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

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

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

Mcguire 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 Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental before I book?

Yes! Mcguire 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 Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Mcguire 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 Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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

How many campsites does Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental have?

Mcguire 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 Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Pets are not allowed at Mcguire 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 Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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

What activities can I do at Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Popular activities at Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

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

Fire policies at Mcguire 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.

4.28

34 reviews

Rexford RD 949 US Hwy. 93 N

Top 8% in MTSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Northwest Montana Lookout Association Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Northwest Montana Lookout Association Official Website

Get Directions

Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

$45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-296-2536

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Rexford RD 949 US Hwy. 93 N

Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

Rexford RD 949 US Hwy. 93 N

Nearby places

Eureka (14 miles southwest)

Driving directionsMcGuire Mountain is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Eureka and may be reached by taking Othorp Lake Road 854. Stay on this road to Pinkham Creek Road 856 and continue for approximately 13 miles. Turn and follow Sutton Ridge Road 494 west to Little Sutton Mountain, where you will see a sign marking the beginning of the lookout trail. Park all vehicles and continue from the trailhead to your destination approximately 2.5 miles up trail #446.

Weather at Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

Current alerts(7)

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 Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to the lookout (open June 14–Sept 30) and the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking, boating and fishing on Koocanusa Reservoir. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and cool nights often dropping into the 30s–40s at 7,000 ft, so you get warm days for outdoor activities and crisp nights for stargazing and using the cabin's wood stove. Boat access, reservoir fishing, and the full trail network are at their peak, and crowds are generally moderate compared with lakes‑l Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MT

Open June 14–Sept 30; best weather, full access, wildflowers and peak views (mosquitoes possible).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open and reservable June 14th - September 30th annually.

About Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental sits at 7,000 feet in Kootenai National Forest, offering a historic fire lookout cabin with panoramic alpine views. Operated by Northwest Montana Lookout Association, this remote rental provides a rustic backcountry experience with a wood stove, vault toilets, and access to hiking and wildlife viewing. Guests appreciate the solitude and stargazing but note the cabin shows its age with window gaps that let in insects.

McGuire Mountain Lookout provides a specialized accommodation type offering access to a historic fire lookout cabin.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to the lookout (open June 14–Sept 30) and the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking, boating and fishing on Koocanusa Reservoir. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and cool nights often dropping into the 30s–40s at 7,000 ft, so you get warm days for outdoor activities and crisp nights for stargazing and using the cabin's wood stove. Boat access, reservoir fishing, and the full trail network are at their peak, and crowds are generally moderate compared with lakes‑l Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout commands views across the serpentine Koocanusa Reservoir, a narrow ribbon of water created by Libby Dam that winds through glacially carved valleys. The Cabinet Mountains rise in rugged ridges around the site, and summer wildflowers cover the surrounding meadows. Windows on all sides frame sunrises and sunsets over distant peaks. At night, the Milky Way stretches clear across the sky with no light pollution. Trails wind through alpine terrain where wildlife sightings are common, though the summit itself is exposed and windswept.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe main accommodation is the McGuire Mountain Lookout cabin itself, which provides shelter for up to 4 people. It includes a wood-burning stove and basic furnishings. However, guests must supply their own bedding and additional necessities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights during a visit and 15 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 people can stay at the lookout.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccess requires a hike of approximately 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet, making it inaccessible for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeThe lookout cabin measures 12x12 feet, suitable for accommodating up to four people.

PrivacyThe lookout provides significant privacy due to its remote location, though hikers and horseback riders may pass by occasionally.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra water or filtration systems as water sources are limited. Carry sufficient cleaning supplies to maintain cabin cleanliness.

Best CampsitesThis is a single-cabin rental, not a traditional campground. The lookout itself is the only site. Reviewers appreciate the sleeping pads, cooking supplies, and the cozy wood stove, but consistently mention that the cabin needs repair work, particularly on the windows.

Need help booking Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no water available at the lookout and water sources in the area are limited. The rustic-style cabin is not wired for electricity.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

Recreational opportunities include backpacking, hiking along scenic trails, fishing at nearby Koocanusa Reservoir, wildlife viewing, and enjoying panoramic views from the lookout cabin.

Hiking4.0/5

Trail #446: 2.5 mi with 1,500 ft gain to the lookout; scenic, varied terrain to a panoramic summit.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing available at nearby Koocanusa Reservoir; stable populations of kokanee, Kamloops and trout.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing called out; bighorn sheep reported near Koocanusa and abundant mountain fauna.

Water Sports3.0/5

Reservoir boating implies kayaking is possible on Koocanusa, though not site-specific.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5360° vantage, sunrise/sunset, wildflowers and mountain/reservoir panoramas make it exceptional for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 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 to maintain the cleanliness of the site, as there are no onsite trash facilities.

Cell CoverageNo official information about cell phone service coverage is available, and none of the reviews explicitly address it.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

34 reviews

Satisfactory

Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the breathtaking views, rustic charm, and the unique experience of staying at the lookout. Concerns about maintenance and the condition of certain facilities like windows and the pit toilet are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests enjoy the cozy wood stove, scenic views of sunrise and sunset, and the solitude offered by the remote location. The presence of sleeping pads, cooking supplies left behind by previous users,...

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poor maintenance of the cabin (e.g., broken windows, gaps causing drafts, and pests), the pit toilet being nearly unusable, and inadequate directions to the trailheads....

Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 (McGuire Lookout): Most reviews reference this site positively for its views and solitude but note disrepair and insect issues. Specific complaints include broken windows and the pit toilet...

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water, as there are limited water sources. A rare spring may be available along the trail, but guests are advised to filter or boil any water collected. Packing extra layers for cold...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits often feature beautiful wildflowers and relatively easy hikes but can also bring heavy mosquito activity. Fall offers stunning foliage and cooler weather. Smoke from nearby wildfires...

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wake up early to check out the sunrise." - Justin Castilla "The trail to the lookout was an easy hike, tons of wild flowers were in bloom." - Michelle R "The wood stove keeps the cabin quite cozy."...

Based on 34 reviews