglass Ground House offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Spyglass Ground House?

Popular activities at Spyglass Ground House include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Spyglass Ground House

Q: Can I have a campfire at Spyglass Ground House?

Fire policies at Spyglass Ground House: Some firewood is provided for the wood stove, but in case the supply is depleted it is safest to bring some with you. (The stove burns smaller diameter firewood 16" in length.). Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

8 reviews

2502 East Sherman Ave, Coeur d Alene, ID 83814

Top 22% in IDSummer

Stargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,190 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season from Jul...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Spyglass Lookout Ground House Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,190 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season from Jul...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Spyglass Lookout Ground House Official Website

Get Directions

Spyglass Ground House

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-783-2363

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Spyglass Ground House

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

2502 East Sherman Ave, Coeur d Alene, ID 83814

Spyglass Ground House

2502 East Sherman Ave, Coeur d Alene, ID 83814

Nearby places

Coeur d'Alene (approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes away), Kingston (approximately 24 miles away)

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.

Weather at Spyglass Ground House

Current alerts(10)

A combination is needed to access the lookout (both the gate and the cabin) and is provided upon your confirmation. Be sure to print out and bring your confirmation letter with you.
Bring garbage bags; this is a Pack In/Pack Out facility.
No tent or RV camping allowed; all vistors must sleep in the cabin. Cabin occupancy is 4 guests.
No water is available on site. Be sure to bring plenty of water for drinking and washing up. We recommend 1 gallon per person per day.

Best Time to Camp at Spyglass Ground House

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear winner because the cabin is accessible and open (July 10–Sept 14), temperatures are mild at this 5,190 ft elevation (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F, nights in the 30s–40s °F), and mountain meadows and trails are at their peak — wildflowers, dry trails, prime fishing flows, and easy ridge hiking. This is the best time for hiking, mountain biking on forest roads, fishing the clear tributaries, and reliable wildlife viewing without deep snow or muddy spring Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Open July 10–Sept 14; summer is peak season with hiking, wildflowers and good weather.

Planning Tips

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

About Spyglass Ground House

Spyglass Ground House sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Coeur d'Alene, a Forest Service rental cabin at mid-elevation surrounded by mountain meadows and ridge trails. Operated by the Spyglass Lookout Ground House program, the cabin offers a clean, well-maintained base for summer hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting and excellent condition, though overgrowth limits views and the gate lock can be tricky.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear winner because the cabin is accessible and open (July 10–Sept 14), temperatures are mild at this 5,190 ft elevation (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F, nights in the 30s–40s °F), and mountain meadows and trails are at their peak — wildflowers, dry trails, prime fishing flows, and easy ridge hiking. This is the best time for hiking, mountain biking on forest roads, fishing the clear tributaries, and reliable wildlife viewing without deep snow or muddy spring Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation5190 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySpyglass Peak rises in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains, where coniferous forests cover weathered slopes and the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River has carved deep valleys below. The remote location puts visitors in moose, elk, wolf, and mountain lion country. Whitetail and mule deer graze mountain meadows, and black bears forage through the timber. Some existing overgrowth partially blocks views from the cabin itself, though the surrounding ridgelines and forest drainages still deliver the scenic payoff.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lodging at Spyglass Lookout Ground House consists of a fully restored 1930s gable-roofed cabin. It is equipped with two single mattresses and a woodstove, but lacks modern conveniences like running water, electricity, or a cooking stove.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are directly associated with this site. However, its historic restoration may appeal to those interested in history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights
total annual stay limit is 5 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin occupancy limit is 4 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are indicated. The location’s remote and rugged environment, including a steep single-lane access road, may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 14 x 14 feet, suitable for a maximum of 4 guests.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, located on Spyglass Peak, ensuring privacy due to its remote nature. However, occasional ATV and UTV traffic has been reported.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers mention bringing flashlights to operate the gate lock, as well as adequate outdoor supplies like water and food storage.

Best CampsitesThere's only one option: the ground house itself. Reviewers consistently mention the cabin's excellent condition. Daniel M. called it "outstandingly clean and well maintained for a FS cabin." The 14x14 space works for four people max, and the wood stove burns smaller-diameter logs, so pack extra firewood if you plan to use it heavily.

Need help booking Spyglass Ground House?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Spyglass Lookout Ground House offers unique features due to its historic setup and restoration as a rental cabin. It is a 14x14-foot dry cabin that provides a rustic experience without running water or electricity. The cabin accommodates up to four guests, with two mattresses and a bedframe. Amenities include a Jotul woodstove, basic dishes, and eating utensils. Outside, there is a picnic table and fire pit. A pit toilet is located about 150 feet from the cabin, supplied with biodegradable toilet paper. Guests need to bring their own water, bedding, lighting, and cooking equipment.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

The 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.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Instead, a pit toilet is provided, located about 150 feet from the cabin.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicySome firewood is provided for the wood stove, but in case the supply is depleted it is safest to bring some with you. (The stove burns smaller diameter firewood 16" in length.)

Trash & RecyclingThe facility operates on a Pack In/Pack Out policy. Visitors must bring garbage bags and are expected to take all their waste with them when leaving.

Cell CoverageNo explicit information provided about cell phone reception. Visitors should prepare for the possibility of limited or no service due to the remote location.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Spyglass Ground House

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

8 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a well-maintained cabin retreat for summer hiking and wildlife viewing in a quiet forest setting.

Skip if

You need open views or prefer campgrounds with multiple site options and easier gate access.

Nearby Campgrounds

Magee Rangers Cabin sits in the foothills of Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Coeur d'Alene, operated by the US Forest Service as a seasonal rental. The cabin offers a propane fireplace and access to hiking, fishing, and biking in the Independence Creek and Teepee Creek areas. Reviewers praise the scenic setting and wildlife viewing but note maintenance challenges including cleanliness and plumbing issues.