Arid Peak Lookout
Arid Peak Lookout is a national forest campground in Idaho. Hookups: no hookups.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- Idaho
- Coordinates
- 47.35889, -115.76528
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Activities
- Biking, Camping, Hiking
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 208-245-4517
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Arid Peak Lookout
Overview Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to help detect fires that may have been sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years before being renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Forest Service. Arid Peak Lookout was restored to its original splendor in 1997 and is available for rent to the public. The lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts and provides epic 360 degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Access to the cabin requires a moderately-steep 3 mile hike and availability is dependent on weather conditions. Recreation The Hiawatha Bicycle Trail is considered the "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail mountain biking trails as it zips across seven trestles and through 10 tunnels in the magnificent Bitterroot Mountains. The trail can be accessed just over 10 miles from the lookout. The lookout offers access to the Arid Peak Trail #173, Mozier Peak Trail #174, and Kyle Creek Trail #175. All three trails are great for day-hiking, but can also be explored over longer backpacking treks or on horseback. Facilities The cabin fits up to four guests. Furnishings include two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, a propane lantern, propane camp stove, water containers, a table with two chairs and a wood stove. An outhouse is located outside the tower. No water is available so guests must bring their own or boil and treat stream water. Pr
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- Bureau of Land Management · 16 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 132 designated routes (561 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 174 Trailhead | National forest camping area | 1.3 mi | — | — |
| Bullion Trailhead | National forest camping area | 1.3 mi | — | — |
| Loop Creek | National forest camping area | 2.5 mi | — | — |
| Rd 326 Mi 2.1 Site C | National forest camping area | 3.2 mi | — | — |
| Rd 326 Mi 2.1 Site A | National forest camping area | 3.2 mi | — | — |
| Drd-Como550Rd-006 | National forest camping area | 3.9 mi | — | — |
Open Arid Peak Lookout in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.