Campground

Monument Peak Lookout

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest · HARLOWTON · Montana — managed by USDA Forest Service

Books out fast — 4 of 4 weekends we sampled are sold out
Monument Peak Lookout campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · USFS

Weekend availability at Monument Peak Lookout

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 20, 11:25 PM PT

Sold out 6 of the next 6 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.

  • Fri, Sep 25
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 2
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 9
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 16
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 23
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 30
    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 Monument Peak Lookout?

as of September 21

Weekends book out well ahead here — 4 of the 4 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 Monument Peak Lookout and hear the instant one opens for their dates. Even weekdays are booked.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Sep 26Sold out
Oct 10Sold out
Oct 17Sold out
Oct 31Sold out

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Sep 30Sold out
Oct 14Sold out
Oct 28Sold 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 Monument Peak Lookout offers guests an impressive yet rustic room with a view. The lookout, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is perched atop Monument Peak, boasting spectacular 360 degree views of the Little Belt Mountains. The lookout was once used to spot forest fires but was left unused since the 1970s. In 1999, the lookout was removed from its 50 foot pole, restored and placed on a short, solid foundation for public rental use. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, as the 2 miles of road leading up to the cabin are rough and rocky. During wet conditions the entie road may be muddy and often times slippery. The Lookout/Cabin is avaialble for rental between June 1 and Novemebr 30 and is closed for the remainder of the year .Recreation Small and big game hunting is popular in the area. Hiking, OHVing and wildlife viewing are also enjoyed. Facilities The rustic lookout has two beds with mattresses, two propane lanterns, a table and chairs and a propane cooking stove. Pots, pans, dishes and utensils are included but are limited. A vault toilet is about 100 feet from the structure. No water, electricity or plumbing is available. Recommended items to bring include drinking water, bedding, flashlights, food, small propane canisters, firewood, matches and a cooler. ( Click here ) for more cabin details.Natural Features The lookout sits at 7,395 feet in elevation, offering views of Monument Ridge and Strawberry Ridge. The surrounding region is a dense coniferous forest with fir, spruce and pine trees. Lewis and Clark National Forest has many miles of streams and fishing opportunities. Native wildlife includes black bears, mule-deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles, mountain lions and other species.

Getting there

From Great Falls, go east on U.S. Highway 87/89 about 22 miles (just past Belt) and turn right (south) at the rest area onto U.S. Highway 89 (heading toward Monarch and Neihart). Go about 9.5 miles and turn right on County Road 340. Drive 8 miles to the junction with Road 349 and turn left (south), then drive 4.3 miles to Forest Road 839 and turn right (south). Go 8.5 miles and turn right on Road 268. Drive 3.5 miles to the lookout. Snowmobiles, cross-country skis or snowshoes are required for access during most of the winter.

Elevation
7,372 ftCold nights, seasonal snow
Contact
406-632-4391

Activities

  • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • HUNTING
  • CAMPING
  • MOUNTAIN BIKING
  • BACKPACKING
  • HIKING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Monument Peak Lookout

Popular Montana campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Monument Peak 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.