Camping Alternatives: Rent a Fire Lookout Tower

If you are looking for a unique outdoor experience and do not mind packing your own gear, try renting a fire lookout tower. Lookout towers are a great alternative to traditional tent or RV camping because you are immediately immersed in the outdoors in a quiet and private location.

Fire lookout towers are available to rent throughout the year in many states. Some lookout towers are not available to rent during the summer months as they are still working stations for the forest service. However, many states do have retired towers that are available for rent during the summer. In winter, most lookout towers are available to rent but may require snowmobiles to access them.

Fire lookout towers provide you with an outstanding opportunity to be close to nature. As lookout towers are private facilities, you will not have to endure loud or obnoxious campground neighbors. Lookouts are often located on private roads with barred access. You can only obtain proper access if you reserve the facility. This access ensures that your outdoor adventure will be truly private.

How to Rent a FireLookout Tower

1. Go to the recreation.gov website.

2. Choose cabins or lookouts from the 'Looking for' pull-down menu on the left under the "Find Sites" sidebar.

3. Choose your state in the State field pull-down menu.

4. Leave the Park of Facility name field blank unless you know the name of the lookout that you want to rent.

5. Choose specific camping dates to search.

6. View the results and reserve your tower!

What to Expect on a Fire Lookout Tower Vacation

Lookout towers are not luxurious destinations so be prepared for primitive accommodations. Most lookout towers do not have showers, flush toilets or running water. You will need to carry water for all your cooking, cleaning, and personal grooming needs.

Many towers do contain simple furnishings including a mattress, propane camp stove, desk, chairs, and, if you are lucky, a propane refrigerator.

Be prepared to climb steep stairs to get to your lookout tower. Most towers are perched high on top of platforms to enable forest service personnel to detect forest fires. A few lookouts are on lower platforms. If you are afraid of heights, you may want to rent a ground level tower if you can find one in your state.

Lookout towers are usually small square or rectangle buildings with windows for walls. The windows do not typically have coverings. However, you will have privacy because there are no other people nearby. You can experience magnificent sunrises and sunsets from your vantage point on the catwalk of a high fire tower. You can teach your children about constellations as there are no city lights to dim the spectacular stars above. If you have never seen the Milky Way galaxy stretch across a nighttime summer sky, then you are in for a real treat!

What to Bring to a Fire Lookout Tower

As previously mentioned, bring water. Your tower may be many miles or hours from the nearest store. Other items to carry include typical camping gear such as:

food

bedding

first aid kit

cell phone

map

binoculars

camera

cooking utensils

light source (propane or battery powered)

toilet paper (in case the pit toilet is out or there is no pit toilet)

activities for kids

sturdy hiking boots or shoes

clothing

In most cases, dogs are allowed at fire lookout towers. When you make your reservation, check the facility's rules and regulations. Remember to bring water, food, and a bed for your dog.

Fire lookout towers are fun for the whole family. If you enjoy nature and want a break from traditional camping, try a lookout experience for an unforgettable vacation.

Sources:
personal experience
Recreation.gov