Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

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

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

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.  

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Currently open - Jun 19 to Sep 26

Campground Amenities

Views and Setting

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01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
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Reviews (17)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.4
17 reviews
5
76.5%
13
4
11.8%
2
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
11.8%
2

Jonathan M

Verified

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

4

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

Bruce H

Verified

July 15, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

5

Great sunset and sunrise. Fantastic views.

LUCAS J

Verified

July 19, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

5

Such an amazing place!! You are very lucky if you get to stay here.

Joe M

Verified

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

4

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.

MARK B

Verified

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

5

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 miles, 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.

Ali S

Verified

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

5

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.

Ezra S

Verified

August 11, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: DEADWOOD LOOKOUT REC CABIN

5

Great place to relax and unwind. Usually very peaceful there.

Location Deadwood Lookout Rec Cabin

Address:
Emmett Ranger District Office
Emmett, ID, 83617
United States

Highway access

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

Elevation: 2028 feet

Distance to downtown

71 mi drive to downtown Emmett (about 1 hr 59 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 8, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service