Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Star4.75
17 reviews
12557 HWY. 37, LIBBY, MT 59923-8212, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

5,780 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from mid-June t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for renting the Big Creek Baldy Lookout is $55 during the peak season from June 30 to September 30. Additional fees may apply for...
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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
406-293-7773
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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

"Overall, user reviews highlight the unique experience of staying in a historic fire lookout with breathtaking views and abundant privacy. Visitors appreciate the propane amenities and the chance to connect with nature. However, some reviews note minor inconveniences, such as rough road access and the limited sleeping arrangements for four people."

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Campground Map

12557 HWY. 37, LIBBY, MT 59923-8212, USA

Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

12557 HWY. 37, LIBBY, MT 59923-8212, USA

Driving directionsFrom Libby, travel 1 mile north on Highway 37 to Pipe Creek Road. Turn left and follow for 19 miles, then turn east (right) onto East Fork Pipe Creek Road/Big Creek Baldy Road 336. Proceed about three-quarters of a mile and then turn right onto Big Creek Baldy Mountain Road 309. Follow this road for 5 miles to the lookout. The last mile is fairly rough but can be negotiated with vehicles having high ground clearance.
The road leading to the lookout is rough for the last mile, requiring a high-clearance vehicle. "The road past the gate is pretty rocky in spots and steep – doable but was glad to have a truck and not my Subaru," noted one reviewer. Seasonal access depends on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Libby (approximately 20 miles, 30-minute drive). Eureka is also accessible but involves a longer drive with possible obstacles like downed trees.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are located in Libby, MT, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Summer nights at Big Creek Baldy reveal a celestial theater under pristine, clear skies that make stargazing an otherworldly experience. The tower's elevated position creates its own microclimate where gentle breezes whisper through the lookout's windows and temperatures remain refreshingly cool even on warm days. As seasons shift, visitors should come prepared for the mountain's moods—gusty winds that rock the tower like a ship at sea, and during wetter months, the approach road can transform into a muddy adventure that adds to the journey's wild character.

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

Open mid-June–late Sept; summer praised for clear skies, stargazing, and accessible trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late September; fall access is limited but can offer clear skies and shoulder-season colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed during spring months; access and amenities unavailable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside mid-June to late September; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 30 - September 30 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from mid-June through late September.
  • Current Alerts: Access depends on weather conditions; the last mile of the road is rough.

About Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Perched atop a 52-foot fire lookout tower in the heart of Kootenai National Forest, Big Creek Baldy Lookout transforms the traditional camping experience into an unforgettable sky-high adventure. This historic tower beckons those seeking solitude and spectacular vistas, offering modern propane-powered conveniences while maintaining the authentic charm of a working fire lookout. Here, self-sufficiency meets stunning scenery, creating a perfect escape for adventurers ready to trade ground-level views for a bird's-eye perspective of Montana's wilderness.
Big Creek Baldy Lookout is designed for overnight stays in a historic fire lookout tower. While it isn’t a traditional campground, the lookout offers a unique lodging experience suitable for small groups or families.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
  • Maximum stay: 5 consecutive nights per visit
  • 15 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Baldy Lookout offers a range of outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy hiking trails around the lookout and explore over 400 miles of summer trails in the Libby area. The elevated location and panoramic views make it ideal for stargazing. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with sightings of species such as deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, and mountain lions. Additionally, smaller mammals and birds inhabit the area.
HikingThe lookout offers access to hiking trails nearby. The Libby area features over 400 miles of summer-use trails. User reviews suggest trails near the lookout may lack maintenance and are marked with stone cairns and signposts.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional, with the area supporting deer, elk, moose, bears (grizzly and black), wolves, and mountain lions. Smaller mammals and various bird species are also common.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and mountain lions. "Bear safety" precautions are recommended.
Active AlertsAccess depends on weather conditions; the last mile of the road is rough.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Reviews

4.8
17 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the unique experience of staying in a historic fire lookout with breathtaking views and abundant privacy. Visitors appreciate the propane amenities and the chance to connect with nature. However, some reviews note minor inconveniences, such as rough road access and the limited sleeping arrangements for four people.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the spectacular views, cleanliness, and historical significance of the lookout. Many enjoyed hiking nearby trails, stargazing, and the propane-equipped amenities. User quotes emphasize...
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Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include the rocky road requiring high-clearance vehicles, bedding limitations for four guests, and occasional instances of propane not being turned on upon arrival. Hiking trails...
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Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cleaning supplies and extra bedding if traveling with four people. Fly swatters are recommended due to insects, and unlocking the gate requires the combination provided by the ranger station....
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Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The lookout is most popular during its open season from mid-June through late September, with visitors praising the clear skies and starry nights. Weather conditions outside this period are less...
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Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Awesome lookout! Bring your own fly swatters though, the only one there was pretty tattered." (ALLISON D, 4/5) 2. "My family and I had so much fun at the lookout! It's definitely worth all of the...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is the only designated spot at this campground. Visitors often comment on the cabin’s cleanliness, propane features, and unparalleled views.
Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessing the lookout requires navigating steep and rocky roads, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The tower itself is elevated, requiring climbing steps to reach...
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Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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