Snow Camp Lookout

Star4.17
16 reviews
29279 Ellensburg Avenue, Gold Beach, OR, 97415, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

4,223 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 13 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gold Beach Ranger District 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
Snow Camp Lookout
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservations for the cabin during peak season (June 13 to September 30) are $65 per night. Rates do not reflect additional fees, discounts, or taxes.
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
541-247-3600
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 16 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews highlight the lookout’s stunning views, unique cabin experience, and opportunities for activities like stargazing and wildlife viewing. However, they note issues such as strong winds and a poorly maintained pit toilet."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

29279 Ellensburg Avenue, Gold Beach, OR, 97415, USA

Snow Camp Lookout

29279 Ellensburg Avenue, Gold Beach, OR, 97415, USA

Driving directionsFrom Portland take I-5 South to OR-38 East to US-101 South to Gold Beach. From US-101 in Gold Beach, turn onto Jerry’s Flat Road. In 9.8 miles, this becomes Forest Road (FS) 33. Continue on FS-33 for an additional 3.2 miles, then turn right onto FS-3313. In 8.2 miles, turn left on FS-3680. Continue on FS-3680 for 6.7 miles to the lookout site. Although visitors can drive to within sight of the lookout, the 200-yard hike to the summit can be strenuous when carrying gear. A wheelbarrow is provided for convenience. Snow Camp lookout is currently inaccessible from the south due to the Chetco Bar Fire closure area.
Road access can be challenging as the final 200 yards to the lookout can only be reached by foot (administrative traffic is allowed). While visitors can drive close, the steep terrain may require higher clearance vehicles, as noted by user reviews. "The hill is steep but drivable if you’re confident and your vehicle is higher clearance," wrote reviewer Kimberly S.
Nearby places
Gold Beach (approx. 28 miles, 45 minutes), Brookings (approx. 35 miles, 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Gold Beach, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Snow Camp Lookout

Mountain weather here tells its own dramatic story, with misty mornings giving way to crystalline afternoons when visibility seems infinite. While winter brings occasional dustings of snow and winds that whisper tales at up to 38 mph, the most magical moments arrive during those perfect weeks when cloud cover retreats, revealing star-filled skies that make you feel like you're camping on the edge of the world. Come prepared for nature's full spectrum – from gentle rains that nourish the recovering forest to those crisp, clear days that reward early risers with unforgettable sunrises.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and peak June 13–Sept 30; summer offers best access though winds and cloud can affect views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Site closes Sept 30 so early fall usable; late fall largely closed and weather worsens.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until June 13; spring access limited/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Officially closed outside June 13–Sept 30; winter visitation not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 13 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 13 to September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Access is currently restricted from the south due to the Chetco Bar Fire closure area.

About Snow Camp Lookout

Perched atop Snow Camp Mountain, this remarkable lookout tower invites adventurers to sleep among the clouds at 4,223 feet. Rising from the ashes of the devastating 2002 Biscuit Fire, the reconstructed lookout stands as a testament to nature's resilience and offers visitors an extraordinary overnight experience with 360-degree views that stretch from forested peaks to the distant Pacific horizon.
Snow Camp Lookout offers a single lodging accommodation in the form of a renovated fire lookout cabin.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit to this campground.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Snow Camp Lookout provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. It is known for its historic trail system and stunning panoramic views.
HikingThe Snow Camp Trail is one of the oldest in the Forest and provides access to Windy Valley, a pristine mountain meadow with a small crystal-clear creek.
BikingMountain biking is popular near the lookout, with trails offering scenic views and moderate difficulty.
Wildlife viewingGuests frequently see deer and bear signs, along with occasional elk signs. "We saw one doe up there, lots of bear sign, and a smidge of elk sign."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include steep terrain requiring higher clearance vehicles and signs of bear activity. The effects of past fires (2002 Biscuit Fire, 2017 Chetco Bar Fire) still impact the area.
Active AlertsAccess is currently restricted from the south due to the Chetco Bar Fire closure area.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Snow Camp Lookout

Reviews

4.2
16 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Snow Camp Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the lookout’s stunning views, unique cabin experience, and opportunities for activities like stargazing and wildlife viewing. However, they note issues such as strong winds and a poorly maintained pit toilet.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the panoramic views, solitude, and historic significance of the site. The wood-burning stove and cabin furnishings are also praised.
Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the poorly maintained pit toilet, strong winds causing discomfort, and the cabin door needing a deadbolt to stay closed.
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing a full-sized fitted sheet for the mattress, downloading maps before arrival due to inconsistent signage, and preparing short wood pieces for the stove.
Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews note strong winds and occasional cloud cover obscuring the views. Winter data suggests cold temperatures and high precipitation chances, which could affect usability.
Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The port-o-potty was horrific when we went, but I’ve heard rumors that it’s been recently cleaned." "At first the lookout was awesome, and we had no wind. But once nightfall hit, the wind never...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews mention campsite C1 in AREA SNOW CAMP LOOKOUT, with mixed experiences regarding weather and amenities.
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews note that while visitors can drive close to the site, the final 200-yard hike uphill can be strenuous, especially when carrying gear.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the lookout, and reviews do not mention significant issues related to bringing pets.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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