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Hard to BookNational Forest

Lookout Butte Lookout

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho

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As of October 2026, Lookout Butte Lookout is a campground in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho with 1 campsite. Lookout Butte Lookout is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Lookout Butte Lookout is located at 45.4893° N, 115.8746° W.

people allowed on each site: 4

Lookout Butte Lookout reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Reservations close: 4 day(s) prior to arrival

Published by Recreation.gov for Lookout Butte Lookout, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Lookout Butte Lookout

LB1

Standard 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: hiking, wildlife, climbing, photography, offroad.

All sites at Lookout Butte Lookout, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the LOOKOUT BUTTE LOOKOUT loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
LB1	Standard	4

About Lookout Butte Lookout

Overview

Lookout Butte has a history that spans nearly 80 years and has been home to three lookout towers. The first, built in 1923, was 45 feet tall with just a platform on which to stand. A cabin was put on the tower a couple years later. In 1935, a 50-foot tower was constructed. A new tower was built beside the old one in 1962, and this is currently available for rent.

The current 60-foot wooden tower offers panoramic views and the perfect setting for enjoying the area's tranquility and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy the scenery from the exterior catwalk or from inside the single-room cabin.

Recreation

Several primitive roads in the area are open to mountain biking and off-road vehicles. Other activities in the area include hiking through second-growth forest and birding.

Facilities

The lookout has room for up to four people and comes with two twin beds with foam mattresses and two cots. Other amenities include a propane stove and oven, a table and chairs, a broom, a bucket and a mop.

A pit toilet sits downhill to the south of the lookout, and there's a campfire ring near the base. Guests should be prepared to haul supplies up five flights of stairs.

Guests are required to bring their own drinking water. Other recommended supplies include food, sleeping bags or bedding, coolers, cookware and utensils, dishes, warm clothing and rain gear, flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit, matches, toilet paper, garbage bags and the combination for the lookout and gate. Click here for more information about this lookout.

Natural Features

The lookout sits at 5,869 feet in elevation with breathtaking views of the Selway Crags in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, the Seven Devils Mountain Range, Coolwater Ridge, Pilot Knob Lookout and the Lochsa and Selway River drainages.

Nearby Attractions

Guests can take a sightseeing drive from Lowell to Selway Falls and back. This 42-mile drive offers opportunities to appreciate the pristine beauty of the Selway River, a Wild and Scenic River, as well as picturesque Selway Falls.

Rules and notices at Lookout Butte Lookout

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Lookout Butte Lookout on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Guests will recieve lock combination in confirmation email after reservation is complete, make sure to have this with you before going to the lookout as cell service is not reliable

Guests are discouraged from bringing small children due to the dangers that exist on towers of this height; use caution with pets

Access to lookout requires a vehicle with high ground clearance for the last half mile; trailers are not recommended

Most lookouts have occasional visits from Forest Service employees or members of the public who want to look at the views from the catwalk or use the pit toilet; the public is allowed at this site.

Be sure to lock the cabin if you leave for the day.

Cell phone coverage is unreliable.

This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility.

No livestock allowed at the lookout site.

Please stay inside cabin during lightning activity or high winds.

Click here for more information about Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Lookout Butte Lookout FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Lookout Butte Lookout?

Lookout Butte Lookout is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Lookout Butte Lookout?

Cancellations happen frequently at Lookout Butte Lookout, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Lookout Butte Lookout have?

Lookout Butte Lookout has 1 campsites.