Surveyors Lookout

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Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

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 (16)

What Guests Are Saying

Surveyors Lookout offers stunning views and a great location, making it a memorable spot for those who enjoy nature. Guests appreciated the clean environment upon arrival and the unique experience of staying in a rustic lookout. However, access issues and maintenance concerns, such as outdated appliances and cleanliness, detracted from the experience, with some suggesting that a tent might be a better option.

Review Summary

3.5
16 reviews
5
25.0%
4
4
31.3%
5
3
25.0%
4
2
6.3%
1
1
12.5%
2

Jennifer M

Verified

August 19, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

5

I feel conflicted posting about how amazing this was, as it will probably make it harder to book in the future, but - this was a surreal experience, I feel so lucky to have snagged two nights here. It IS a rough road getting up, so I would recommend a dedicated stay rather than a quick stop. Huckleberries, surreal sunsets, and a lil oven made for the perfect trip.

Erin C

Verified

September 12, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SURVEYORS LOOKOUT

5

Lovely experience, first lookout we have stayed in! The facilities were much cleaner and nicer than we anticipated. If you are visiting soon, consider donating a nice mop to help keep the floor clean? We found one night is too short of a stay to really relax unless you’re staying nearby. It’s a long slow drive in in a truck. Be prepared and follow forest service guidelines for food storage and bears. Lots of other visitors have reported bear trouble in the last few years in the log book. We didn’t see any signs of wildlife :)

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

Distance to downtown

56 mi drive to downtown Avery (about 2 hr 23 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 8, 2026

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