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.

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Cougar Peak Lookout, Montana
Cougar Peak Lookout, Montana

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.

OAK FLAT LOOKOUT, CA
OAK FLAT LOOKOUT, CA

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.

Kathy Stafford
Kathy Stafford

Kathy Stafford is a writer, publisher and editor. She was a contributing author to "Sasha Cohen Fire on Ice". She has been a contributing editor to several publications including, "Discover Balboa Park: A Complete Guide". Kathy was publisher and editor of "Skating Sketches", reporting on figure skating worldwide, for over ten years. She was a credentialed journalist as a figure skating specialist for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. She has covered international skating events in Switzerland, France, Finland, England, Canada and the United States with published articles in Canada, Japan, and the United States. Although she never accepted an assignment, she was on the list of approved Lonely Planet authors for three years. She is currently combining her love of travel, and her background as a writer and editor, as a publisher and author of travel related journalism. In addition, she blogs about her search for her family roots at www.cherokeerootsblog.com.

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