Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests — hiking
Location: POTLATCH, ID, ID
Price: From $45 per night
Rating: 3.7 out of 5 (12 reviews)
Season: May through October
Bald Mountain Lookout offers the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views and participate in a variety of recreational opportunities. It was built in 1956 and was used as a fire lookout until 1984. Guests can drive to the lookout in vehicles with good ground clearance, but trailers are not recommended due to some rough spots on the road.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, Electric Hookups
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/bald-mountain-lookout-nez-perce-clearwater-national-forests-id to be notified when sites open up.
Bald Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout built in 1956 offering unforgettable views and access to diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The primitive accommodations provide a unique backcountry camping experience in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
Wildlife alert: Mountain lions present in area; also watch for garter snakes (Valley and Western Terrestrial species), hummingbirds, and various songbirds.
Insider tips for Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id): Vehicles with good ground clearance required; trailers not recommended due to rough road conditions. Book early as this is a federal campground with only 1 site. Historic 1956 fire lookout structure provides unique accommodation unavailable at typical campgrounds.
Skip Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) if: Towing a trailer—road has rough spots unsuitable for trailers.. Visiting outside early July to early October when lookout is typically closed.. Seeking sites with electrical hookups or modern amenities—accommodations are mostly primitive..
Best time to visit Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id): Early July - Early October — RIDB states lookout is typically open early July through early October; this differs from broader May-October season listing..
Nearby campgrounds: Shadowy St. Joe Campground (Saint Maries, ID), Elk Creek Campground (Clearwater Nf) (POTLATCH, ID), Huckleberry Campground (COEUR D’ALENE, ID), Dent Acres (OROFINO, ID).
Cell signal at Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) (POTLATCH, ID): moderate overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
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.



Bald Mountain Lookout offers the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views and participate in a variety of recreational opportunities. It was built in 1956 and was used as a fire lookout until 1984. Guests can drive to the lookout in vehicles with good ground clearance, but trailers are not recommended due to some rough spots on the road.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Vehicles with good ground clearance required; trailers not recommended due to rough road conditions.
Book early as this is a federal campground with only 1 site.
Historic 1956 fire lookout structure provides unique accommodation unavailable at typical campgrounds.
RIDB states lookout is typically open early July through early October; this differs from broader May-October season listing.
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: T-Mobile.









From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive 70 miles south on U.S. Highway 95 to State Highway 6. Turn left on State Highway 6, White Pine Scenic Byway, travel through Potlatch and continue on for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377, Palouse Divide Road. This is a single lane, dirt surface road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn on FR 377A and climb for 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. This last mile of road is rough a
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