Drake Peak Lookout

Star4.15
14 reviews
18049 HWY 395, LAKEVIEW, OR 97630, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

8,222 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 15 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Drake Peak Lookout
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin Nonelectric: $40 per night during peak season (June 15 - October 15). Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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
541-947-6300
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews consistently highlight the unique and rustic nature of the Drake Peak Lookout experience, emphasizing stunning views, memorable stargazing opportunities, and the peaceful solitude offered by its remote location."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

18049 HWY 395, LAKEVIEW, OR 97630, USA

Drake Peak Lookout

18049 HWY 395, LAKEVIEW, OR 97630, USA

Driving directionsFrom the Lakeview Ranger District Office, travel 6 miles north on Highway 395, and turn right on Highway 140. Take Highway 140 east for 8 miles, then turn left on Forest Road 3615. Continue on Forest Road 3615 for 7.5 miles and turn right on Forest Road 019. Follow Forest Road 019 for 5 miles to the lookout.
Accessible via unpaved forest roads. The final 5 miles are on Forest Road 019, which may require careful navigation. Seasonal closures or weather-related challenges may exist.
Nearby places
Lakeview (approximately 8 miles, 15-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Water refill station at Mud Creek Campground (6 miles away). No other supply information provided.

Best Time to Camp at Drake Peak Lookout

At Drake Peak, you'll experience the dramatic moods of high-altitude weather that can shift from brilliant sunshine to windswept drama in moments. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while autumn nights can plunge to single digits, creating crystal-clear stargazing conditions. The sweet spot for visitors runs from June through October, when wildflowers paint the meadows and golden light bathes the volcanic peaks. Come prepared for nature's full spectrum – from possible snow flurries to dry desert winds that carry the scent of sage across the mountaintop.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; warm days, prime hiking and stargazing; peak season June 15–Oct 15.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into fall (until Oct 15) with good views; cooler, windier conditions can be challenging.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed outside June 15–Oct 15; spring not an operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside June 15–Oct 15; winter access and conditions prohibit use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 15 to October 15. Not reservable outside this period.
  • Current Alerts: Check with Lakeview Ranger District for fire or road closures, and weather-related advisories.

About Drake Peak Lookout

Perched majestically atop the Warner Mountain Range, Drake Peak Lookout invites adventurers to step into a piece of living history. This charming rustic cabin, once a sentinel watching for wildfire threats across the wilderness, has transformed into an extraordinary mountain retreat where visitors can experience the same breathtaking 360-degree views that forest rangers relied upon for decades. Here, at the edge of the sky, modern explorers find themselves immersed in the raw beauty and solitude that defines the American West.
Drake Peak Lookout is distinct from typical campgrounds and caters to campers seeking a rustic cabin experience with minimal facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum stay 7 nights
  • minimum stay 2 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Drake Peak Lookout offers several recreational activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. 'Hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing are popular activities,' and the nearby Drake-McDowell area provides excellent opportunities for backpackers and horseback riders. The lookout is especially suited for stargazing due to its expansive night skies.
HikingHiking opportunities include a trek to the summit of Drake Peak and trails in the Drake-McDowell area, which offer spectacular views of the Warner Mountains, Hart Mountain, Warner Valley, and Abert Rim.
BikingMountain biking is listed as an activity, though no specific trails or details about terrain are provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife species in the area include deer, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and a variety of migratory birds such as geese, ducks, and swans during spring and fall.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo water supply on site; wildlife such as mountain lions and black bears present. Windows don't fit tightly; bugs may enter. Propane lights may not function.
Active AlertsCheck with Lakeview Ranger District for fire or road closures, and weather-related advisories.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Drake Peak Lookout

Reviews

4.2
14 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Drake Peak Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the unique and rustic nature of the Drake Peak Lookout experience, emphasizing stunning views, memorable stargazing opportunities, and the peaceful solitude offered by its remote location.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned across reviews include breathtaking views, cozy warmth from the wood stove, and the ability to see constellations and the Milky Way during clear nights. Guests also praised...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include broken cots, malfunctioning propane lights, and the lack of water or firewood on-site. Some reviewers noted that the cabin's windows lack screens, leading to issues with...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing painter's tape to seal window cracks and screen material to address the lack of window screens. It is also advised to bring sufficient firewood and additional lighting...
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Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate colder months can be challenging due to extreme temperatures and windy conditions. Summer months likely offer more favorable weather for stargazing and hiking.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We love it. The view is amazing. The Cabin is rustic.' 2. 'Went in the beginning of October so it was a bit cold (and very windy) but the wood stove kept us feeling toasty.' 3. 'Despite these...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically mention campsite 001 and its location within AREA DRAKE PEAK LOOKOUT. This site was highlighted for its scenic views but also noted issues with maintenance such as broken cots.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at Drake Peak Lookout, but no specific reviews or experiences related to pets were provided.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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