Monument Peak Lookout
4.4614 reviews809 2ND ST. NW, HARLOWTON, MT, 59036, USA
Monument Peak Lookout
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for the Monument Peak Lookout is $45 during its reservable period from June 15 to October 31. This price does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched high above the Little Belt Mountains, Monument Peak Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and experience life as a fire spotter in this beautifully restored 1936 cabin. From your eagle's nest at nearly 7,400 feet, breathtaking 360-degree views unfold in every direction, revealing endless mountain ridges, pristine forests, and the vast Montana sky. This historic gem, lovingly brought back to life in 1999, offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature in one of Montana's most spectacular settings.
Monument Peak Lookout offers a rustic cabin rental with outdoor tent camping available. The site accommodates up to six people, including space for two tents.
Historical SignificanceThis weathered sentinel stands as a testament to America's conservation legacy, crafted by the skilled hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers in 1936 during the Great Depression. For over four decades, brave fire spotters called this lonely outpost home during fire season, scanning the horizon for telltale wisps of smoke that could threaten the surrounding wilderness. After retiring from active duty in the 1970s, the lookout waited patiently until 1999, when careful restoration work transformed it into a unique overnight destination, allowing modern visitors to experience a slice of Forest Service history.
Weather and SeasonsLate summer transforms Monument Peak into a family-friendly mountain paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering in the high 50s°F and crisp, refreshing nights dipping into the 30s°F. As evening approaches, mountain breezes sweep across the peak, carrying the scent of pine and creating the perfect atmosphere for bundling up with hot cocoa on the lookout's wraparound deck. While the distant glow from Great Falls touches the horizon, the typically clear Montana skies still offer plenty of celestial wonders for those seeking a taste of mountain stargazing.
ElevationAt 7,395 feet above sea level, Monument Peak Lookout offers the exhilarating sensation of standing on top of the world. The thin mountain air brings a refreshing coolness even on summer days, while the extraordinary elevation provides unparalleled panoramic vistas that stretch for miles in every direction. Here, above the tree line's uppermost reaches, visitors experience the raw beauty of Montana's high country, where eagles soar at eye level and weather patterns unfold like nature's own theater.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a sea of towering fir, spruce, and pine that blanket the mountainsides in deep emerald green, Monument Peak Lookout serves as a natural observatory for Montana's abundant wildlife. Lucky visitors might spot majestic elk grazing in distant meadows, mule deer picking their way along ridgelines, or even catch a glimpse of a black bear foraging in the forest below. Overhead, bald eagles ride the mountain thermals, their distinctive white heads visible against the endless blue sky, while the surrounding wilderness creates a living tapestry of Montana's untamed beauty.
Geological RegionMonument Peak Lookout crowns the rugged landscape of the Little Belt Mountains within the vast Lewis and Clark National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic terrain of ridges, valleys, and peaks. The lookout's strategic position between Monument Ridge and Strawberry Ridge places visitors at the heart of this spectacular mountain ecosystem, where dense coniferous forests carpet the slopes and hidden streams carve their way through rocky gorges. This pristine wilderness, part of Montana's treasured public lands, showcases the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies ecosystem in all its glory.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle or, during winter, snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. The rough road conditions may pose challenges for individuals with mobility concerns.
Sites SizeThe site includes a cabin-sized accommodation and space for two additional tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to frequent visitors to the lookout reported in user reviews.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring additional sleeping pads for comfort, fly traps to manage insects, and headlamps or lanterns for lighting.
Best CampsitesThe single site available is Cabin 001 offering the most panoramic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin can accommodate two individuals inside and permits up to two additional tents around the site, bringing the maximum capacity to six people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin rental with space for two additional tents around the lookout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for rental between June 1 and November 30. Closed for the remainder of the year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe first two weeks of June and the month of October may require walk-in access due to snow conditions.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date for a refund minus fees. Changes to dates outside the original reservation incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations within 14 days for cabins result in forfeiture of the first night's fee plus a $10 fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Monument Peak Lookout include hiking, OHVing, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, mountain biking, and backpacking. Seasonal constraints and equipment needs, such as snowmobiles in winter, should be considered.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including a trailhead for Daisy Spring located 4 miles down an ORV trail. "It is all downhill and when you get to the spring you will have to trudge through thick grass/brush."Fishing
Lewis and Clark National Forest has streams and fishing opportunities, although specific fishing spots at Monument Peak Lookout are not detailed.Biking
Mountain biking is listed among the recreational activities. "Excellent mountain bike riding," according to one review, although no specific trails are detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is popular with species such as mule deer, elk, and bald eagles. Some visitors did not report seeing much wildlife close to the lookout, with one review noting only a bunny, a groundhog, and a juvenile bear seen 14 miles away.Winter Activities
During winter, access is limited to snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The trail is not groomed.Water Sports
nullCampground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Visitors must bring their own firewood and ensure fires are managed safely in shifting winds.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh winds, slippery muddy roads during wet conditions, and dead flies accumulating in the cabin create challenges.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 15 - October 31
Trash and recyclingGuests are responsible for cleaning the lookout and removing pet food and droppings. Trash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresA Daisy Spring trailhead is located 4 miles downhill but offers only a trickle of water.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include the abundance of dead flies, uncomfortable mattresses, and challenging access roads.
HostNo host-related information available.
Campground Map
809 2ND ST. NW, HARLOWTON, MT, 59036, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The road to the lookout is rough for the last 4 miles and only accessible by high-clearance vehicles. During wet conditions, the path may be muddy and slippery. Snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes are required during the winter.Nearby places
Great Falls (approximately 53 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are not explicitly mentioned.
Camper Reviews
4.5
14 reviews
Monument Peak Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Monument Peak Lookout range widely, with some praising the views and unique experience, while others highlight challenges such as fly infestations, poor amenities, and frequent visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
"Breathtaking views" and "Great spot to camp out" are recurring positive themes. Other users appreciated the "excellent mountain bike riding" and "phenomenal late summer months."
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include "hundreds of flies," uncomfortable mattresses that one user described as "earmarks of bed bug city," and the difficulty of raising window shutters. Visitors frequently mention the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests strongly recommend bringing extra sleeping pads, headlamps, fly traps, and means to chop firewood. "Bring your own lanterns/headlamps/candles" and "Pack extra propane canisters."
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late summer months are highly recommended for families, while winter access is challenging and requires specialized equipment. Flies are reported as a significant issue during warmer months.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "I've never seen so many flies in my life." 2. "The road getting here is for high clearance vehicles only." 3. "Awesome Forest Service cabin location!"
Based on 14 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mainly address Cabin 001, with recurring themes of fly infestations, unclean amenities, and visitor harassment.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to the rough road and winter-only access via snowmobiles or skis. "Must have high clearance and 4WD."
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed outside the cabin but not inside. Guests are responsible for cleaning up pet droppings. "Pets are not allowed in the cabin at any time, but can be kept outside in a kennel or on a...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025