Mission Lookout

Star4.77
32 reviews
200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,700 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

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
Mission Lookout
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Mission Lookout is available for $45 a night for a maximum stay of seven consecutive nights. A late cancellation fee of $10 and forfeiture of the...
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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
406-837-7500anthony.butterfield@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 32 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Mission Lookout receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from reviewers, who praise its cleanliness, breathtaking views, and unique accommodations. The average sentiment for campground-specific experiences is 4.67 out of 5, reflecting high satisfaction."

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Campground Map

200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA

Mission Lookout

200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA

Driving directionsFrom Swan Lake, travel south on Highway 83 for 3 miles. Turn west onto Porcupine Creek Road 10229 (mile-marker 68). After passing Forest Road 9714, turn right onto Forest Road 9803 (2.2 miles after leaving the state highway). Continue on Forest Road 9803 for 1.4 miles, to a gate. The gate may be opened. If not, it can be opened with the same combination code as the tower. The tower and parking area are located just beyond the gate.
The road to the lookout is described as accessible, though the secondary road leading up to the tower is noted as being slightly rutted according to user reviews.
Nearby places
Swan Lake (15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
The town of Swan Lake has a general store with limited groceries and a restaurant.

Best Time to Camp at Mission Lookout

Mother Nature paints an ever-changing canvas at Mission Lookout, where crystal-clear days reveal endless mountain vistas while misty mornings wrap the tower in ethereal fog. Summer visitors bask in comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, though wise adventurers pack bug spray for the occasional mosquito encounter. The mountain weather keeps you on your toes—one week might gift you with endless sunshine, while the next brings dramatic storms rolling across the peaks, or even surprise snowflakes dancing past your windows. Each weather pattern creates its own magic, from rainbow-crowned afternoons to moonlit nights when the mountains glow silver.

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

Summer is popular: fair weather, swimming, fishing, biking and full access to trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 20; scenic mountain and forest fall colors and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15; early season visits possible but access and conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside May 15–Oct 20; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 to October 20, reservable starting June 22.

About Mission Lookout

Perched atop a 40-foot tower in the heart of Montana's wilderness, Mission Lookout transforms camping into an extraordinary sky-high adventure. This historic fire lookout invites you to sleep among the clouds in a cozy 15x15 cabin, where breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Swan Range, Mission Mountains, and shimmering Swan Lake unfold before your eyes. Your elevated sanctuary comes thoughtfully equipped with a double bed, two folding cots, a propane cooking stove, and essential cookware—everything needed for a comfortable stay above the treeline. Back on solid ground, you'll find modern vault toilets, inviting picnic areas, and a crackling fire ring perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies.
Mission Lookout offers unique lodging in a fire lookout tower rather than traditional camping options. It caters to those seeking a non-electric cabin experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is specified as 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is specified as 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Mission Lookout provides a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The proximity to Swan Lake and other nearby attractions enhances its appeal.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are available in the surrounding Flathead National Forest. These trails offer opportunities to explore the Swan Range and Mission Mountains. Reviewers highlighted the accessibility and variety of trails.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at nearby Swan Lake. User quotes: 'We fly-fished and waded the Swan river which is close.'
SwimmingSwimming is possible at Swan Lake and other nearby bodies of water. Reviewers enjoyed spending time at these locations during their visit: 'We swam all day at Swan Lake.'
BikingThe area offers gravel roads suitable for biking. 'We also rode our bikes on the gravel roads all over.'
Wildlife viewingThe area is ideal for observing migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. Reviewers noted seeing bears and other animals during their stay: 'What we thought was a bear too (found some tracks and scat the next morning).' 'A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGrizzly bears frequent the area, and guests are advised to use appropriate containers for food and garbage. The 40-foot height of the lookout may pose challenges for those uncomfortable with heights.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mission Lookout

Reviews

4.8
32 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mission Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mission Lookout receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from reviewers, who praise its cleanliness, breathtaking views, and unique accommodations. The average sentiment for campground-specific experiences is 4.67 out of 5, reflecting high satisfaction.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently commend the stunning 360-degree views, cleanliness of the cabin, and its thoughtful amenities. Many reviewers describe it as one of the best lookouts in Montana, and the wildlife...
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Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

A few reviewers noted minor issues such as lack of heating, occasional mosquitoes, and the presence of packrats. One reviewer mentioned the inconvenience of visitors climbing the stairs uninvited.
Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing mosquito repellant, extra firewood, and warm sleeping bags for cooler nights. They also suggest arriving early to enjoy the stargazing and to prepare for the climb up the...
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Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is a popular season for visits due to fair weather and access to nearby activities like swimming, fishing, and biking. Winter visitors enjoy the peacefulness and cleanliness but recommend...
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Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Of the five different lookouts I've stayed in throughout Montana, Mission Lookout is one of the best.' (Hannah F) 2. 'Absolute perfection. Every view is like seeing the world on the first day of...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews overwhelmingly mention campsite 001 in the Mission Lookout area as clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. Visitors describe it as 'the nicest lookout I've ever stayed in.'
Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback focuses on the steep stairway to the lookout, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or young children.
Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Mission Lookout, which some reviewers appreciated due to cleanliness standards. 'Those bringing pets, please remember that those without them have a different standard of...
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Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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