Monument Peak Lookout

Star4.46
24 reviews
809 2ND ST. NW, HARLOWTON, MT, 59036, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

7,395 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for rental betw...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest 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
Monument Peak Lookout
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the Monument Peak Lookout is $45 during its reservable period from June 15 to October 31. This price does not include discounts,...
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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
406-632-4391
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 24 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Monument Peak Lookout range widely, with some praising the views and unique experience, while others highlight challenges such as fly infestations, poor amenities, and frequent visitors."

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Campground Map

809 2ND ST. NW, HARLOWTON, MT, 59036, USA

Monument Peak Lookout

809 2ND ST. NW, HARLOWTON, MT, 59036, USA

Driving directionsFrom Great Falls, go east on U.S. Highway 87/89 about 22 miles (just past Belt) and turn right (south) at the rest area onto U.S. Highway 89 (heading toward Monarch and Neihart). Go about 9.5 miles and turn right on County Road 340. Drive 8 miles to the junction with Road 349 and turn left (south), then drive 4.3 miles to Forest Road 839 and turn right (south). Go 8.5 miles and turn right on Road 268. Drive 3.5 miles to the lookout. Snowmobiles, cross-country skis or snowshoes are required for access during most of the winter.
The road to the lookout is rough for the last 4 miles and only accessible by high-clearance vehicles. During wet conditions, the path may be muddy and slippery. Snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes are required during the winter.
Nearby places
Great Falls (approximately 53 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Monument Peak Lookout

Late summer transforms Monument Peak into a family-friendly mountain paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures hovering in the high 50s°F and crisp, refreshing nights dipping into the 30s°F. As evening approaches, mountain breezes sweep across the peak, carrying the scent of pine and creating the perfect atmosphere for bundling up with hot cocoa on the lookout's wraparound deck. While the distant glow from Great Falls touches the horizon, the typically clear Montana skies still offer plenty of celestial wonders for those seeking a taste of mountain stargazing.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Late summer is peak season and highly recommended; comfortable days and crisp nights noted by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Nov 30 with scenic ridgelines and cooler weather; fall use indicated in seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed in spring months (open begins June 1).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside June 1–Nov 30; winter access is difficult and not an advertised season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for rental between June 1 and November 30. Closed for the remainder of the year.

About Monument Peak Lookout

Perched high above the Little Belt Mountains, Monument Peak Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and experience life as a fire spotter in this beautifully restored 1936 cabin. From your eagle's nest at nearly 7,400 feet, breathtaking 360-degree views unfold in every direction, revealing endless mountain ridges, pristine forests, and the vast Montana sky. This historic gem, lovingly brought back to life in 1999, offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature in one of Montana's most spectacular settings.
Monument Peak Lookout offers a rustic cabin rental with outdoor tent camping available. The site accommodates up to six people, including space for two tents.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
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

Recreational opportunities at Monument Peak Lookout include hiking, OHVing, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, mountain biking, and backpacking. Seasonal constraints and equipment needs, such as snowmobiles in winter, should be considered.
HikingHiking trails are available, including a trailhead for Daisy Spring located 4 miles down an ORV trail. "It is all downhill and when you get to the spring you will have to trudge through thick grass/brush."
FishingLewis and Clark National Forest has streams and fishing opportunities, although specific fishing spots at Monument Peak Lookout are not detailed.
BikingMountain biking is listed among the recreational activities. "Excellent mountain bike riding," according to one review, although no specific trails are detailed.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular with species such as mule deer, elk, and bald eagles. Some visitors did not report seeing much wildlife close to the lookout, with one review noting only a bunny, a groundhog, and a juvenile bear seen 14 miles away.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh winds, slippery muddy roads during wet conditions, and dead flies accumulating in the cabin create challenges.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Monument Peak Lookout

Reviews

4.5
24 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Monument Peak Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Monument Peak Lookout range widely, with some praising the views and unique experience, while others highlight challenges such as fly infestations, poor amenities, and frequent visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

"Breathtaking views" and "Great spot to camp out" are recurring positive themes. Other users appreciated the "excellent mountain bike riding" and "phenomenal late summer months."
Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include "hundreds of flies," uncomfortable mattresses that one user described as "earmarks of bed bug city," and the difficulty of raising window shutters. Visitors frequently mention the...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests strongly recommend bringing extra sleeping pads, headlamps, fly traps, and means to chop firewood. "Bring your own lanterns/headlamps/candles" and "Pack extra propane canisters."
Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer months are highly recommended for families, while winter access is challenging and requires specialized equipment. Flies are reported as a significant issue during warmer months.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "I've never seen so many flies in my life." 2. "The road getting here is for high clearance vehicles only." 3. "Awesome Forest Service cabin location!"
Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mainly address Cabin 001, with recurring themes of fly infestations, unclean amenities, and visitor harassment.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the rough road and winter-only access via snowmobiles or skis. "Must have high clearance and 4WD."
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed outside the cabin but not inside. Guests are responsible for cleaning up pet droppings. "Pets are not allowed in the cabin at any time, but can be kept outside in a kennel or on a...
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Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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