Deadwood Reservoir

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Today we will be traveling to the Deadwood Lookout and then to four campgrounds at Deadwood Reservoir. All of the facilities are available by reservation at: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. We will travel north from Boise, Idaho along State Highway 55, about 35 miles to Banks. Turning right (east) on State Highway 17, we proceed 25 miles to the junction with Forest Road 555. We will continue 9 miles on that road to the junction with the Forest Service Road 555EC where we will travel 3 more miles to the Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin. Be advised that Forest Road 555 is very steep and rough and not recommended for low clearance vehicles or pulling a trailer. The alternate route is State Highway 21 to Lowman and then on Forest Service Road 579. This route is the definite choice for those with low clearance vehicles or pulling trailers. The Deadwood Lookout is a very unique place to visit. This historic former Forest Service fire lookout was active until 1972 to report wildfires. Located on the top of Deadwood Mountain at 8200 feet, the Lookout offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding forest, opportunities to spot wildlife and plenty of hiking on nearby trails. There are gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and guests can view an amazing canopy of stars at night. The 14 x14 foot room has two single beds with mattresses. There is a wood stove for heating and cooking, and a vault toilet nearby. There is no water, electricity or firewood. Guests must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Bedding, pillows, cookware, and kitchen utensils are not provided so it is important to bring what you will need to enjoy your stay. Pets are allowed. The Lookout is generally open from June through mid-October and is one of the most popular rental cabins in Idaho. With your reservation be sure to call the Emmett Ranger District four days prior to your arrival to get the cabin lock combination - 208-365-7000 "The Deadwood Lookout, you can't get any higher up on top of the world towards heaven and earth. You'll never find anything more quiet in the world. Between the scenery and the wildlife, and everything -- it's surreal. Every time we come up here, you forget how beautiful it was." Visitors are encouraged to inquire about road conditions. In late spring, the road is often blocked due to drifts. After visiting the Lookout, we travel 26 miles north on Forest Road 555, to Deadwood Reservoir. The scenic, 3,000-acre Deadwood reservoir is a delight for hikers, campers, anglers, and boaters. Cutthroat trout and rainbow trout are frequently caught along with Atlantic Chinook and Kokanee salmon. Idaho's state record for Atlantic salmon was set at the reservoir in 1995 when a thirteen pound, four ounce whopper was caught. The four campgrounds are situated along the southeast, northeast and north sides of the reservoir. At an elevation of 5,300 feet, many sites are located near the water and most sites offer views of the water. There is one boat ramp at the largest campground, Cozy Cove. Each campground is equipped with tables, grills, fire pits and hand pumped drinking water. The campgrounds have accessible swimming areas, trails and vault toilets. The roads and parking spurs within the sites are dirt. Depending on snow levels, the campgrounds generally open near Memorial Day. Contact the Lowman Ranger District at 208-259-3361 for information about off season camping and occasional first-come first served sites. The Lowman Ranger District is the most accurate contact for road conditions. Our first campground stop is Cozy Cove Campground located on the southeast shore of the reservoir. The 16 sites are located on a bluff that overlooks the reservoir providing everyone with lake views. Cozy Cove offers the only boat ramp on the reservoir. If you feel like taking a break from fishing, there are many trails nearby for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle riding. Continuing northeast along the reservoir for two miles we arrive at our next stop -- Hower's Campground. It has 10 waterfront sites and direct shoreline access. There is no shortage of opportunities to relax by the reservoir or by a campfire at night. Barney's Campground has 8 sites and is just a stone's throw to the north of Hower's Campground. There is a beach area for swimming. All the sites have great views of the reservoir. In the summer there are abundant wildflowers and plenty of opportunities to gather huckleberries. Our last stop is River Side Campground. It is unique due to its location along the Deadwood River and it offers river access and beach access. In late summer, salmon can be seen swimming up river. All of the facilities are available by reservation at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.