Unique Lodgings – National Forest Lookout Stations
Looking for unique lodgings, impressive scenery and outstanding vistas? Consider renting a fire lookout station from U.S. Forest Service for your next getaway.
The lookouts are a part of our national history. According to the forest service, during the 1940s there were more than 4,000 fire lookouts in National Forests in the United States. There are only 900 lookouts remaining with some of them actively staffed during fire season.
These small lookouts can be rented for $30-$50 per night in states across the western part of the U.S. Although rustic, most have a heat source, cooking utensils, table, chairs and beds. The forest service provides a complete list of available lookouts by state. From the list you can click on each listing for more information sometimes accompanied by a photo. Once you have selected a rental you can make reservations at recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance.
Be sure to ask what is provided and how large the space is before making your reservation.
