How much does camping cost at Diamond Butte Lookout?

Camping fees at Diamond Butte Lookout are $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Diamond Butte Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Diamond Butte Lookout accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Diamond Butte Lookout before I book?

Yes! Diamond Butte Lookout has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Diamond Butte Lookout?

Diamond Butte Lookout is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Diamond Butte Lookout?

Diamond Butte Lookout does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Diamond Butte Lookout?

Cell phone service at Diamond Butte Lookout is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Diamond Butte Lookout have?

Diamond Butte Lookout has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Diamond Butte Lookout?

Pets are not allowed at Diamond Butte Lookout. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Diamond Butte Lookout?

Diamond Butte Lookout offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Diamond Butte Lookout

Q: Can I have a campfire at Diamond Butte Lookout?

Fire policies at Diamond Butte Lookout: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.50

34 reviews

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, ASHLAND, MT 59003, USA

Top 1% in MTSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

4,245 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

4,245 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Diamond Butte Lookout

$45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

CALL FOR COMBINATION PRIOR TO YOUR STAY - M-F 8:00 TO 4:30 CALL 406-784-2344. AFTER HOURS OR WEEKENDS CALL 406-740-1594.gccampgrounds13@gmail.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, ASHLAND, MT 59003, USA

Diamond Butte Lookout

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212, ASHLAND, MT 59003, USA

Nearby places

Ashland (40 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Ashland, Montana: travel east on State Highway 212 for approximately 3 miles. Turn south onto Otter Creek Road hwy 484 and travel 20 miles. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and travel 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn north onto the Sonnette Divide Road for 2 miles then turn east on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road. Travel 1 mile to the lookout.

Weather at Diamond Butte Lookout

Current alerts(4)

Be bear aware: keep all food, trash and scented items stored inside the cabin
Guests must pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure
Learn more about the Custer National Forest
There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing

Best Time to Camp at Diamond Butte Lookout

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and open access — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F and crisp nights near 32–40°F, ideal for long hikes and cool-night camping in the masonry lookout. Wildflowers and migrating birds are most active at the sagebrush/foothill interface, and trails are less crowded than summer, giving you wide-open vistas and excellent wildlife viewing. Early-season conditions can be dry and dusty but watch for occasional rain or late snow at this 4,245 ft elevation Peak months: May, June, September, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in MT

Overview: 'Spring brings wildflowers... clear skies for starga[zing]' and reviewers praise spring visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations during peak periods: September 15, 2025 - December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout sits in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Ashland, Montana, offering panoramic views from a restored fire lookout tower equipped with propane amenities. Managed by the US Forest Service, this remote rental serves hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers seeking solitude in mid-elevation forest country. Spring brings wildflowers, migrating birds, and clear skies for stargazing from the tower's wraparound deck.

Diamond Butte Lookout is a specialized camping site offering a unique elevated fire lookout experience. It is best suited for small groups seeking rustic accommodations in a remote, scenic setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and open access — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F and crisp nights near 32–40°F, ideal for long hikes and cool-night camping in the masonry lookout. Wildflowers and migrating birds are most active at the sagebrush/foothill interface, and trails are less crowded than summer, giving you wide-open vistas and excellent wildlife viewing. Early-season conditions can be dry and dusty but watch for occasional rain or late snow at this 4,245 ft elevation Peak months: May, June, September, October

Elevation4245 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout sits at the interface between sagebrush steppe and mountain foothills, offering unobstructed views across rolling plains to the Bighorn Mountains 100 miles distant. Sparse vegetation creates open sight lines that shift in color from dawn pastels to dramatic sunset shadows. Sagebrush dominates the understory, with purple lupine blooms adding seasonal color. Wildlife includes foxes, black bears, pronghorn antelope, and raptors riding thermals at eye level with the tower. At night, the isolation delivers dark skies for stargazing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lookout serves as a unique lodging option, accommodating up to 4 people. It includes propane-powered amenities such as a stove, refrigerator, and heater, and is furnished with basic furniture and bedding options. Guests must bring their own water and essential supplies.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified for this location.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 4 nights per reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of 4 people at the lookout.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityDue to the steep hill and the lookout's elevated location, accessibility may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. 'Getting gear up to the cabin may be a problem for elderly, kids or those less fit,' noted one reviewer.

