Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Star3.95
19 reviews
Three Rivers Rd. 12858 US Hwy. 2, Troy, MT 59935-8750, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,874 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June to Se...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

WiFi

Opens Three Rivers Ranger District 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
Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for renting the Garver Mountain Lookout is $45 during the peak rental season from June to September. 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
406-295-4693
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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 19 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenery

"User reviews for Garver Mountain Lookout are mixed, with most highlighting the stunning views and solitude while also mentioning maintenance issues such as a leaky roof and poor toilet conditions. The average rating is around 4 out of 5."

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Campground Map

Three Rivers Rd. 12858 US Hwy. 2, Troy, MT 59935-8750, USA

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Three Rivers Rd. 12858 US Hwy. 2, Troy, MT 59935-8750, USA

Driving directionsFrom Troy, Montana: Follow Highway 2 west for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 north for 30 miles to the town of Yaak. Continue on Yaak Highway 92 to French Garver Road 276, turn right and follow road to junction with road 5857. Follow 5857 to the gate to Garver Mountain. The road continues beyond the gate for approximately 3 miles. There is a sign on the trail to the lookout. The trail to the lookout is approximately 1/4 mile.
Road access is challenging, especially in the last few miles. The road leading up to the gate is rough and requires high-clearance vehicles. Past the gate, the road narrows, and bushes may scratch vehicles. Seasonal weather conditions can further impact accessibility.
Nearby places
Troy (approximately 39 miles, 1-hour drive)
Yaak (approximately 3 miles, 10-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Yaak provides basic supplies, but for larger grocery runs, Troy is the nearest option for camping essentials and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Mountain weather writes its own rules at Garver, where conditions can shift from brilliant sunshine to mysterious fog within hours. Summer visitors from June through September enjoy the warmest temperatures, though evening winds often carry a reminder that you're nearly 6,000 feet closer to the stars. Morning clouds may cloak the valleys below in ethereal mist before burning off to reveal endless views. Beyond peak season, winter's approach brings the possibility of sudden snowfall, transforming the landscape into a pristine wonderland that few are privileged to witness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–September; warmest, most accessible season with best weather and trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Season closes mid-September; late-season reviews cite worsening maintenance and access issues.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site not open in spring; primary season begins in June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside June–September; winter access and services not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 9, 2025 - September 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June to September. No reservations available outside of this period.
  • Current Alerts: Roof leaks and a near-capacity pit toilet have been cited as ongoing issues.

About Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Perched high above the wilderness at 5,874 feet, Garver Mountain Lookout invites adventurous souls to step into the shoes of a fire watcher for an unforgettable night. This historic tower offers a rare opportunity to sleep where eagles soar, with nothing but glass walls between you and sweeping vistas that stretch across three states and into Canada. Inside, you'll find the simple comforts of a bygone era: a crackling wood stove to ward off mountain chill, sturdy furniture weathered by decades of use, and a rustic pit toilet just steps away. Here, disconnected from the digital world, you'll discover the profound silence that only comes with true elevation and isolation.
Garver Mountain Lookout caters primarily to those seeking primitive or rustic lodging experiences. Its accommodations are limited to a single rental cabin at the lookout tower.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum 5 consecutive nights during a single visit. Guests may stay up to 15 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

WiFi
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Garver Mountain Lookout offers outdoor activities including trout fishing in Garver Creek, hiking along the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, wildlife viewing, and winter sports. The rugged beauty of the Yaak area makes it ideal for visitors seeking adventure.
HikingMultiple hiking trails are accessible from the lookout, including paths leading to lakes, streams, and scenic viewpoints. As one review mentions: 'There is a great trail that heads down the NE side of Garver Mountain.' The trail to the lookout itself is steep but manageable, with most reviews estimating its length between 1/4 and 1/2 mile.
FishingGarver Creek nearby provides opportunities for trout fishing, with species such as cutthroat, rainbow, brook, and bull trout commonly found.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the Yaak area includes grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer, and various smaller mammals and birds. As one user noted: 'Only wildlife we saw were birds, squirrels, deer, and a jackrabbit.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to grizzly bears, and visitors should exercise caution. The lookout has a leaking roof, which can lead to wet conditions inside. Seasonal snow and rough roads pose additional hazards.
Active AlertsRoof leaks and a near-capacity pit toilet have been cited as ongoing issues.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Reviews

4.0
19 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Garver Mountain Lookout are mixed, with most highlighting the stunning views and solitude while also mentioning maintenance issues such as a leaky roof and poor toilet conditions. The average rating is around 4 out of 5.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the breathtaking views, solitude, and unique experience of staying at a lookout. One user described the scenery as 'Great views into Canada and Northern Idaho and Montana.' Another...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include a leaking roof, poor road conditions leading to the site, and an inadequately maintained pit toilet. As one review states: 'The vaulted toilet was... good grief, it was...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing plenty of water, supplies, and high-clearance vehicles for navigating the rough roads. One user advised: 'Make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas and you have what you need...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews near the end of the rental season frequently mention worsening maintenance issues, such as a leaking roof and poor toilet conditions. Weather conditions also impact the accessibility and...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great view and area as you would expect in a lookout.' (LEE V, 7/18/2022) - 'The views are impressive! Our ATT phones would slowly send and receive texts and pictures.' (DAVID M, 10/2/2021) -...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews are specific to the single cabin rental at the lookout. The site frequently receives praise for its views but criticism for maintenance issues.
Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns include the steep hike from the parking area to the cabin and the lack of water and electricity. Some users mention difficulty in navigating the rough road leading to the site.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not explicitly address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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