OutReserve

Surveyors Lookout

Hc Box 1, 34 Hoyt Drive, Avery, Idaho, United States

About Surveyors Lookout

Located near the Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area Attractions, Surveyors Lookout is perched atop a 30 foot tower, providing phenomenal views of Snow Peak and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is listed on the National Historic Register for Lookouts and offers visitors a unique camping experience in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The original pole structure lookout was built in 1931 as part of a network of lookouts used to spot fires in the Upper St. Joe Country. The original lookout was replaced with the current treated timber structure in 1964. Access to the lookout is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, and is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Road may be slick when wet.

Number of accommodations: 1

Campground Amenities

Views and Setting

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001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

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Site Details

Up to 4 guests
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Reviews (14)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Surveyors Lookout is praised for its beautiful remote location and stunning natural surroundings, including abundant huckleberries and impressive northern lights. However, many guests report significant issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and facilities, such as a non-functional combination lock, mouse infestations, and a leaking roof. Overall, while the lookout has potential, it requires considerable attention and care to improve the guest experience.

Review Summary

3.4
14 reviews
5
21.4%
3
4
35.7%
5
3
21.4%
3
2
7.1%
1
1
14.3%
2

Joshua S

Verified

August 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

5

This lookout location is amazing! Beautiful views with not one light in sight. This lookout is quite a haul to get up to it but worth the drive. It was reported in the log book that there has been a nuisance black bear in the area that did some damage to the cabin, pit toilet and guest coolers but we were bear free for our trip. Last section getting to the lookout was a bit rough so a good clearance vehicle is suggested. The huckleberries are everywhere around the cabin.

Brian L

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

4

Long way in but worth every minute

Morgan R

Verified

January 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

3

Great experience for our family every year! It's best to try and book this site during a new moon.

Karen G

Verified

December 19, 2019 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

4

It's a long, long trip to get there, but it's wonderfully isolated. A bear got in my car, which was scary but made for a good story!

Location Surveyors Lookout

Address:
Hc Box 1, 34 Hoyt Drive
Avery, ID, 83802
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 46.9942 / -115.533

Map of Surveyors Lookout location at Avery, ID, United States
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Last updated: June 4, 2026

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