Medicine Point Lookout

Star4.40
9 reviews
7338 HWY. 93 S.
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

8,409 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Darby-Sula Ranger District site

Official Website
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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
Medicine Point Lookout
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for staying at the Medicine Point Lookout during peak season is $30. Additional reservation fees, change fees, and cancellation fees...
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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

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Provider
406-821-3913
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 9 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

"Users praise Medicine Point Lookout for its breathtaking views, well-maintained facilities, and unique rustic charm. However, numerous reviews highlight the challenging hike required to access the site and the need to pack in all essentials, including water."

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Campground Map

7338 HWY. 93 S.

Medicine Point Lookout

7338 HWY. 93 S.

Driving directionsFrom Missoula, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 to Laird Creek Road/Forest Service Road 370, which is approximately 34 miles south of Hamilton. Turn right and continue about 4 miles to Bear Creek Saddle. At Bear Creek Saddle, turn north onto Forest Service Road 5731 and continue 2 miles to the trailhead. The trail to the tower is approximately 3.5 miles and is quite steep along some portions, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation.
The road conditions can be unpredictable, and weather changes quickly in the area. The trail to the tower involves a steep 3.5-mile hike with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles are not allowed on the trail, but horses and livestock are welcome.
Nearby places
Missoula (~90 miles north), Hamilton (~34 miles north), Sula (~5 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Hamilton (~34 miles north) provides access to groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials. Sula (~5 miles south) may offer limited supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Medicine Point Lookout

Mountain weather at Medicine Point dances to its own rhythm, with summer afternoons often bringing dramatic thunderheads that roll across the peaks like nature's own theater. While winter transforms the lookout into a crystalline wonderland of light snow and crisp, dry air, the bone-chilling temperatures make it a destination for only the heartiest souls. Peak season brings the perfect balance – warm days ideal for hiking, cool nights perfect for stargazing, and trail conditions that welcome explorers of all skill levels.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open for peak season; spectacular views but hot afternoons and dramatic storms noted by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Review notes: fall brings cooler temps, clearer skies and enhanced visibility (good for views).

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 10% in MT

Spring reviews mention clearer skies and a nearby natural spring, but access/water is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is reserved/open mainly June 30–Sep 10; winter use not described for reservations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 30th to September 10th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 30th to September 10th (Peak Season).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Medicine Point Lookout

Perched atop Medicine Point like a sentinel watching over the Bitterroot wilderness, this lovingly restored 1940s fire lookout tower invites adventurers to step back in time while camping 8,409 feet closer to the stars. West of the tiny town of Sula, this historic cabin combines the charm of vintage furnishings with jaw-dropping panoramic views that stretch across the Bitterroot National Forest. Here, where eagles soar at eye level and hiking trails spider out in every direction, you'll discover what it truly means to sleep on top of the world.
Medicine Point Lookout offers a unique lodging experience in a historic cabin while providing opportunities for tent camping nearby. RV camping, group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping are unavailable.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Medicine Point Lookout is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an extensive trail system for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is abundant due to the area's diverse fauna. Scenic views from the lookout include the Bitterroot Mountains and southern Bitterroot Valley, with unique nighttime perspectives of city lights from Hamilton.
HikingThe area offers extensive trails, including loop trails suitable for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Guests should consult the ranger district due to unpredictable road and trail conditions influenced by weather.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with potential sightings of mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and many bird species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lightning storms, steep hiking trails, and risks associated with the narrow stairs and catwalk of the tower.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Medicine Point Lookout

Reviews

4.4
9 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Medicine Point Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users praise Medicine Point Lookout for its breathtaking views, well-maintained facilities, and unique rustic charm. However, numerous reviews highlight the challenging hike required to access the site and the need to pack in all essentials, including water.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly highlighted positives include the stunning panoramic views of the Bitterroot Mountains, the charming and historic ambiance of the lookout cabin, and the quiet, remote setting. Reviewers...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

The steep 3.5-mile hike with a 2,000-ft elevation gain is a recurring challenge noted in reviews. The absence of water availability and the difficulty of carrying essentials up the trail are other...
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Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors strongly recommend bringing ample water due to the lack of potable water on site. Packing light but including necessary amenities like propane canisters and cleaning supplies is also...
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Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences vary by season. Summer reviews emphasize the difficulty in hiking during hot weather. Fall and spring are noted for their cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and enhanced visibility....
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Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Decently intense hike but worth it! It was a bit stormy and overcast so it was like we were just sitting on top of the clouds for most of our trip." - Jacob R. "Beautiful, well-maintained lookout....
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback is limited to the single cabin lookout at Medicine Point. The general consensus is that it is clean, charming, and offers exceptional views.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were noted, but the steep hike and narrow steps make it challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but the steep trails and hazardous narrow steps may pose challenges for them. One review notes the lookout’s design may be unsafe for pets.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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