How much does camping cost at Surveyors Lookout?

Camping fees at Surveyors Lookout range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Surveyors Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Surveyors Lookout 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 Surveyors Lookout before I book?

Yes! Surveyors Lookout has 16 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 Surveyors Lookout?

Surveyors Lookout is open July 17 to September 27. 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 Surveyors Lookout?

Surveyors Lookout does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Surveyors Lookout have?

Surveyors Lookout 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 Surveyors Lookout?

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

What amenities are available at Surveyors Lookout?

Surveyors Lookout offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Surveyors Lookout?

Popular activities at Surveyors Lookout include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Surveyors Lookout

Q: Can I have a campfire at Surveyors Lookout?

Fire policies at Surveyors Lookout: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.20

17 reviews

HC BOX 1, 34 HOYT DRIVE

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Forest Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Surveyors Lookout

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-245-4517

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Surveyors Lookout

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

Campground Map

HC BOX 1, 34 HOYT DRIVE

Surveyors Lookout

HC BOX 1, 34 HOYT DRIVE

Nearby places

Avery (29 miles from St. Joe River Road), St. Regis (48 miles approximately with long dirt road sections taking 3.5 hours).

Driving directionsFrom the St. Joe River Road (FH50) to Beaver Creek, drive 29 miles east of Avery to the junction of the Red Ives Road 218. Turn south (right) and drive 8 miles to the junction of Beaver Creek Road 303 (just past Beaver Creek Campground). Drive about 7.5 miles to Road 201. Turn south (left) toward Sawtooth Saddle. Drive 13 miles to access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A). From St. Regis, take Little Joe Road 282 about 14.5 miles to the top of Gold Summit. Stay on the same road which changes names at the summit and becomes FH50. Travel about 12.5 miles to the junction of the Red Ives Road 218. Drive about 8 miles on the Red Ives Road to the junction of Beaver Creek Road 303 (just past Beaver Creek Campground). Drive about 7.5 miles to Road 201. Turn south (left) toward Sawtooth Saddle. Drive 13 miles to access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A).

Weather at Surveyors Lookout

Current alerts(8)

Bring plenty of blankets and warm clothes for cold nights
Click here for more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Entry is by combination lock; Pleaser refer to combination code on your confirmation.
No drinking water available; bring water or treat and boil spring water, found 1.4 miles down road

Best Time to Camp at Surveyors Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather for using the tower and exploring the high country — expect sunny, crisp days generally in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to 50°F at 6,000 ft. Trails and access roads are most consistently open, wildflower displays and high-elevation fishing peak, and long daylight plus clear nights make for outstanding stargazing from the lookout. Crowds remain low compared with lower-elevation trailheads, but be prepared for Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Summer has best access, mild temps, open trails and huckleberry season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 17 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Surveyors Lookout

Surveyors Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower rental in Idaho Panhandle National Forests, operated by the U.S. Forest Service near Avery. Perched at 6,000 feet in mid-elevation forest, this very small site offers a unique cabin experience with panoramic views and access to hiking trails. Guests return annually for the solitude, huckleberry picking, and clear-sky nights, though the approach requires a high-clearance vehicle and wildlife encounters are common.

Surveyors Lookout offers a unique camping option with its historic fire lookout cabin. Camping options are limited to the cabin setup, with no RV or tent-specific sites listed.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather for using the tower and exploring the high country — expect sunny, crisp days generally in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights dropping to the mid-30s to 50°F at 6,000 ft. Trails and access roads are most consistently open, wildflower displays and high-elevation fishing peak, and long daylight plus clear nights make for outstanding stargazing from the lookout. Crowds remain low compared with lower-elevation trailheads, but be prepared for Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe tower stands on Surveyors Ridge, where the mountain divide separates the Little North Fork Clearwater River basin from the North Fork Clearwater. Views stretch to Snow Peak, Middle Sister, and Mallard Peak lookouts across the pioneer area. Late summer brings thick huckleberry patches on the slopes, drawing black bears that visitors report seeing regularly. Eagles pass at eye level. The landscape is rugged high country, a mix of forest and meadow.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe facility includes a historic lookout cabin with limited furnishings: a propane cook stove, heater, lights, and a refrigerator. Sleeping accommodations include a twin bed and two extra mattresses, noted by users as being hard and outdated. "Do not plan to stay here without bringing comfortable sleeping mats as the mats provided seem to be 1960's relics that are as hard as sleeping on the floor," said Frances C.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 5 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 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 through Recreation.gov, online, via mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground's rugged terrain and narrow roads make accessibility challenging, particularly for low-clearance vehicles. "Access is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, and is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles," according to official descriptions.

PrivacyThe camping experience at Surveyors Lookout is highly secluded. "What a remote location; no human lights visible in all directions!" said Frances C.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring comfortable sleeping mats as mattresses are old and hard. Store food securely to avoid mice and bears. Recommended to book during a new moon for optimal stargazing.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site: the cabin atop the 30-foot tower. Reviews mention outdated mattresses and mice, but the views and seclusion compensate. Visitors recommend staying multiple nights to justify the challenging drive in.

Need help booking Surveyors Lookout?

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

No drinking water is available; guests should bring plenty of their own. An alternate option is to collect water from a spring located 1.4 miles down the access road. This water is non-potable and must be boiled or treated before consuming.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the area. "The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area attracts hikers and some technical rock climbers," according to authoritative sources. Several trails are accessible from the lookout, including "Scribner Falls Trail #106, Surveyor's Ridge Trail #40, Horseshoe Loop Trail #141, and Northbound Creek Trail #111."

Hiking

Winter Activities

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are requested to pack out all trash and food waste. "Wastewater should be strained and all food particles should be packed out; remaining water should be poured in a hole away from lookout," official guidelines advise.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

17 reviews

Satisfactory

Surveyors Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the secluded and scenic nature of Surveyors Lookout, with highlights such as phenomenal views, huckleberries, and wildlife. Complaints center around the rugged access road, outdated mattresses, and bear activity.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great experience for our family every year," said Morgan R. "Amazing views, fresh huckleberries everywhere!" Ashley S exclaimed. "Lovely experience, first lookout we have stayed in!" Erin C.

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple users, including Kimberly S and Karen G, reported bear issues. "Do not plan to stay here without bringing comfortable sleeping mats," advised Frances C.

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 is the primary site referenced in reviews. "Make sure you put away all food or the mice will keep you awake at night," advised Richard P.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend staying multiple nights to justify the long drive and rugged access road. "Because of the effort to get to this lookout we suggest a multi-night stay," Frances C advised. "Follow...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer and early fall are popular times to visit due to favorable weather and access to huckleberries. Late fall sees fewer visitors but colder temperatures, and mid-Spring can...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I feel conflicted posting about how amazing this was, as it will probably make it harder to book in the future, but - this was a surreal experience," remarked Jennifer M. "A bear got in my car,...

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Access is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, and is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles," authoritative sources. "We found one night is too short of a stay to really relax unless...

Based on 17 reviews

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You want a unique tower stay with big views and don't mind a rough access road or wildlife visitors.

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You need easy vehicle access or prefer campgrounds without bear activity.

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