Lookout Butte Lookout

Star4.75
18 reviews
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

5,869 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens June 30...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Lookout Butte Lookout
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates for peak season are $40 per night. Additional reservation fees may apply, such as $8 online, $9 via contact center, or $3 in-person.
Standard Site Fee$40.00
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
208-926-4258
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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews highlight the unique and memorable experience of staying in a historic lookout tower, emphasizing panoramic views, tranquility, and opportunities for birding and hiking. Some guests noted the difficulty of climbing five flights of stairs and the need for a high-clearance vehicle to access the site."

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Campground Map

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Lookout Butte Lookout

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Driving directionsTravel to Lowell, Idaho, located approximately midway between Lewiston, Idaho and Missoula, Montana on Highway 12, milepost 97. Cross the Selway Bridge, drive 3.5 miles and cross the Swiftwater Bridge on your right. Follow the signs 13 miles for about 1 hour to the lookout. Alternative Route: From Hwy 12, cross the middle fork of the Clearwater River at the bridge above Kooskia (MP 74) turn left onto paved County Road 1842, towards the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, pass the fish hatchery approximately, 3.5 miles stay to the left on County Route 286 for approximately 5 miles when it will convert from County Road to Forest Road 286 and turn into a gravel road. Follow Forest Road 286 for an additional 8 miles where Forest Road #470 joins from the left. Stay right on #286 for approximately 1.5 miles to the junction of Road #286 w/ Forest Road #1129 and take a left onto #1129. Travel approximately 1.3 miles and the spur road to Lookout Butte Lookout is signed and to the right. It is about 1/8th of a mile up the lookout from the main road. This last segment is a rough, outsloped, native surface road that requires high clearance to reach Lookout Butte Lookout Tower.
The last segment to the lookout requires a high-clearance vehicle. The roads are described as gravel and rough, typical of backcountry Forest Service roads. Trailers are not recommended.
Nearby places
Lowell (~1 hour drive), Kooskia (~90 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Maps are available at the USFS office in Grangeville, ID for $14. Groceries and supplies can also be obtained from Lowell or Kooskia, ID on the way to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Lookout Butte Lookout

The changing seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Lookout Butte. Summer visitors bask in warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures, though nature occasionally adds drama with smoke from distant wildfires that creates ethereal, hazy sunsets. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine while winter transforms the lookout into a snow-dusted sanctuary where moderate snowfall blankets the surrounding peaks and freezing temperatures create a crystalline wonderland perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Jun 30–Sep 17; summer reviews praise sunsets and warm days though smoke occurs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site closes Sept 17 annually; largely not available in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens Jun 30 annually; spring use not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside summer season; winter access/activities not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from June 30 to September 17 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens June 30, 2025, and closes September 17, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Guests should check for rockslide-related closures at Selway Road and other hazards before traveling.

About Lookout Butte Lookout

Perched high above the wilderness, Lookout Butte Lookout invites adventurers to spend the night in an authentic fire lookout tower where forest rangers once stood watch. This extraordinary mountaintop retreat combines rustic charm with jaw-dropping 360-degree vistas that stretch across the Selway Crags, the jagged peaks of the Seven Devils Mountain Range, and the winding ribbons of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers far below. Days here unfold with endless possibilities for exploration, from trail hiking through alpine meadows to spotting golden eagles soaring on thermal currents, while evenings reward guests with front-row seats to spectacular sunsets painting the wilderness in shades of gold and crimson.
The Lookout Butte Lookout provides a unique camping experience by offering a historic fire lookout for rent. It is a cabin-style accommodation set within Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 7 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests can engage in a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, birding, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle driving. The nearby Selway River offers opportunities for scenic drives and wildlife observation.
Hiking"Hiking trails through second-growth forests are available, offering opportunities for birding and enjoying local flora and fauna."
Biking"Several primitive roads in the area are open to mountain biking and off-road vehicles."
Wildlife viewing"Guests can engage in birding and observe local wildlife from both the trails and the lookout tower."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep roads, unreliable cell service, and the dangers of sleeping in a tower. Smoke from nearby fires has also been noted as a concern.
Active AlertsGuests should check for rockslide-related closures at Selway Road and other hazards before traveling.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lookout Butte Lookout

Reviews

4.8
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lookout Butte Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the unique and memorable experience of staying in a historic lookout tower, emphasizing panoramic views, tranquility, and opportunities for birding and hiking. Some guests noted the difficulty of climbing five flights of stairs and the need for a high-clearance vehicle to access the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the breathtaking views, the uniqueness of staying in a historic lookout, the tranquility of the setting, and the abundance of birding opportunities. One reviewer...
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Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported challenges with access roads, unreliable cell phone service, and occasional visits from the public and Forest Service employees. A reviewer noted, "Most turns on the way have...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing a high-clearance vehicle, purchasing a USDA map for navigating the roads, and packing lightly due to limited space and the effort required to haul supplies up five...
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Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the beauty of sunsets and hot weather, while reports from other seasons note heavy smoke from nearby fires impacting views and breathing conditions. "Heavy smoke blew...
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Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Had a wonderful time at this fire lookout tower! Truly a once in a lifetime experience!" - Taylor R. "The lookout is solidly constructed. There were a couple of boards broken on the catwalk around...
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site LB1 received praise for its exceptional condition and panoramic views but warnings about the steep final access road. "The lookout is in excellent condition; much better than others we’ve...
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Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include climbing five flights of stairs to reach the cabin and navigating the rugged final access road, which requires a high-clearance vehicle. One user advised, "Guests are...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but caution is advised due to the height of the lookout tower and the steep access road. "Did a solo trip with my dog, and it was an amazing experience," noted one reviewer.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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