How much does camping cost at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Camping fees at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental first-come first-served or reservation?

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental 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 Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental before I book?

Yes! Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental has 7 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 Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental is open June 12 to September 30. 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 Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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

Is there cell service at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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

How many campsites does Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental have?

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental 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 Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Pets are not allowed at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Q: Can I have a campfire at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Fire policies at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.95

19 reviews

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

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Three Rivers Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Three Rivers Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. 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

406-295-4693

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Troy (approximately 39 miles, 1-hour drive)

Yaak (approximately 3 miles, 10-minute drive)

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.

Weather at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Current alerts(9)

Access depends on weather conditions
Be aware, this facility is not cleaned between user visits. It is up to individual renters to bring their own cleaning supplies and clean before and after site use.
Learn more about the the Kootenai National Forest
Please pack out all trash and food and clean cabin before departure

Best Time to Camp at Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most comfortable weather at this 5,874-foot lookout — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–50s. Trails, service roads, and the lookout itself are open June through September, with peak wildflower displays, prime hiking and fishing, and long daylight for wildlife viewing. Crowds remain low compared with lower-elevation parks because of the remote location, but available nights in the single historic lookout fill fast, Peak months: August, July, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open June–September; best weather, wildflowers and access occur in summer months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June to September. No reservations available outside of this period.

About Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Garver Mountain Lookout Rental sits at 5,874 feet in the Kootenai National Forest near Troy, Montana, operated by the Three Rivers Ranger District. This staffed fire lookout turned rental cabin offers panoramic views into Canada, northern Idaho, and Montana backcountry. Guests stay in the historic structure with vault toilets and wifi, hiking and watching wildlife during summer months when access roads are clear.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most comfortable weather at this 5,874-foot lookout — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–50s. Trails, service roads, and the lookout itself are open June through September, with peak wildflower displays, prime hiking and fishing, and long daylight for wildlife viewing. Crowds remain low compared with lower-elevation parks because of the remote location, but available nights in the single historic lookout fill fast, Peak months: August, July, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5874 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout commands views across jagged peaks, deep valleys, and dense old-growth forest stretching into three states. Below, rivers carved by glacial melt wind through timber thick enough to shelter grizzlies, wolves, and elk. Reviewers mention watching wildlife from the tower and seeing stars sharp enough to stay up for. The landscape feels primordial: unbroken canopy broken only by rocky ridges and the occasional alpine meadow. One visitor noted views reaching into Canada and northern Idaho.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lookout cabin is 144 square feet in size, and it is equipped to accommodate up to four people. The facility is elevated 40 feet above the ground, and the cabin offers two twin beds with mattresses, a wood stove, and other essentials.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information regarding cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 5 consecutive nights during a single visit. Guests may stay up to 15 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests allowed per reservation.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe lookout can be accessed via a steep 1/4 mile hike from the parking area at the end of the road. The entry gate requires a combination code for access, and visitors must carry their supplies uphill. This may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe cabin is compact, measuring 144 square feet.

PrivacySite privacy is high due to its remote location atop Garver Mountain. Reviewers frequently note solitude and breathtaking vistas.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend high-clearance vehicles for the road and bringing adequate water and cleaning supplies. Binoculars are suggested for enjoying the views.

Best CampsitesOnly one site exists: the lookout tower itself. Book early.

Need help booking Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Garver Mountain Lookout provides minimal amenities due to its remote location and rugged beauty. Highlighting its rental specifics, the campground features two twin beds with four mattresses, a wood stove, table, chairs, shovel bucket, and cleaning gear, though these items may not always be available due to vandalism. Key amenities include a pit toilet located outside and a cabin heating system via a wood stove. However, campers must bring their own essential supplies such as drinking water, food, and cooking utensils.

WiFi

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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. The facility contains a pit toilet located outside, which has been noted in reviews as being near capacity and 'piled within a foot of the toilet seat' during peak usage.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food items, as no on-site trash collection or recycling facilities are available.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but limited. As one user review notes: 'Our ATT phones would slowly send and receive texts and pictures. No surfing the web though.' Another comment mentions 'Internet worked with roaming coverage in the tower.'

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

19 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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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) -...

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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4.4

(59)

Upper Ford Cabin Rental

12858 US HWY. 2

Upper Ford Cabin sits along the Yaak River in Montana's Kootenai National Forest, operated by the Three Rivers Ranger District. This remote rental offers an off-grid experience with propane utilities, a well-equipped interior, and direct access to fishing and hiking. The cabin sleeps guests comfortably and provides a quiet base for exploring the surrounding foothills and river corridor during the warmer months.