Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Star4.44
55 reviews
3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE C, BOZEMAN, MT, 59718, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

8,245 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service 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
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is $65. Additional fees such as a $10 change fee or cancellation fee may apply.
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
406-522-2520
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 55 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerswell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the beautiful views, challenging access trails, and well-maintained facilities. Common praises include the abundance of firewood and the cozy environment. Issues such as flies, lack of toilet paper, and trail conditions are noted."

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Campground Map

3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE C, BOZEMAN, MT, 59718, USA

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE C, BOZEMAN, MT, 59718, USA

Driving directionsFrom Bozeman, MT: Take US Highway 191 west to Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky/West Yellowstone for approximately 21 miles to the intersection with Storm Castle Road FS 132 which is on your left (east) and immediately crosses the Gallatin River on a single span concrete bridge. Follow specific trail options based on season and mode of transportation.
Access to Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is limited to non-motorized vehicles during winter (January 1 - May 15) and requires precise navigation along Storm Castle Road FS 132. Sections are closed to vehicles wider than 50 inches.
Nearby places
Bozeman, MT (approx. 21 miles), Big Sky, MT (approx. 15 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, fuel, and essentials are likely available in Bozeman, MT, about 21 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Winter transforms Garnet Mountain into a crystalline wonderland, where deep snows blanket the landscape and temperatures plunge, creating a true backcountry experience for the well-prepared adventurer. As summer arrives, the mountain sheds its white coat to reveal alpine meadows and warming sunshine, though the thin air at this elevation keeps temperatures refreshingly cool even on the hottest valley days. The journey to reach this lofty perch can be challenging any time of year, but the reward is a front-row seat to nature's ever-changing theater.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak hiking and biking season; steep trail and some motorized noise reported in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely excellent vistas and wildlife; fewer specific reviews but overall positive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring reviews are mixed; trail melt and variable conditions noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Backcountry winter wonderland with snowmobiling and skiing, but access/grooming can be difficult.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: Winter access limitations from January 1 - May 15. Trail grooming passes required for snowmobiles and bikes.

About Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Perched high above the world at 8,245 feet, Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout invites adventurous souls to experience camping unlike anywhere else. This remote mountaintop sanctuary rewards those willing to make the journey—whether by hiking trail in summer, mountain bike along rugged paths, or by snowshoe and snowmobile through winter's pristine landscape. Here, where the sky seems close enough to touch, you'll find yourself sleeping among the clouds with 360-degree views that stretch endlessly across Montana's most spectacular mountain ranges.
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is a unique camping destination offering a rustic cabin getaway.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in details provided upon reservation.
Check-out
Check-out details provided upon reservation.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 5 consecutive nights per stay.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout offers various recreational activities depending on the season. Popular options include hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle trails, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing.
HikingThe lookout is accessible via a 4.5-mile trail gaining 2,800 feet. The trail is steep and challenging, as noted in user reviews like Caleb H: 'If you're planning on skinning or hiking to the fire lookout in the winter you might want to plan on taking the ATV route and giving yourself 6 hours to get there.'
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity during the summer months on trails leading to the lookout.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight at Garnet Mountain, with frequent sightings of grizzly bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, elk, moose, and various bird species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGrizzly bears and other wildlife are common; deep snow and challenging trails can pose additional risks.
Active AlertsWinter access limitations from January 1 - May 15. Trail grooming passes required for snowmobiles and bikes.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Reviews

4.4
55 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beautiful views, challenging access trails, and well-maintained facilities. Common praises include the abundance of firewood and the cozy environment. Issues such as flies, lack of toilet paper, and trail conditions are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include breathtaking views, a clean and well-maintained cabin, availability of firewood, and memorable experiences such as meteor showers and wildlife sightings.
Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users raised concerns about the trail's difficulty, lack of snow grooming, flies in the cabin, missing amenities like toilet paper or mantles, and noise from motorized vehicles.
Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra toilet paper, mantles for lanterns, a sharp hatchet, and a light pack for winter hikes. Amanda F suggests, 'Highly suggest bringing your own hatchet as the one there is...
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Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews point out challenges with snow-covered trails and snowmobiling access. Summer reviews highlight the steep hiking trail and the motorized vehicle noise. Spring reviews are mixed, with...
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Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome thunderstorm, meteor showers, etc.' (Dean S) 2. 'Really cool spot.' (Oleksandr Sobol) 3. 'Great trail for hikers as well as ATVs.' (Louise Steed) 4. 'The poop cone in the outhouse is...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews primarily focus on campsite 001, with users praising the views, coziness, and cleanliness but cautioning about trail difficulties and amenities.
Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not explicitly available. Challenges in reaching the site during winter due to snow conditions are noted.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not recommended, as noted in policies stating that solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of the cabin.
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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