How much does camping cost at Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Camping fees at Fivemile Butte Lookout are $85/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fivemile Butte Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Fivemile Butte Lookout 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fivemile Butte Lookout before I book?

Yes! Fivemile Butte Lookout has 11 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.

What is the best time to visit Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Fivemile Butte Lookout is open January 01 to December 31. 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.

Are there showers at Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Fivemile Butte Lookout does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Fire policies at Fivemile Butte Lookout: Firewood is provided for indoor use only.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Cell phone service at Fivemile Butte Lookout is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Fivemile Butte Lookout have?

Fivemile Butte Lookout has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fivemile Butte Lookout. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Fivemile Butte Lookout offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Fivemile Butte Lookout

4.40

61 reviews

RD4430-120 TURN LEFT, DUFUR, OR, 97021, USA

Top 15% in ORSummer

B-Report Card

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

4,627 ft

Price

$85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

During winter drivin...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Barlow Ranger District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,627 ft

Price

$85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

During winter drivin...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Barlow Ranger District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Fivemile Butte Lookout

$85.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $85.00. 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

541 467-2291

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

RD4430-120 TURN LEFT, DUFUR, OR, 97021, USA

Fivemile Butte Lookout

RD4430-120 TURN LEFT, DUFUR, OR, 97021, USA

Nearby places

Dufur (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)

Driving directionsFrom Dufur, Oregon, travel west on Valley Road for about 18 miles to the junction of Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430, at Billy Bob Sno-Park (the road may be plowed to the Sno-Park). Turn right on Forest Service Road 4430-120, then turn left and follow to the spur road 122. There is a gate that you will have to unlock (in winter months the gate is left open), then follow the 122 road to the end. The route is approximately 3 miles and is marked with orange and blue diamond-shaped blazes. This route is not plowed, signed, or patrolled. Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430 are closed from December 1 to April 1, prohibiting motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. During this period and depending on snow levels, visitors should park at Billy Bob Sno-Park and hike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 3 miles to the lookout.

Weather at Fivemile Butte Lookout

Current alerts(7)

Be prepared for extreme winter weather conditions; guests should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
Drinking water is not available at the tower
For current conditions, please call Barlow Ranger District office at 541-467-2291 or the Hood River Ranger District office at 541-352-6002. The office is staffed Monday thru Friday 8am-4:30pm.

Best Time to Camp at Fivemile Butte Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the clearest views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F. Trails and forest roads are generally snow-free from late June through September, so hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing from the tower are at their peak. Expect the busiest conditions in July–August (especially holidays), but weekday stays and the lookout rental’s remote perch still Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in OR

Summer is best season: reliable access, clear peak views, hiking, biking and horseback options.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: During winter driving conditions, from early fall to late spring, the lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 3 miles one way from a parking area at the Billy Bob Sno-Park. In the summer guests can drive directly to the lookout.

About Fivemile Butte Lookout

Fivemile Butte Lookout is a restored fire lookout tower in Mt. Hood National Forest operated by the Barlow Ranger District Office. Perched at mid-elevation near Dufur, the cabin offers sweeping views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier. Guests stay in the historic tower itself, with vault toilets on-site and firewood provided, making it a unique base for hiking and stargazing in the surrounding forest.

The camping experience is centered around a unique restored lookout cabin atop a tower, offering a secluded and memorable stay. It is suitable for small groups or individuals.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the clearest views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F. Trails and forest roads are generally snow-free from late June through September, so hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing from the tower are at their peak. Expect the busiest conditions in July–August (especially holidays), but weekday stays and the lookout rental’s remote perch still Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation4627 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout stands in old-growth Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forest. On clear days, three volcanic peaks stretch across the horizon: Mt. Hood dominates the western view, with Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier visible to the north. The surrounding forest hosts elk, black bears, cougars, and wild turkeys. Reviewers consistently mention the sunrise alpenglow on the peaks and wildlife sightings from the tower deck.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging consists of a restored lookout cabin atop a 40-foot tower. It features a small bed, propane cook stove, wood stove, solar lights, and basic furniture. The cabin provides space for an intimate camping experience but lacks modern facilities like running water.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 7 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to registered guests only due to tower size.

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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe lookout tower is accessed via steep stairs which may be challenging for mobility-challenged individuals. The pulley system for gear might offer some assistance but the site is not wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe cabin is small, measuring 14-by-14 feet.

PrivacyHigh privacy due to the secluded nature of the lookout tower.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra cooking utensils, toilet paper, and trash bags. Those with pets may face difficulties due to steep stairs.

Best CampsitesThe single 14-by-14-foot cabin comes with firewood, but guests recommend bringing extra cookware, utensils, candles, and slippers. The pulley system for hauling gear occasionally needs adjustment. Cell service works for Verizon and AT&T. Reviewers mention joining work meetings via hotspot from the tower.

Need help booking Fivemile Butte Lookout?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground facilities are unique due to its location in a restored lookout atop a 40-foot tower. Amenities include a small bed, wood stove for heating, propane cook stove, solar-powered lights, and basic furniture like a table and chairs. There is an outhouse with a vault toilet on the ground and a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available for ease in transporting gear and firewood. Guests must bring their own potable water, sleeping bags/bedding, flashlights or lanterns, first aid kits, towels, dish soap, and garbage bags. This is a 'Pack it in, Pack it out' facility, meaning guests need to carry out all trash and clean the facility before leaving. Additional supplies onsite include some cookware and utensils, but guests are recommended to bring their own.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Fivemile Butte Lookout

Fivemile Butte Lookout offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and taking in stunning mountain views of Hood, Adams, and Rainier. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity with sightings of wild turkeys, deer, elk, and bears.

Hiking4.0/5

Hiking is popular; Eightmile Trail offers old-growth forest, riparian areas and meadows with views.

Winter Activities3.5/5

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Panoramic volcanic peaks, old‑growth forest and dark skies yield excellent photo opportunities.

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

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

61 reviews

Recommended

Fivemile Butte Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the cabin's unique features, stunning views of Mt. Hood, Adams, and Rainier, and the adventure of accessing the site. Complaints are minimal with occasional mentions of needing better maintenance of certain features like the pulley system or solar lights.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

The standout features include the cabin's cleanliness, restoration, and the availability of firewood. Guests appreciated the breathtaking views and the cozy atmosphere inside the cabin. Wildlife...

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include difficulties with the pulley system for gear, steep stairs being challenging for pets or guests, and occasional lack of stocked items like toilet paper or seasoned firewood.

Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews for campsite 001 praise its privacy, cleanliness, and stunning mountain views. One user noted issues with the pulley system and solar lights but overall satisfaction.

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra toilet paper, paper towels, and garbage bags. Guests also recommend packing cookware and utensils, slippers, and candles for ambiance. Several reviewers highlight the importance of...

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the adventure and challenges of skiing or snowshoeing to the lookout. Spring and summer reviews focus on hiking and mountain biking activities, as well as enjoying clear...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Wow! Josh (a volunteer, I think) did such a phenomenal job restoring the woodwork on the interior of the cabin. It is stunning.' - Angelique L. 'The views were amazing!' - Jen L. 'Our stay in the...

Based on 61 reviews