How much does camping cost at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

Camping fees at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) are $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) first-come first-served or reservation?

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

What is the best time to visit Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) is open July 01 to October 03. 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.

Can I have a campfire at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

Fire policies at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id): 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.

What amenities are available at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

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

Q: Can I see photos of campsites at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) before I book?

Yes! Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) has 3 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.

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

Pets are not allowed at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Q: What activities can I do at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

Popular activities at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

4.01

20 reviews

1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, 83544, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

5,334 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,334 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from early July...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

$45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

AREA BALD MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT-CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-875-1131

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Coeur d'Alene, ID (70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)

Lewiston, ID (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)

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.

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

Current alerts(9)

Check in and out time is 2:00 PM
Click here for more information about Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Forest Road 377 may have delays, truck traffic and dust associated with logging operations
Guests need a lock combination to access the lookout cabin; combination will be on confirmation letter. The combination is required to enter the facility.

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

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest, most reliable weather and the fullest access to the Bald Mountain Lookout — expect warm, sunny days (typically 65–80°F) with cool nights (35–50°F) and long daylight for hiking and photography. Trails and viewpoints are fully accessible, making hiking, mountain biking on nearby routes, and wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk at their peak. Crowds are moderate on summer weekends but weekdays are quiet; be prepared for wildfire smoke or Forest Service fire restrictions in high Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: summer; clearest weather and full access; reviewers favor Aug–Sep for pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to October 03. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from early July through early October.

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

Bald Mountain Lookout sits in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Potlatch, Idaho, offering panoramic views from a working fire lookout tower. Operated by the US Forest Service, this mid-elevation rental provides a unique overnight experience with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors hike, bike nearby trails, and watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk, though the site sees steady daytime foot traffic from recreationists drawn to the same sweeping vistas.

Bald Mountain Lookout provides a unique fire lookout experience, primarily featuring cabin accommodations. It does not support tent or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest, most reliable weather and the fullest access to the Bald Mountain Lookout — expect warm, sunny days (typically 65–80°F) with cool nights (35–50°F) and long daylight for hiking and photography. Trails and viewpoints are fully accessible, making hiking, mountain biking on nearby routes, and wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk at their peak. Crowds are moderate on summer weekends but weekdays are quiet; be prepared for wildfire smoke or Forest Service fire restrictions in high Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5334 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout provides 360-degree views across the Hoodoo Mountain Range. South views stretch to the Palouse prairie, while north views reach St. Maries in the valley below. Old-growth forest surrounds the site: larch trees that turn gold in fall, red cedar, western white pine, Douglas fir, hemlock, and Engelmann spruce. The elevation puts you above much of the canopy. Wildlife moves through at dawn and dusk, especially visible from the tower's height.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lookout cabin is elevated 50 feet above ground and can accommodate up to four guests. It features a catwalk for panoramic views and provides basic furniture, propane appliances, and kitchenware. Bedding, mattresses, refrigerator, and lighting equipment are not included.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified in the materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is up to 4 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 4 people.

Groups

No group sites are available for reservation.

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 website and app.

AccessibilityThis campground is not mentioned to have explicit accessibility features for persons with disabilities. The lookout cabin requires climbing stairs to access, which may pose challenges.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four people with limited space, suitable for small groups.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to frequent visitors and nearby traffic. Reviews highlight that ATV and UTV visitors often come close to the lookout tower, with some camping or picnicking at its base.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sleeping pads or cots as the provided futon can be uncomfortable. Prepare for rugged conditions and potential propane issues.

Best CampsitesThe tower itself is the only site. Reviewers note the furnishings are uncomfortable and recommend bringing sleeping pads and extra bedding. The exterior catwalk offers sunrise and sunset viewing. Privacy is limited because visitors often picnic or camp at the tower's base, and ATV riders frequently pull up close.

Need help booking Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Water and electricity are not offered at the cabin. Guests need to bring their own drinking water and lighting/ Flashlights. The refrigerator has been removed, guests may want to consider bringing a cooler with extra ice for perishable items.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Strychnine Ridge Trail (4 mi) and Beason Meadows intersections; nearby trail network.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area lists eagles, bears, moose, elk, deer; good dawn/dusk viewing opportunities.

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking available on nearby trails including Strychnine Ridge Trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5360° vistas, dramatic sunrises/sunsets, and fall larch colors make it top-tier for photography.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

20 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

Based on 20 reviews