Site SizeThe lookout supports up to 4 occupants, with sufficient space for indoor lodging but no additional outdoor campsites.

PrivacyThe lookout offers seclusion and privacy due to its isolated location on top of a hill within the Custer National Forest.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend using the provided wagon for gear but caution not to overload it. Guests suggest arriving prepared for icy or muddy conditions and bringing essential supplies.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. The tower itself sleeps four and includes propane appliances (fridge, stove). Reviews call it the nicest Forest Service lookout they've stayed in, praising the panoramic views and cleanliness. Access can be tricky: the turnoff from the main road lacks clear signage, and the final 200-foot climb from the parking area is steep. Some visitors report icy or muddy conditions on that path. One tip from reviews: flip the fridge switch immediately so it cools down before you need it.

Need help booking Diamond Butte Lookout?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Diamond Butte Lookout offers a unique camping experience with rustic yet well-maintained facilities. The lookout itself is perched on a 30-foot masonry tower at an elevation of 4,245 feet and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the distant Bighorn Mountains. Amenities include propane-powered appliances such as a cook stove with an oven, lights, and a heater. It also features a twin bed, a double futon, a cot, and basic furniture such as a table and chairs. Additionally, cooking and eating utensils, as well as cleaning tools (broom, mop, bucket), are provided. However, there is no water or electricity, and guests must bring their own supplies, including water, bedding, and toiletries. The campground includes an outhouse with a pit toilet located 200 feet below the lookout, and a wagon is available to help transport gear up the steep hill. Several user reviews praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, with one user stating, 'This lookout was very clean. The ranger was there when we arrived and was nice.' Another noted, 'This is the NICEST Forest Service cabin/lookout I have ever stayed at.'

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Activities such as hunting and off-road vehicle riding are also available, making it an ideal site for outdoor enthusiasts. The panoramic views from the lookout enhance the experience, with reviewers frequently praising the starry nights and stunning sunrises.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Winter Activities2.5/5

Winter visits praised but access can be icy/muddy; not a developed winter-sports site.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Unobstructed vistas, dramatic dawn/dusk color shifts and long-distance mountain views favor photography.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The site provides a pit-style vault toilet, which is located 200 feet below the lookout tower.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out their own trash. According to the official source, 'Guests must pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure.'

Cell CoverageAccording to a user review, 'Full cell phone service & 4G LTE for Verizon. There is a tower 6 miles east. To be able to have that in the middle of nowhere was surprising.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

34 reviews

Recommended

Diamond Butte Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Diamond Butte Lookout are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.42. Guests consistently praise the unique experience, stunning views, and well-maintained facilities. The challenging access to the lookout is seen as part of the adventure, and most visitors find the rustic amenities sufficient for a comfortable stay.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciate the panoramic views, clean facilities, and the propane-powered amenities. Comments like 'This is the NICEST Forest Service cabin/lookout I have ever stayed at' and 'The...

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted challenges with the steep access trail, particularly in winter when it becomes icy or muddy. The location of the pit toilet at the base of the hill and the lack of running water were...

Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically mention the 001 site as being well-equipped and clean. One reviewer stated, 'The lookout was amazing. Clean, had everything we needed, safe, comfortable.'

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, bedding, and warm clothing for colder months. Tips like 'Flip the switch at the bottom of the fridge when you first get there so the fridge starts getting...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter conditions often make access more challenging due to snow and ice, but visitors appreciate the views and the quiet solitude. Summer is noted as the best time for hiking and enjoying the full...

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Wow! Where do I even begin? Awesome views, awesome features and awesome design.' - User, May 2021. - 'The propane heater kept us warm when the temps dropped at night. We cooked delicious meals on...

Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the steep hill leading to the tower. Reviewers have noted that the climb may be difficult for children, elderly individuals, or those with limited mobility.

Based on 34 reviews