Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)

Star4.01
20 reviews
1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, 83544, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

5,334 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens US 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
Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $45 during peak season (July 1 - October 4). Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental...
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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
208-875-1131
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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 20 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews are mixed. Many praise the stunning views, sturdy construction, and unique opportunity to stay at a fire lookout. However, complaints include issues with privacy, high visitor traffic, and malfunctioning propane appliances."

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Campground Map

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, 83544, USA

Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, 83544, USA

Driving directionsFrom Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive 70 miles south on U.S. Highway 95 to State Highway 6. Turn left on State Highway 6, White Pine Scenic Byway, travel through Potlatch and continue on for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377, Palouse Divide Road. This is a single lane, dirt surface road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn on FR 377A and climb for 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. This last mile of road is rough and has many water bars, so travel is slow.
The access road is single lane and dirt surfaced, rarely graded, and can be slippery when wet. The last mile is rough and has many water bars, requiring slow travel. Trailers are not recommended due to rough spots on the road.
Nearby places
Coeur d'Alene, ID (70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)
Lewiston, ID (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Potlatch, ID.

Best Time to Camp at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)

Summer transforms Bald Mountain into a sun-drenched paradise, with July through early October offering warm days and crystal-clear views that seem to go on forever. As autumn arrives, the mountain takes on a wilder character—October visitors might find themselves in a winter wonderland as early snows dust the peaks, creating magical scenes but requiring extra preparation for the journey up.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open July–early Oct; summer offers warm days and crystal-clear views per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn praised for pleasant conditions and views; October access may see snow.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens in early July; spring season generally closed/not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside early July–early October window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 - October 4.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from early July through early October.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts, but seasonal considerations include road conditions due to logging activities and slippery roads when wet.

About Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)

Perched 50 feet above the forest floor, Bald Mountain Lookout invites you to sleep among the clouds in this converted 1956 fire tower. This unique mountaintop retreat captures the romance of a bygone era when forest guardians kept watch over endless wilderness. With accommodations for up to 4 guests, you'll wake to breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch from horizon to horizon, making every sunrise and sunset an unforgettable spectacle.
Bald Mountain Lookout provides a unique fire lookout experience, primarily featuring cabin accommodations. It does not support tent or group camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is up to 4 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, motorcycling, equestrian activities, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails provide varied recreation opportunities, while the lookout itself offers a vantage point for sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing.
HikingThe Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 is accessible southwest of the lookout and stretches 4 miles, intersecting with Beason Meadows Trail 228. The Beason Meadows Trail extends 8.9 miles and leads to another campground. These trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and equestrians.
BikingMountain biking is available on the trails near the lookout, including Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 and Beason Meadows Trail 228. The terrain supports varied recreational use.
Wildlife viewingWildlife enthusiasts may spot eagles, bears, moose, elk, and deer. The area provides excellent opportunities for observing fauna in a natural setting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, moose, elk, and deer. The rough access road demands caution, and the tower height poses risks for those afraid of heights.
Active AlertsNo current alerts, but seasonal considerations include road conditions due to logging activities and slippery roads when wet.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)

Reviews

4.0
20 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed. Many praise the stunning views, sturdy construction, and unique opportunity to stay at a fire lookout. However, complaints include issues with privacy, high visitor traffic, and malfunctioning propane appliances.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the incredible panoramic views, sturdy and secure lookout tower construction, and excellent sunrise and sunset observation. "The views from the top are breathtaking," noted...
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Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues such as malfunctioning propane appliances, high visitor traffic disrupting solitude, and occasional disturbances from ATV and UTV riders. One reviewer stated, "There is an...
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Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra bedding, sufficient food storage such as coolers, and sleeping pads due to uncomfortable furnishings. It is also advised to secure personal firewood and propane tanks...
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Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Warm weather is favored, with August and September suggested for pleasant conditions. Early July experiences pest issues, and October visitors noted snow presence, affecting access roads.
Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Stunning 360 degree views while you drink coffee and cook meals." - Daniel Thorson 2. "Unbelievable amount of traffic at this tower." - Mandy H 3. "Staying overnight in a lookout tower is a...
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Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews pertain to the single lookout facility, which accommodates up to four guests. Site 001 experiences high visitor traffic due to its popularity as a day-use viewpoint.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are absent, but the lookout requires climbing stairs, which may be difficult for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are discouraged due to safety concerns at the elevated lookout structure.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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