How much does camping cost at Tyee Lookout?

Camping fees at Tyee Lookout are $95/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tyee Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Tyee 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 Tyee Lookout before I book?

Yes! Tyee Lookout has 9 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 Tyee Lookout?

Tyee Lookout is open June 16 to October 15. 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 Tyee Lookout?

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

Is there cell service at Tyee Lookout?

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

How many campsites does Tyee Lookout have?

Tyee 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 Tyee Lookout?

Pets are not allowed at Tyee Lookout. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Tyee Lookout

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tyee Lookout?

Fire policies at Tyee Lookout: Access to the lookout requires a four-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle. Not a grocery getter, the road is very rough and has two ledges to negotiate. Good tires are a must for any rig driving the 5713 road. Entry to the cabin is by a combination lock. The combination to the padlock is provided in the reservation confirmation letter and in your recreation.gov account. Tyee Lookout has a minimum 2-night stay due to the remoteness and road condition. No pets or any animals are allowed in the faci. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

18 reviews

Entiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA, 98822

Top 23% in WASummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Washington

Quick Facts

6,654 ft

Price

$95/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 16th ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on TREAD Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,654 ft

Price

$95/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 16th ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on TREAD Official Website

Get Directions

Tyee Lookout

$95.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tyee Lookout: $95.00. 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

509-784-4700contact@tread-cw.org

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Entiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA, 98822

Tyee Lookout

Entiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA, 98822

Nearby places

Entiat (approximately 17 miles, about a 35-minute drive)

Driving directionsFrom the junction of Entiat River Road and 97A, drive 10.1 miles on the Entiat River Road. Turn left on county road 119A and cross the Entiat River. Drive 2.1 miles to the junction of FS road 5700 and FS road 5800; continue straight on FS road 5700. The road becomes a single-lane paved road with steep sections gaining elevation to the ridge. Drive 13.9 miles to the junction of 5700 and 5713; there is no sign, so monitor your odometer. Turn right on the 5713; park at the 0.6-mile mark if you lack a high-clearance vehicle. The final 3.6 miles to the lookout require a high-clearance vehicle and good tires.

Weather at Tyee Lookout

Current alert: Please contact Discover Entiat at 509-860-4267 if there are any issues with the lookout.

Best Time to Camp at Tyee Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most reliable weather: expect daytime highs around the 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C), steady mountain breezes, and long daylight for hiking and photography. Trails and the lookout road are usually free of snow from mid-June through September, so hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and star‑filled evenings are at their peak. Crowds are generally light to moderate compared with lower‑elevation recreation hubs Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Open June 16–Oct 15; summer gives clearest access, best weather and prime stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 16 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 16th to October 15th.

About Tyee Lookout

Tyee Lookout sits in the mid-elevation forests of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Entiat, offering a rare chance to rent a historic fire lookout tower. Operated by TREAD, the site includes a primitive cabin with sweeping mountain views and picnic tables. Guests come for stargazing, sunrise photography, and the solitude of a working lookout perch.

The Tyee Lookout offers a single unique camping option: a stay in the historic fire lookout cabin, which is rustic and designed for primitive lodging. RV, tent, and group camping are not supported due to the site layout and access restrictions.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most reliable weather: expect daytime highs around the 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C), steady mountain breezes, and long daylight for hiking and photography. Trails and the lookout road are usually free of snow from mid-June through September, so hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and star‑filled evenings are at their peak. Crowds are generally light to moderate compared with lower‑elevation recreation hubs Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6654 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout crowns a landscape of weathered granite formations, rocky outcrops, and boulder fields shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity and erosion. Whitebark pines, twisted by wind and adapted to high-elevation survival, dot the harsh terrain around the cabin. Views sweep across jagged wilderness peaks, alpine meadows, and distant plateaus. The rocky ground immediately surrounding the tower creates a moon-like setting, and raptors often ride thermals below the lookout platform.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe only lodging available is the 16x16 cabin lookout itself, which sleeps up to four individuals on provided mattresses. No additional accommodations are available within the site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the Tyee Lookout.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at this location. The site is designed for a maximum of four individuals staying in the lookout cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe rough access road and rocky, uneven terrain make this site inaccessible for individuals with mobility challenges. The steep drop-offs and lack of developed pathways further contribute to the difficulty of access.

