Surveyors Lookout

Star4.20
17 reviews
HC BOX 1, 34 HOYT DRIVE
Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service 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
Surveyors Lookout
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fees vary by method: $8 for online/app bookings, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person. Cancellations incur a $10 fee, with...
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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
208-245-4517
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 17 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"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 Complaints center around the rugged access road, outdated mattresses, and bear activity."

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Campground Map

HC BOX 1, 34 HOYT DRIVE

Surveyors Lookout

HC BOX 1, 34 HOYT DRIVE

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).
Access to the lookout is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts. It is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. The road may be slick when wet.
Nearby places
Avery (29 miles from St. Joe River Road), St. Regis (48 miles approximately with long dirt road sections taking 3.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Avery is the nearest town for conveniences and supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Surveyors Lookout

The high-altitude climate brings crisp, dry days perfect for outdoor adventures, with temperatures that remind you you're truly in mountain country. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 15°F on frosty mornings and climbing to around 29°F by afternoon. Winter visitors can expect approximately 3.8 inches of fresh powder during peak snow weeks, creating a magical alpine atmosphere that few get to experience.

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

Summer/early fall popular: crisp days, huckleberries, best access and many positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall popular for huckleberries; later fall colder and fewer visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Mid-spring possible but access and snowmelt may restrict visits; mixed seasonal mention.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but high-elevation winter conditions and rugged access limit appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Surveyors Lookout

Perched 30 feet above the forest floor on a historic fire tower, Surveyors Lookout offers adventurous souls a chance to sleep among the clouds. This restored fire lookout cabin delivers sweeping 360-degree vistas of Snow Peak and the surrounding mountain wilderness, where solitude reigns supreme. By day, explore miles of pristine hiking trails or cast a line in crystal-clear mountain streams. By night, watch the stars emerge from your private observatory in the sky.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in allowed from 12:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 12:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 5 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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."
HikingHiking trails are a primary attraction. "We hiked the Scribner Falls Trail which leaves at the bottom of the spur road to the lookout," noted Richard P. Other trails such as "Surveyor's Ridge Trail #40" and "Horseshoe Loop Trail #141" are nearby.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing opportunities exist in designated areas, with trout fishing being particularly popular.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with species such as grouse and red crossbills being noted by users like Frances C.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity reported close to the lookout. Guests are advised to store food securely. Mice can be a nuisance for improperly stored food. Rugged roads with limited pullouts pose navigation challenges.
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.

Weather at Surveyors Lookout

Reviews

4.2
17 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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,...
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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

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...
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Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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