Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Star4.42
24 reviews
2693 MT Hwy. 200
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,060 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season from Jun...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Cabinet 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
Gem Peak Lookout Rental
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The facility rate for the cabin is $45 per night during peak season (June 28th to October 10th). Additional fees may apply for changes to...
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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
406-827-3533
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 24 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews highlight the stunning views, rustic charm, and secluded nature of the Gem Peak Lookout cabin. However, there are mixed experiences due to road accessibility, flies, and occasional maintenance issues. Overall sentiment is positive with an average rating of 4.357 out of 5."

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Campground Map

2693 MT Hwy. 200

Gem Peak Lookout Rental

2693 MT Hwy. 200

Driving directionsFrom Noxon: Travel Pilgrim Creek Road 149 for approximately 13 miles to Road 2205. Follow Road 2205 for approximately 2 miles to the lookout. From Trout Creek: Travel road 2229 for 11.5 miles. Turn left after the Marten Creek Bridge and follow road 151 for approximately 11 miles to the junction with road 2213. Continue for 5.5 miles to the junction with road 2205. Turn right and follow road 2205 for 2 miles to the lookout.
Full vehicle access depends on weather conditions. Roads are described as rocky, steep, and narrow with sharp drop-offs in user reviews. "Pay CLOSE attention to the roads to be taken on your booking instructions," according to one reviewer. Another reviewer warns that "you need a DURABLE vehicle with all wheel drive and HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE." Road conditions are reportedly rough, particularly the last two miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Trout Creek, MT, including Rode Haus Coffee, mentioned in user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Each season paints a different masterpiece at Gem Peak. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, though heavy snows and freezing temperatures demand proper preparation and a spirit of adventure. Summer rewards visitors with crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for stargazing from your tower-top perch. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into a tapestry of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges—a photographer's dream come true.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Jun 28–Oct 10: wildflowers, huckleberries and views; flies reported in warm months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October; cooler temps reduce flies and fall colors likely enhance views.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Lookout rental season begins June 28, so spring stays are not available despite spring wildflowers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside Jun 28–Oct 10; heavy snows and hazardous roads in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 28th to October 10th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season from June 28th to October 10th.

About Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Perched atop a 30-foot tower, the historic Gem Peak Lookout Rental invites adventurers to sleep among the clouds with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness and the winding Clark Fork River below. This lovingly renovated fire lookout combines rustic charm with essential comforts—twin beds await weary travelers, while a crackling wood stove keeps the mountain chill at bay. Firewood waits at the tower's base, ensuring cozy evenings spent watching alpenglow paint the surrounding peaks.
The campground is available for cabin rental atop a 30-foot tower with primitive facilities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
  • 5consecutive nights per visit
  • 15 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Gem Peak Lookout provides an array of recreational opportunities including hiking, OHV riding, mountain biking, berry picking, hunting, and scenic wildflower viewing. Seasonal huckleberry picking is popular in the area surrounding the lookout.
HikingThere are 400 miles of trails in the Cabinet Ranger District, 150 miles of which are open to motorized use. A trailhead near the lookout offers access for both hiking and OHV riding.
BikingSeveral miles of gated roads are available for mountain bikers.
Wildlife viewingThe area exhibits rich biodiversity and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially in the mixed conifer forest and rugged peaks ranging from 6,000-8,700 feet in elevation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSharp drop-offs along rocky and steep roads are a significant hazard. Flies and broken windows have been reported as issues inside the lookout.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Reviews

4.4
24 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Gem Peak Lookout Rental is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the stunning views, rustic charm, and secluded nature of the Gem Peak Lookout cabin. However, there are mixed experiences due to road accessibility, flies, and occasional maintenance issues. Overall sentiment is positive with an average rating of 4.357 out of 5.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praised the 'magnificent lookout spot' and 'stunning views' in every direction. The cabin's amenities such as the wood stove, clean vault toilet, and availability of firewood were...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users noted flies as a persistent issue, particularly during warmer months. 'Hundreds of flies buzzing around,' one review stated. Another mentioned broken windows that allowed flies to...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommended bringing durable vehicles with high ground clearance for accessing the lookout. Avoid following Google Maps and use the directions provided during booking for safer routes. Bringing...
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Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months appear favorable for enjoying views and berry picking despite reports of flies. Cooler months see reduced fly activity but may experience hazardous road conditions.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Wow. Absolutely stunning views,' noted Michael Christensen. 'The last 2 miles to gain access to the tower are pretty horrid,' said Richard S. 'Stop by Rode Haus Coffee in Trout Creek for a drink and...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 Loop AREA GEM PEAK LOOKOUT RENTAL received mixed reviews: 'Great lookout!' (Anna B) contrasted with 'hundreds of flies buzzing around' (Tom C).
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit details about accessibility issues are provided in user comments.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets appear welcome, as one reviewer mentioned their dog enjoyed the area immensely.
Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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