Site SizeThe cabin is 16x16 feet in size, designed to sleep a maximum of four individuals.

PrivacyThe Tyee Lookout offers seclusion in a highly remote location. However, occasional visitors may arrive during the day to enjoy the views, particularly on weekends.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests are advised to bring bug spray, warm clothing, and telescope for stargazing. Maintaining high-clearance vehicles with good tires is essential.

Best CampsitesThe Tyee Lookout is the only site. It's a 16x16-foot cabin that sleeps up to four people. Reviews mention well-maintained interiors and unbeatable sunrise and sunset views, but note that the solar-powered LED lights and USB ports don't always function reliably. Bring a flashlight and expect ladybugs and mosquitoes depending on the season.

Need help booking Tyee 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

Tyee Lookout has a minimum 2-night stay due to the remoteness and road condition. No pets or any animals are allowed in the facility. No smoking in or around the lookout. No campfires. No tent, trailer of RV camping at the site, nor does the road allow for most campers.

Picnic tables

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Tyee Lookout

Activities at the Tyee Lookout focus on outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural surroundings. Hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and star gazing are popular options. The adjacent Tyee Ridge and Billy Ridge trails make this an excellent stop for trail enthusiasts. Other visitors have enjoyed birding, hunting, and geocaching. The area offers stunning views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Stormy Mountain, and Waterville Plateau, making it ideal for photography and peaceful relaxation.

Hiking4.0/5

Tyee Ridge and Billy Ridge trails are adjacent and accessible from the site.

Biking4.0/5Top 9% in Washington

Area supports mountain biking and dirt biking; nearby trails provide challenging routes.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Sunrise/sunset vistas, 360° views and dark skies make it a top photography destination.

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 Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available. A portable toilet is provided 30 yards from the lookout for solid waste only, shielded by a three-sided privacy screen. Guests are instructed to urinate away from the facility to prevent odors.

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.

Fire PolicyAccess to the lookout requires a four-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle. Not a grocery getter, the road is very rough and has two ledges to negotiate. Good tires are a must for any rig driving the 5713 road. Entry to the cabin is by a combination lock. The combination to the padlock is provided in the reservation confirmation letter and in your recreation.gov account. Tyee Lookout has a minimum 2-night stay due to the remoteness and road condition. No pets or any animals are allowed in the faci

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack-out all trash and dispose of it at the Entiat Ranger District dumpster. No on-site trash or recycling facilities are provided.

Cell CoverageUsers have reported strong cell phone service at the Tyee Lookout, including 5G on Verizon and good LTE speeds on AT&T hotspots. This is a rare feature for such a remote site and was appreciated by visitors.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

18 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews describe the Tyee Lookout as a remote and rugged experience with breathtaking views and tranquility. Common praises include the stunning sunrises and sunsets, starry skies, and unique opportunity to stay in a fire lookout. Challenges noted include the extremely rough access road, lack of modern amenities, and exposure to the elements.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the peaceful surroundings, well-maintained cabin, breathtaking views, and the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout tower. Visitors also praise the stargazing,...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the rough access road, which some described as highly challenging and requiring an all-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance. Some guests also noted issues with insects,...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several users describe the Tyee Lookout as well-maintained and clean, with some noting the guest book and cleaning supplies provided as nice touches. Certain visitors mentioned specific issues, such...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing a high-clearance all-wheel-drive vehicle for the access road, warm clothing for colder weather, bug spray due to mosquitoes and ladybugs, and a flashlight or alternative...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, visitors appreciate the clear roads, breathtaking views, and starry nights. In colder seasons, challenges such as wind, low temperatures, and the lack of heating are more...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Lookout stay was amazing. So quiet, and so many stars." (ALEXEI E.) "The sunsets, stargazing, and sunrises were stunning!" (KELLIE R.) "The road is not for first-timers... Bring your AWD vehicle...

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

The rough access road and uneven terrain make this site difficult for individuals with mobility impairments. The steep drop-offs and rocky environment further add to accessibility challenges.

Based on 18 reviews