Open

Available for overnight rental through Recreation.gov. The lookout accommodates up to four people. Guests should expect primitive conditions with variable mountain weather including potential snow from fall through spring.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN MAY 21

Stage 1 fire restrictions for the Coconino National Forest are in effect as of 8 a.m. May 21, 2026.For more information about what fire restrictions entail on the Coconino National Forest, please visit the "Restrictions" page of our website.

Flagstaff-area camping and campfire restrictions in effect year-round

Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in effect for National Forest lands surrounding Flagstaff.

Kachina Village and Pumphouse Wash Camping and Campfire Restrictions

Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in effect for the Kachina Village and Pumphouse Wash area south of Flagstaff, between State Route 89A and Interstate 17, except within designated camping areas on Forest Road 237.

Banjo Bill Picnic Area Closure

The Banjo Bill Picnic Site is currently closed for public safety.

Lake Mary Restrictions in Effect

Camping, campfire and use prohibitions are in effect in the Lake Mary area.

C.C. Cragin Reservoir Vehicle and Swimming Prohibitions

Vehicle and swimming restrictions are in effect for the C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir.

Occupancy and Use Prohibition: San Francisco Peaks Alpine Tundra and Inner Basin Restrictions

Use restrictions are in effect for the San Francisco Peaks Inner Basin area.

14-Day Camping Limit in a Consecutive 30-Day Period

Coconino National Forest visitors are limited to a 14-day limit in any consecutive 30-day period.

West Sedona Camping and Campfire Restrictions

Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in effect for the area west of Sedona except within designated camping areas.

Verde Wild and Scenic River Special Restrictions

Restrictions regarding fire, occupancy, use and waste are in effect in the Verde Wild and Scenic River area.

Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River (Non-Permit Season)(October 2 - March 31)

Camping, campfire, glass container prohibitions in effect for the non-permit Fossil Creek season.

Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River (Permit Season)(April 1 - October 1)

Camping, campfire, glass container prohibitions in effect for the non-permit Fossil Creek season.

Sedona/ Oak Creek Canyon Camping and Campfire Restrictions

Year-round camping and campfire restrictions are in place for the Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon areas.

Oak Creek Glass Container Prohibition

Glass containers are prohibited within 300 feet of Oak Creek except within a developed campground or picnic area.

About

Buck Mountain Lookout is a rare surviving CT-2 design fire lookout tower in the Coconino National Forest, originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The structure consists of a 30-foot tall wooden x-brace tower topped with a 14x14-foot live-in cab and catwalk, representing one of the best examples of this tower type in the Southwestern Region. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored by HistoriCorps for public use, the lookout now serves as a unique overnight rental accommodation offering panoramic forest views from its elevated cab. The facility accommodates up to four people and provides a rare opportunity to experience the backcountry of northern Arizona from a historic vantage point. Guests should be prepared for primitive conditions and changeable mountain weather, including cold nights, thunderstorms, and potential snow from fall through spring. The remote location and elevated structure make this a distinctive stay for those seeking a historic backcountry experience.

Directions

From I-17, take the Stoneman Lake Exit (Exit 306). Drive east on Forest Road 213 for approximately 6.3 miles. At the T-intersection, turn left to stay on FR 213. Continue for about 2 miles, then turn left on FR 665, followed by an immediate right onto FR 213A.

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed
Toilets
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (928) 527-3600

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

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