Drake Peak Lookout
Fremont-Winema National Forest — lakeside, hiking
Location: LAKEVIEW, OR, OR
Price: From $40 per night
Rating: 3.9 out of 5 (14 reviews)
Season: May through October
Located on the crest of the Warner Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,222 feet, Drake Peak Lookout hugs the wind-swept land surrounding it, offering unparalleled views into Oregon, California and Nevada. The lookout was built in 1948 and has served as a fire detection site for the surrounding area. Historically, Forest Service personnel lived long seasons in the cabin, scanning the region for lightning, flames, curls of smoke or any other indicator of possible forest fires.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Firewood for Sale
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/drake-peak-lookout to be notified when sites open up.
Drake Peak Lookout sits at 8,222 feet on the Warner Mountain Range crest with unparalleled views into Oregon, California, and Nevada. Campers consistently praise it as an incredible spot for stargazing with minimal light pollution and peaceful solitude.
Wildlife alert: Mule Deer, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Northwestern American Badger, Clark's Nutcracker, Western Tanager, and garter snakes present in area
Insider tips for Drake Peak Lookout: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site and high demand This is a historic 1948 fire lookout cabin, not a traditional campground experience Star gazing is exceptional due to high elevation and remote location away from light pollution
Skip Drake Peak Lookout if: You need hookups — no water, electric, or sewer connections available. You prefer year-round access — seasonal operations May through October only. You want flexibility — single site means limited availability even when open.
Best time to visit Drake Peak Lookout: September-October — Verified camper reports indicate excellent experience in September with clear skies for star gazing before season closes in October.
Nearby campgrounds: Aspen Cabin (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or) (LAKEVIEW, OR), Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest) (Lakeview, OR), Dog Lake Campground (Lakeview, OR), Marsters Spring Campground (Paisley , OR).
Cell Phone Coverage at Drake Peak Lookout
Cell signal at Drake Peak Lookout (LAKEVIEW, OR): weak overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: AT&T.
- AT&T 4G LTE: 100% coverage
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.
Located on the crest of the Warner Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,222 feet, Drake Peak Lookout hugs the wind-swept land surrounding it, offering unparalleled views into Oregon, California and Nevada. The lookout was built in 1948 and has served as a fire detection site for the surrounding area. Historically, Forest Service personnel lived long seasons in the cabin, scanning the region for lightning, flames, curls of smoke or any other indicator of possible forest fires.
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 and high demand
This is a historic 1948 fire lookout cabin, not a traditional campground experience
Star gazing is exceptional due to high elevation and remote location away from light pollution
Verified camper reports indicate excellent experience in September with clear skies for star gazing before season closes in October
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: AT&T.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
From the Lakeview Ranger District Office, travel 6 miles north on Highway 395, and turn right on Highway 140. Take Highway 140 east for 8 miles, then turn left on Forest Road 3615. Continue on Forest Road 3615 for 7.5 miles and turn right on Forest Road 019. Follow Forest Road 019 for 5 miles to the lookout.
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 — Fremont-Winema National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Fremont-Winema National Forest 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 Drake Peak Lookout cost per night?+
What season is Drake Peak Lookout open?+
Does Drake Peak Lookout have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Drake Peak Lookout?+
How do I make reservations at Drake Peak Lookout?+
What is the cell service like at Drake Peak Lookout?+
What season is Drake Peak Lookout open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
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