How much does camping cost at Hornet Lookout?

Camping fees at Hornet Lookout range from $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hornet Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Hornet 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 Hornet Lookout before I book?

Yes! Hornet Lookout has 11 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hornet Lookout?

Hornet Lookout is open June 15 to October 15. 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 Hornet Lookout?

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

Is there cell service at Hornet Lookout?

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

How many campsites does Hornet Lookout have?

Hornet 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 Hornet Lookout?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hornet Lookout. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hornet Lookout?

Hornet Lookout offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hornet Lookout?

Popular activities at Hornet Lookout include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hornet Lookout

4.88

20 reviews

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Top 4% in MTSummer

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana#3 Summer Camping Montana Forest Camping Montana +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,744 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Glacier View Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,744 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Glacier View Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Hornet Lookout

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $40.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-387-3800

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Hornet Lookout

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Nearby places

Columbia Falls (approximately 45 miles, 1-hour drive), West Glacier (distance not specified)

Driving directionsFrom Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about a mile to the lookout.

Weather at Hornet Lookout

Current alerts(15)

Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage.
Check-out time is 1200 pm. Check-in time is 2 pm.
Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest.
Commercial use of cabin is prohibited.

Best Time to Camp at Hornet Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest experience at Hornet Lookout — expect cool, clear alpine days (daytime highs roughly 60–75°F / 15–24°C) and crisp nights (30–45°F / -1–7°C). Wildflower meadows and beargrass are at their peak in July, the one-mile hike is snow-free, and all lookout facilities are open, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography ideal. Crowds increase because of proximity to Glacier National Park, but the lookout’s limited occupancy keeps the overnight Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in MT

June–Sept is reliable access; July brings peak wildflowers and clear daytime views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open and reservable from June 15 to October 15 annually, with seasonal shutters installed in late September to early October.

About Hornet Lookout

Hornet Lookout sits in the Flathead National Forest near Hungry Horse, operated by the Glacier View Ranger District as a rentable fire lookout cabin. Guests hike one mile to reach the mid-elevation lookout, where they find vault toilets, fire rings, and sweeping views over wildflower meadows and beargrass. The lookout operates seasonally during summer months with a three-day stay limit, drawing visitors for hiking and wildlife viewing in a quiet alpine setting.

Hornet Lookout offers cabin-style accommodations accessible via a one-mile hike.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest experience at Hornet Lookout — expect cool, clear alpine days (daytime highs roughly 60–75°F / 15–24°C) and crisp nights (30–45°F / -1–7°C). Wildflower meadows and beargrass are at their peak in July, the one-mile hike is snow-free, and all lookout facilities are open, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography ideal. Crowds increase because of proximity to Glacier National Park, but the lookout’s limited occupancy keeps the overnight Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6744 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout stands on Hornet Peak in the Glacier View Ranger District, surrounded by Wedge Mountain, Akinkola Peak, and views north to Kintla Lake. The 2003 wildfire reshaped these slopes, and wildflowers and beargrass now reclaim the hillsides in July. On clear days, Glacier National Park's peaks fill the horizon. Black-tailed deer graze the alpine meadows. Bears forage the huckleberry patches.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe two-story lookout at ground level offers a living space for two guests; the second-story loft provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The accommodation is rustic, featuring a wood stove and propane facilities. "The lookout was equipped with cots, pads, Coleman cook stove, saw, axes, dry wood, cooking, and cleaning supplies," according to a user review.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs offered at the lookout.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay: 3 consecutive nights, total of 7 days per calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 guests allowed in the lookout living space.

Groups

Group camping is not available at Hornet 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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned for Hornet Lookout, except the moderate difficulty of the one-mile hike to the site.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates a maximum of two guests.

PrivacyThe site offers good privacy due to its remote location but is occasionally disturbed by hikers.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesAdvice includes bringing extra water for the hike, preparing for steep terrain, and being ready to chop wood for the stove.

Best CampsitesThe lookout is a single facility. It's two stories with sleeping space for two guests maximum.

Need help booking Hornet Lookout?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Hornet Lookout offers rustic accommodations perched atop Hornet Peak at an elevation of 6,744 feet. Amenities include a propane cook stove, propane lantern, two cots, and a small wood stove for heating. A pit toilet is located outside the lookout. No water is available, requiring guests to bring their own supply. "The lookout is very supplied with things, and we had an amazing time," noted one visitor. Pets are allowed but cleaning up after them is mandatory. Mice may be present in the cabin.

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at Hornet Lookout can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake. "The views from Hornet are unmatched providing an almost spiritual experience," stated a reviewer.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 at the lookout. Guests use the pit toilet provided outside.

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.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility. Guests are required to bring garbage bags and pack out all trash.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available near the lookout, depending on proximity to the fireplace. "There is no service once you leave West Glacier till you are halfway into the hike. Once you get to the lookout, you'll have enough service to send text messages and load social media (Verizon & AT&T) if you stand close to the fireplace," mentioned a reviewer.

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

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.9

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Hornet Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Hornet Lookout receives highly positive reviews for its stunning views, rustic facilities, and remote yet accessible location. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained cabin and the unique experience it offers.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the lookout's unmatched views, well-equipped facilities, and peaceful environment. "Lovely views! The hike in was quick and the facility was well maintained," commented one user.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the outhouse's condition and the narrow, challenging road leading to the trailhead. "The outhouse had quite the lean to it and needs a bit of attention," one reviewer stated.

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 is repeatedly praised for its comfort and stunning views. "The lookout was awesome! Definitely recommend," noted Nicole F.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra water and preparing for the hike with a full load. "Bring more 2x water than you think you might need. Hike up seems steeper with a full two or three days' load on...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors during winter and storms appreciated the cozy wood stove but noted limited visibility due to weather conditions. Summer reviews highlighted clear views and comfortable hikes.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Magical transcendence interrupted occasionally by overeager hikers. When it’s your mountain alone, there is nothing like it." — Dustin Finch. "The views from Hornet are unmatched providing an almost...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is limited, but the one-mile hike to the site is noted as moderate in difficulty.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, provided owners clean up after them. "Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required," confirmed the official source.

Based on 20 reviews

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Go if

You want a backcountry lookout experience with maintained facilities and panoramic mountain views without a long approach hike.

Skip if

You need drive-up access, multiple-night stays beyond three days, or can't tolerate narrow forest roads and occasional mice.

Nearby Campgrounds

8975 HWY 2 E BOX 190340

Ninko Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Flathead National Forest near Hungry Horse, Montana. Operated by the Forest Service, this single rental cabin offers an isolated winter retreat with a woodstove for heat, propane cooking, and vault toilets. Guests come for backcountry skiing, wildlife viewing, and hiking in a primitive setting where three-night stays are the maximum.