Campground

Hornet Lookout

Flathead National Forest · HUNGRY HORSE · Montana — managed by USDA Forest Service

Books out fast — 3 of 3 weekends we sampled are sold out
Hornet Lookout campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · USFS-Timms

Weekend availability at Hornet Lookout

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 18, 2:25 AM PT

Sold out 4 of the next 4 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.

  • Fri, Sep 18
    Sold out
  • Fri, Sep 25
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 2
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 9
    Sold out

Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.

How booked is Hornet Lookout?

as of September 18

Weekends book out well ahead here — 3 of the 3 Saturdays we sampled, as far out as Oct, are already sold out. When a site frees up it's gone again within minutes, so people watch Hornet Lookout and hear the instant one opens for their dates. Even weekdays are booked.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Sep 26Sold out
Oct 3Sold out
Oct 10Sold out

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Sep 23Sold out
Oct 7Sold out
Oct 14Sold out

Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
1
Cabin No Hookup

About this campground

Overview Hornet Lookout provides guests with astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain, including Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake on clear days. On some nights, the Northern Lights may be seen from the lookout. Visitors also enjoy access to a variety of recreational activities. Access to the lookout requires a one-mile hike from the trailhead at the parking area. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Hiking and mountain biking on the gravel roads and trails are among the activities available in the area. Viewing wildlife is another rewarding pastime.Facilities The two-story lookout sits at ground level. The ground level provides a living space for two guests and the second story is a small loft used solely for full views of the region. The lookout's rustic accommodations include a propane cook stove, propane lantern, two cots, a small wood stove for heat. A pit toilet is provided outside the lookout. Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required. No water is available. Guests should pack their own bedding, water, first aid kit and food, among other necessities. Click here for more cabin details.Natural Features The scenic lookout is perched atop Hornet Peak, at an elevation of 6,744 feet. Nearby peaks include Wedge Mountain and Akinkoka Peak. The rustic lookout was built in 1922 and, in its prime, played an integral role for detecting forest fires in the North Fork area. A 2003 wildfire charred the surrounding area, but wildflowers and bear grass are making a comeback. Glacier View Ranger District is bordered on the east by the North Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. To the north is Canada and west is the Montana's Kootenai National Forest. Nearby Attractions Glacier National Park and the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River are nearby.

Getting there

From Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about a mile to the lookout.

Elevation
6,416 ft
Contact
406-387-3800

Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING
  • HIKING
  • HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE
  • CAMPING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Hornet Lookout

Popular Montana campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Hornet Lookout around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.