Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Star4.18
26 reviews
Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

6,529 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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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
Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rate for reserving the lookout cabin is $55 during the peak season (June 24 - September 30). Reservation service fees may apply: $8 online,...
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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

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

"User reviews indicate a high level of satisfaction with the lookout's scenic views, rustic charm, and peaceful atmosphere. Concerns frequently mentioned include difficulty accessing the site and the weight of the deck door."

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Campground Map

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Driving directionsFrom Troy Montana, follow Highway 2 West for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 for 18 miles north to Meadow Creek Road 524. Follow Road 524 1 mile to junction with Road 745. Take road 745 approximately 4 miles to Baldy Mountain Lookout Road 591. Follow 591 for approximately 2 miles to Road 5954. Take Road 5954 to the lookout.
The lookout is accessible by car; however, high-clearance vehicles are recommended due to rough and primitive road conditions, especially in the final 3 miles.
Nearby places
Troy, MT (approximately 32.5 miles via Yaak Highway 508 and Meadow Creek Road).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Troy, MT, approximately 32.5 miles away. Guests are advised to pack their own essentials as no supplies are available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Summer nights at Buckhorn Ridge reveal some of the darkest skies in the Northwest, where the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon in brilliant clarity. While the lookout's summer season typically brings crystalline mountain air and spectacular visibility, occasional wildfire smoke may add dramatic sunsets and a reminder of the landscape's wild nature. Mountain weather can shift quickly at this elevation, transforming from brilliant sunshine to dramatic storms that roll across the valleys below.

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

Open late June–Sept; peak season with dark skies and best access though wildfire smoke can hamper views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; fall access limited and visibility may be affected by late-season smoke.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site only open for reservations late June–late Sept; spring closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Heavy snowfall and limited access; reservations open only late June–late Sept.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 24 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from late June to late September.

About Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Perched high above the wilderness at 6,529 feet, Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout stands as a sentinel over the vast Kootenai National Forest. This historic fire lookout cabin, crafted in 1957, invites adventurers to experience life above the clouds while gazing across an endless tapestry of peaks and valleys. From this extraordinary vantage point, the Cabinet Mountain Range unfolds to the west, while Rock Candy Mountain and the distant Kaniksu National Forest paint the horizon with their distinctive silhouettes.
Mount Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge Lookout primarily caters to rustic camping experiences within a historical fire lookout tower.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Guests may stay for up to 5 consecutive nights during a visit. A break of 7 days is required before making another reservation.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Mount Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge Lookout can enjoy hiking, hunting, berry picking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. Panoramic views of mountain ranges and starry night skies provide unique opportunities for relaxation and photography.
HikingA network of trails is available in the surrounding Yaak Area and Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, offering hiking opportunities through scenic landscapes.
Wildlife viewingThe Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions, and smaller mammals and birds. Wildlife sightings were noted by users, adding to the appeal of the lookout.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bears, mountain lions), and navigating rough and primitive roads to access the facility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Reviews

4.2
26 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate a high level of satisfaction with the lookout's scenic views, rustic charm, and peaceful atmosphere. Concerns frequently mentioned include difficulty accessing the site and the weight of the deck door.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the spectacular panoramic views, quiet atmosphere, starry night skies, and clean facilities. The propane stove, heater, and lights were mentioned as valuable amenities.
Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues noted in reviews include challenges with the heavy deck door, rough access roads, and occasional smoke from distant fires affecting visibility. One user struggled to find the lookout...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommended bringing high-clearance vehicles for the rough roads, cleaning supplies for the cabin, and bug spray for warmer months. Some users suggested planning well in advance due to limited...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is most popular for reservations, but wildfire smoke can affect visibility. Winter brings heavy snowfall, potentially limiting access.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The views are of course spectacular and the trip is WELL worth making and spending a few days decompressing.' - Bradley Davis 2. 'Reservations are damn hard to get so plan way in advance.' -...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews pertain to the single lookout cabin. Users describe comfortable beds, functional propane appliances, and a clean vault toilet.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns center around the heavy deck door and steep stairs, which might challenge those with physical limitations.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit information or reviews mention pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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