Arid Peak Lookout
Idaho Panhandle National Forests — riverside, hiking
Location: AVERY, ID, ID
Price: From $45 per night
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (23 reviews)
Season: May through October
Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to help detect fires that may have been sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years before being renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Arid Peak Lookout was restored to its original splendor in 1997 and is available for rent to the public.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/arid-peak-lookout to be notified when sites open up.
Historic 1934 fire lookout tower restored in 1997 and listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts, offering a unique camping experience with epic 360-degree views. Located in the scenic North Fork of the St. Joe River area with access to biking and hiking activities.
Wildlife alert: Moose present in the area — use standard wildlife precautions and store food properly.
Insider tips for Arid Peak Lookout: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site, so availability fills quickly Road #1997 is single-lane gravel with pull-outs; arrive during daylight to navigate the 3.5-mile approach safely Bring your own water and supplies — no hookups available and only 1 site means no amenities beyond fire rings and picnic tables
Skip Arid Peak Lookout if: You need hookups — no water, electric, or sewer available. You're visiting outside May-October — seasonal closure means the campground won't be open. You want privacy — there is only 1 tent site total.
Best time to visit Arid Peak Lookout: May-October — Campground operates seasonally during these months only. September-October — After peak summer camping season when federal campgrounds are less crowded, though still within operating season.
Nearby campgrounds: Shoshone Park Kitchen (SMELTERVILL, ID), Huckleberry Campground (COEUR D’ALENE, ID), Savenac West Cottage (SUPERIOR, MT), Up Up Lookout (SUPERIOR, MT).
Cell Phone Coverage at Arid Peak Lookout
Cell signal at Arid Peak Lookout (AVERY, ID): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to help detect fires that may have been sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years before being renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Arid Peak Lookout was restored to its original splendor in 1997 and is available for rent to the public.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site, so availability fills quickly
Road #1997 is single-lane gravel with pull-outs; arrive during daylight to navigate the 3.5-mile approach safely
Bring your own water and supplies
no hookups available and only 1 site means no amenities beyond fire rings and picnic tables
Campground operates seasonally during these months only
After peak summer camping season when federal campgrounds are less crowded, though still within operating season
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
From Avery, turn left and head north up the North Fork of the St. Joe River Road #456 toward Wallace. Travel about 4.5 miles, then turn left down the hill just before the bridge across the river. You will then be on Road #1997, which is a single lane gravel road with pull outs. Drive about 3.5 miles and turn left on the first road (also labeled Road No. 1997). Travel 6.5 miles to Trailhead #175. A turn-around is just past the trailhead before the gate. Do not block the turnaround or the gate. Pa
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Idaho Panhandle National Forests fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Idaho Panhandle National Forests before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Arid Peak Lookout cost per night?+
What season is Arid Peak Lookout open?+
Does Arid Peak Lookout have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Arid Peak Lookout?+
How do I make reservations at Arid Peak Lookout?+
What is the cell service like at Arid Peak Lookout?+
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●Data sources on this page
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