Deadwood lookout cabin
DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN-exterior
Inside DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN
DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN-interior
DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN views

About Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin is a historic Forest Service fire lookout on Deadwood Mountain. The structure provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding forest, making this a unique place to overnight. At least two other lookouts have existed previously on Deadwood Mountain, but the current one was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was actively used as a fire lookout until 1972. It has since become one of the most popular rental cabins in Idaho. The peak season is late June through mid-October. Guests can drive to the cabin, but high clearance vehicles are recommended for the dirt access road because it is narrow, steep and winding. The cabin offers only a few basic amenities. Guests should be prepared to bring most of what they need to make themselves comfortable, but the views of the mountains by day and the stars at night guarantee a memorable and rewarding experience.  

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

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Campground Amenities

Views and Setting

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01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

🏠 Cabin
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
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Reviews

17 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin offers a peaceful and unique experience with stunning scenery, fantastic views, and a comfortable stay. Guests appreciated the well-maintained facilities and the welcoming camp host. While access can be challenging due to road conditions and occasional daytime visitors, the overall experience is highly praised, making it a desirable destination.

Based on guest feedback

4.4

Overall rating

Based on 17 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 76.5% (13)
4 stars 11.8% (2)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 11.8% (2)

Showing 17 reviews

Ali S

Verified

June 29, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

What an amazing experience. The lookout is well kept, the location and the scenery is stunning. We cooked and spent a lot of time around the fire ring, and the picnic table, so the lookout itself was mostly just for sleeping and keeping out of the rain the next morning. We did utilize the stove inside and was happy to find everything we needed to start the fire inside and ready to go. I cannot wait to return and will be trying to get a reservation next year.
We had a question on road construction and reached out to the camp host. He returned our call promptly and was a pleasure to work with and talk to. Overall a fantastic experience.

Helpful

MARK B

Verified

October 7, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

I hate to give this cabin a 5 star review because it is so hard to get a reservation already. There is something about being in a lookout that is like nowhere else. The only downsides for this one are the road, especially the last 3 mi, high clearance is needed and the daytime visitors who think nothing of either riding around the gate on their ATV's, UTV's and motorcycles or walking past the gate to visit you in your glass house.

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Joe M

Verified

July 24, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

Staying in a fire watchtower is a very unique experience really like the isolation and the views. Nighttime was very special with the stars and being able to see the Milky Way.

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Jonathan M

Verified

July 14, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

This mattress in this place is seriously incredibly comfortable! View is terrible though.

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Georgia H

Verified

July 8, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

So incredible! It was definitely nice to have a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle - not sure we would have made it up without it. Views are stunning and we had an incredible time.

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Marc G

Verified

September 25, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

Awesome experience, highly recommend. Drive was easy, dirt road not too rugged. had some visitors ignore the 'please respect the privacy of the occupants' sign and park n walk up... a little disrespectful but they didn't stay long. overall great time, will do again.

Helpful

Valerie C

Verified

September 10, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

Thank you for having such an amazing place tht can be rented. All the details were easy to follow. Rob, who is in charge of campground services was very helpful & provided us with all the info we needed for our stay. It was nice to have cleaning supplies provided to keep the place nice for everyone who goes there. The beauty & privacy was a special experience. We will go back again.
Thank you!!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Emmett Ranger District Office, Emmett, ID 83617 United States

Elevation: 2,028 ft

Getting There

From Boise, Idaho, take Highway 55 north about 35 mi to Banks, Idaho.

Turn right (east) on Banks-Lowman Road and proceed 25 mi to the

junction with Forest Road 555. Turn left (north) on Road 555 and proceed

9 mi to the junction of Forest Roads ...

Nearest town

Emmett, ID - 71 mi

About over 1 hr (119 min) to downtown

Highway access

Access to Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin is via Highway 55, which is approximately 35 miles south in Banks, Idaho.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Emmett, ID

Population: 8,275

Nearby city: Meridian, ID

Approx. 49 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 2,362 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service