Mccart Lookout

Star0
5 reviews
7338 HWY .93 S.

Quick Facts

7,115 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Darby-Sula Ranger District site

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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
Mccart Lookout
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $30 during peak season (June 7 - September 20). Additional fees may apply for reservation modifications ($10 change...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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

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Provider
406-821-3913
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"Reviews of McCart Lookout highlight the scenic beauty and unique experience of staying in a historic tower amidst wilderness. However, concerns about maintenance of the outdoor toilet and rodent issues detract from its appeal for some visitors."

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Campground Map

7338 HWY .93 S.

Mccart Lookout

7338 HWY .93 S.

Driving directionsFrom Missoula, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for approximately 90 miles to Sula. Go east on Highway 472 for about 15 miles and then south on Forest Road 5765/McCart Road for about 6 miles to the Johnson Peak Trailhead. Hike about 1.5 miles to the lookout tower.
The location is accessed via Highway 93, Highway 472, and Forest Road 5765/McCart Road. The final approach requires a moderate 1.5-mile hike from the parking area. Snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles are not allowed on the trail, but horses and livestock are permitted.
Nearby places
Missoula, Montana (90 miles south)
Sula, Montana (15 miles east from Highway 472 intersection)
Lost Trail Hot Springs (13 miles northwest)
Nearby supplies
Lost Trail Hot Springs (13 miles northwest) offers a general store with basic supplies. Additional grocery and camping items can be found in Missoula, Montana, approximately 90 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Mccart Lookout

Spring arrives slowly at this mountain sanctuary, with Week 18 emerging as a hidden gem for those who embrace the shoulder season. During this magical time, temperatures dance between crisp 23°F mornings and pleasant 44°F afternoons, creating perfect conditions for cozy evenings by the fire and invigorating day hikes. The mountain air remains refreshingly dry, while moderate breezes carry the scent of awakening wilderness. Though light snow may dust the peaks, clear skies dominate nearly half the time, revealing star-filled nights and sun-drenched days that showcase the surrounding peaks in their full glory.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 7–Sept 20; reviews and activities focus on summer access and vistas.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 20); early fall offers views but a shorter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Reservations open starting June 7; spring access is not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed out of season; not available for winter use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 7 - September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 7 to September 20 during peak season. Closed out of season.

About Mccart Lookout

Perched high above the Montana wilderness, McCart Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic slice of history. This meticulously restored 1940s fire lookout tower stands sentinel on McCart Peak, where generations of fire spotters once kept watch over the vast forests below. Today, this rustic retreat offers modern explorers a chance to step back in time while immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Wake up to panoramic mountain vistas, spot wildlife from your doorstep, and access pristine trails that wind through some of Montana's most spectacular backcountry.
McCart Lookout offers a unique camping experience with options for staying in the restored L4 lookout tower and tent camping in the surrounding area.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

McCart Lookout provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and scenic exploration. The facility is situated near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, making it suitable for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingThe trail to the lookout connects to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, offering hiking opportunities ranging from day hikes to multi-day excursions. Trails can be enjoyed on foot or horseback, and the area is popular with backpackers.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding Bitterroot National Forest is home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, mountain lions, and moose. Birdwatching is also popular.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsGuests can explore the historical significance of the restored 1940s lookout tower and its connection to early homesteading in the region. A lookout journal provides instructions for emergencies.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include narrow stairs and a catwalk unsuitable for children and pets, lightning storms (mitigated by a lightning rod), and wildlife encounters.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mccart Lookout

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Mccart Lookout has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of McCart Lookout highlight the scenic beauty and unique experience of staying in a historic tower amidst wilderness. However, concerns about maintenance of the outdoor toilet and rodent issues detract from its appeal for some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the scenic views, the rustic charm of the restored 1940s lookout tower, and the proximity to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. A reviewer stated, "Awesome as always at...
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Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Users have raised concerns about cleanliness and maintenance, particularly regarding the outdoor toilet. One reviewer pointed out, "The outhouse is spilling human waste down the hillside," while...
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Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests should bring their own bedding, towels, propane canisters, toilet paper, garbage bags, and drinking water due to the minimal facilities provided. Safety precautions should be taken regarding...
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Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews predominantly focus on the summer season when the lookout is accessible. Positive experiences center around the views and hiking opportunities, whereas complaints are more commonly related to...
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Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice old lookout tower that you can rent out to stay in overnight. Spots fill up fast though." - Michael Daugherty "If you don’t sufficiently barricade the door, you will be visited at midnight by...
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Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight the scenic location and unique accommodations but criticize the outdoor toilet's maintenance. For example, "Appreciated that it looks like they fixed the front boards...
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Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

The moderate hike and lookout tower stairs are noted as potential challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets may face challenges due to the narrow steps and catwalk of the lookout tower. No specific policies about pets are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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