Shorty Peak Lookout
Idaho Panhandle National Forests — riverside
Location: BONNERS FERRY, ID, ID
Price: From $45 per night
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (22 reviews)
Season: May through October
Shorty Peak Lookout, 45 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, sits atop Shorty Peak with views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The rustic dwelling was once used to patrol forest fires, and is now a unique way for overnight guests to escape the city and become enthralled with 360 degree views of area’s magnificence. Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5 mile hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, Electric Hookups
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/shorty-peak-lookout to be notified when sites open up.
Shorty Peak Lookout offers a unique overnight experience atop a historic fire lookout with 360-degree views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. Campers report a challenging but rewarding 2.5-mile hike with well-groomed trails and magnificent vistas.
Wildlife alert: Gray wolves and golden-mantled ground squirrels present in area. Also watch for spruce grouse, pine grosbeaks, chestnut-backed chickadees, and yellow-rumped warblers.
Insider tips for Shorty Peak Lookout: Book early as this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site Prepare for significant mosquito activity at the trailhead and along the trail Be ready for variable weather including rain and sleet even during season
Skip Shorty Peak Lookout if: You cannot handle a moderate to steep 2.5-mile hike with 1,300 feet elevation gain. You need RV hookups or electric hookups. You are not prepared for high mosquito populations.
Best time to visit Shorty Peak Lookout: May-October — Campground operates seasonally during these months only.
Nearby campgrounds: Beaver Creek (Idaho) (Nordman, ID), Reeder Bay (Priest Lake, ID), Snyder Guard Station (Id) (Bonners Ferry, ID), Deer Ridge Lookout (BONNERS FERRY, ID).
Cell Phone Coverage at Shorty Peak Lookout
Cell signal at Shorty Peak Lookout (BONNERS FERRY, 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.
Shorty Peak Lookout, 45 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, sits atop Shorty Peak with views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The rustic dwelling was once used to patrol forest fires, and is now a unique way for overnight guests to escape the city and become enthralled with 360 degree views of area’s magnificence. Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5 mile hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain.
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 as this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site
Prepare for significant mosquito activity at the trailhead and along the trail
Be ready for variable weather including rain and sleet even during season
Campground operates seasonally during these months only
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 the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station: Take Highway 95 north for 17 miles. Turn left onto Highway 1 and head north for 2 miles. Turn left onto Copeland Road and head west for 4 miles. Stay right at the T junction and continue north on Westside Road for 9 miles. Stay to the left around the switchback, onto Forest Road 281, then drive west for 8 miles. Turn right on Road 655 and drive west 1.5 miles. Stay right again at the switchback, heading east 1 mile on Rd 282. Go straight at the next junctio
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 Shorty Peak Lookout cost per night?+
What season is Shorty Peak Lookout open?+
Does Shorty Peak Lookout have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Shorty Peak Lookout?+
How do I make reservations at Shorty Peak Lookout?+
What is the cell service like at Shorty Peak Lookout?+
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●Data sources on this page
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