Deer Ridge Lookout in ID -- Campground & RV Camping

Set on a 40-foot timber frame atop Deer Ridge at 4,755 feet, this 14x14 lookout tower overlooks the Purcell Mountains and Moyie River Valley. Accessible via a steep staircase and trapdoor, the cabin sleeps two with twin beds, chairs, a table, and a dresser. An outdoor pit toilet sits 50 yards away. There is no running water, electricity, or indoor cooking allowed; campers must bring drinking water, bedding, supplies, and outdoor cooking equipment. Hiking trails lead along Deer and Ruby ridges, with fly fishing for trout on the nearby Moyie River.

Getting there: Take Highway 95/2 north from the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station for 5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 2 and head east for 2 miles. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road and head north and east for 10 miles to the bridge over the Moyie River. Turn right onto Road 2541 (Placer Creek Road) and go east 1.5 miles. Next, drive north on Road 2540 for 6 miles until the road ends at Deer Ridge Lookout.

• Well separated here, a single-site campground with the nearest through road 0.6 miles off.
• Flat ground is scarce: under a tenth of the terrain within a few hundred yards is level.
• Keno Mountain stands 1,866 ft above the map pin, 3.0 miles east.
• Cabins and shelters rather than pads.
• Faro Creek runs 0.7 mi off.

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