Gird Point

Star4.70
460 reviews
P.O. BOX 388, DARBY, MT, 59829, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,702 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open during peak sea...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Darby Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Gird Point
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for peak season is $30. There is no mention of additional fees for off-season bookings as they are unavailable.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
406-821-3913
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 460 reviews

445 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"Reviews consistently highlight the breathtaking views, peaceful solitude, and unique accommodations offered at Gird Point Lookout."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. BOX 388, DARBY, MT, 59829, USA

Gird Point

P.O. BOX 388, DARBY, MT, 59829, USA

Driving directionsFrom Hamilton, Montana, travel east on Highway 38 for about 7 miles. Turn north onto Gird Road/Forest Road 714 and continue for about 13 miles to the Gird Point Lookout Trailhead. The tower is approximately 1/2 mile hike from the parking area.
Guests can access the lookout by vehicle, followed by a short hike over a moderate grade. The road leading to the lookout has been repaired recently (‘loggers have done a great job fixing up the road this year’ according to user reviews). Some reviews also mention that there are no USFS road numbers marked along the way, making navigation potentially challenging without a map (source: user review).
Nearby places
Hamilton (20 miles east), Darby (approx. distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
Guests are advised to pack water, food, and other essentials as the lookout is remote. Closest grocery or fuel locations are not explicitly stated.

Best Time to Camp at Gird Point

Summer brings crystalline blue skies and warm, dry days perfect for mountain adventures, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 55.9°F at dawn and a comfortable 82.9°F in the afternoon sun. The mountain winds tell their own stories here, sometimes whispering through the vintage windows and adding to the authentic lookout experience—as one guest memorably shared, 'the wind rattled the windows and made it drafty,' creating an atmospheric reminder of the elements that have shaped this peak for generations. Each season paints the surrounding peaks in different hues, but summer offers the most reliable conditions for your high-altitude escape.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in MT

Open June 21–Sep 13; visitors praise crystalline skies and warm, scenic summer days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site closed for most of fall (season ends Sep 13); fall access limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed during much of spring; primary season is summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside peak season; winter access and services not provided.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 21 - September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open during peak season from June 21 to September 13.
  • Current Alerts: No firewood is provided despite being listed as available ('FS likely aware of missing boarded-up window,' one reviewer noted). Users must contact the ranger station for key code and fire restrictions.

About Gird Point

Perched atop a mountain peak, Gird Point Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and experience life as a fire watcher in this beautifully restored historic lookout. This extraordinary mountaintop retreat combines the charm of vintage 1940s furnishings with breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch across three magnificent mountain ranges. Wake up above the clouds, cook simple meals in your sky-high kitchen, and fall asleep to the gentle creaking of this storied structure that once stood guard over Montana's vast wilderness.
The Gird Point Lookout offers cabin-like accommodations in a remote and rustic setting. It is not suitable for traditional tent or RV camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 am.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 pm.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Gird Point Lookout can engage in hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle trails. The panoramic views and wildlife sightings provide unique recreational opportunities. "The lookout is known for its scenic views that can be enjoyed on just about any day of the year."
HikingA variety of hiking trails are available in the area. "Visitors will see a mosaic of recovering vegetation patterns" due to past fires. Caution is advised in high winds due to hazardous snags.
BikingMountain biking trails are available and provide challenging terrain.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife. "Seeing the herd of big horn sheep made it even more special," noted one user review.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNarrow steps and a catwalk at the lookout may pose risks for children and pets. High winds and hazardous snags from wildfire recovery areas are additional concerns. One user review warned of mice and drafty conditions (‘mouse present,’ ‘drafty due to gaps in window frames’).
Active AlertsNo firewood is provided despite being listed as available ('FS likely aware of missing boarded-up window,' one reviewer noted). Users must contact the ranger station for key code and fire restrictions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Gird Point

Reviews

4.7
460 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Gird Point is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews consistently highlight the breathtaking views, peaceful solitude, and unique accommodations offered at Gird Point Lookout.
Review Summaries
Based on 460 reviews

What Campers Love

Spectacular views, solitude, and well-equipped facilities were frequently praised. "What an awesome place to spend a couple days," one reviewer noted. "Great views, nobody around," another user...
Show more
Based on 460 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited firewood availability, drafty windows, and occasional presence of mice were mentioned. "It was pretty drafty due to gaps in the window frames," shared one user. "There was a mouse present,"...
Show more
Based on 460 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a downloaded map for navigation, carry extra bedding and firewood, and prepare for windy conditions. "Be advised there are no signs giving USFS road numbers. We had brought a downloaded OnX map...
Show more
Based on 460 reviews

Seasonal Insights

High winds and cold conditions can persist even in summer, but sunny days and scenic views are also frequent. "The wind blew hard enough to keep us awake and it rattled the windows," noted one...
Show more
Based on 460 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Watching the sunrises and sunsets was awesome too." "Seeing the herd of big horn sheep made it even more special." "The wind came up Saturday afternoon and blew one of the windows in."
Based on 460 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for site '001' frequently mention its exceptional views and privacy. "Great views, nobody around," noted one visitor.
Based on 460 reviews

Accessibility Features

The narrow steps and elevated cabin pose challenges for some guests. "This may pose a hazard for children and pets," official sources note.
Based on 460 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pet policies are available.
Based on 460 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Gird Point? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Bitterroot National Forest
Gird Point