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

Camping fees at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Yaak 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 Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental before I book?

Yes! Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental has 4 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 Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental is open May 15 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 Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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

Is there cell service at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental?

Cell phone service at Yaak 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 Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental have?

Yaak 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 Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental?

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

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

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

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

Fire policies at Yaak 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.

4.17

25 reviews

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Scenic Views

Featured in:Fishing Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,977 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The lookout is typic...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,977 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The lookout is typic...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. 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

Plan a trip to Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

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Campground Map

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Nearby places

Troy (approx. 33 minutes drive)

Driving directionsFrom Troy, Montana, follow Highway 2 west for 3 miles to the East Side Road 176. Follow the East Side Road 176 for 2 miles north to the Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394. Follow Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394 approximately 2 miles to the Yaak Mountain Road 4407. You will find a gate on this road and need the combination code to enter. Keep gate locked after entry. Follow Road 4407 to the Yaak Mountain Lookout. Total distance from Highway 2 to the lookout gate is 4.15 miles, then 5.3 miles from the gate to the lookout.

Weather at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Current alerts(8)

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 Kootenai National Forest
Please pack out all trash and food and clean cabin before departure

Best Time to Camp at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best window for full access, long daylight, and reliably mild weather—daytime highs typically run in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F, with cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, roads to the lookout, and fishing streams are at their most accessible and safe, making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing (and living in the lookout itself) most enjoyable. Thunderstorms and afternoon lightning are possible, and weekends in July–August see the highest use, but crowds are still modest versus— Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer offers best access, mid-50s to mid-70s days, and ripe huckleberries; peak season noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September.

About Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental sits in the Kootenai National Forest near Troy, Montana, offering a working fire lookout cabin operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Guests stay in an elevated structure with panoramic views, propane utilities, and access to huckleberry picking and wildlife viewing in mid-elevation forest terrain. The lookout operates seasonally during summer months with a five-day stay limit.

Yaak Mountain Lookout is a cabin rental facility situated atop a 45-foot tower. It is designed for guests seeking privacy and a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best window for full access, long daylight, and reliably mild weather—daytime highs typically run in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F, with cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, roads to the lookout, and fishing streams are at their most accessible and safe, making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing (and living in the lookout itself) most enjoyable. Thunderstorms and afternoon lightning are possible, and weekends in July–August see the highest use, but crowds are still modest versus— Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4977 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout provides panoramic views over heavily timbered valleys and ridgelines in the Yaak region. Reviewers mention turkey buzzards riding thermals at eye level and huckleberry patches directly downhill from the cabin. The surrounding forest shows signs of past wildfires, with reduced tree cover in some areas. Wildlife sightings are common. The elevation and open exposure mean dramatic weather patterns move visibly across the landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe accommodation consists of a lookout cabin atop a 45-foot tower. It is fitted with two twin beds, four mattresses, a propane stove, heater, lights, and cleaning supplies. As stated in reviews, 'The beds and mattresses allowed for comfortable sleeping arrangements,' and the propane facilities made cooking convenient.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 5 nights during a visit. Maximum Stay: 15 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The lookout accommodates up to 4 people.

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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited due to the steep stairs leading to the lookout and the heavy trap door on the catwalk. Several user reviews warned that the trap door is heavy and challenging to operate, especially for individuals with limited strength.

Site SizeThe cabin is compact but can accommodate up to four individuals comfortably, according to user reviews.

PrivacyThe lookout provides significant privacy due to its remote location and locked gate at the base of the mountain. One reviewer appreciated the locked gate, stating, 'It was nice having the locked gate at the bottom of the mountain ensuring privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests should bring high-clearance vehicles, all supplies including drinking water, flashlights, cleaning supplies, and bear protection. Use the pulley system to bring gear up to the cabin.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site: the lookout itself. The cabin sits atop a 45-foot tower with a catwalk. Space is compact but functional for four people. The heavy trapdoor to the catwalk can be difficult for smaller individuals to manage. A pulley system hauls gear up from ground level. Reviewers recommend bringing duffel bags or coolers with sturdy handles to work with the pulley.

Need help booking Yaak 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

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.

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to the Yaak Mountain Lookout can partake in hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other nature-focused activities. The lookout's setting offers stunning views, while nearby streams and rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities for trout species. 'Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in the Kootenai River,' according to official sources.

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 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 & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided. Guests are required to 'pack out all trash and food and clean the cabin before departure,' as emphasized in the facility guidelines.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is available at the Yaak Mountain Lookout, with users reporting reliable service from Verizon and AT&T. 'Verizon and AT&T both had good service,' noted one reviewer.

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

4.2

25 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The Yaak Mountain Lookout is praised for its breathtaking views, privacy, and unique lodging experience. Many users highlighted the excellent use of propane utilities and the overall serenity of the location. Common concerns included logging activity nearby, steep stairs, and the heavy trapdoor on the catwalk.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciated the views, tranquility, and privacy offered by the lookout. 'Gorgeous views, turkey buzzards soaring by on thermals,' said one reviewer. Others enjoyed the huckleberry...

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Users often mentioned logging activity near the site, which caused noise and safety concerns. The steep stairs to the lookout and heavy trapdoor on the catwalk were frequently noted as challenges....

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is the sole accommodation at this facility and is consistently praised for its views and privacy. However, users noted issues with the heater and trapdoor.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to bring essential gear, including cleaning supplies, drinking water, and sturdy items to transport via the pulley system. 'If we go back, we'll be bringing duffle bags, coolers...

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular for visiting due to favorable weather conditions and ripe huckleberries. Winter months may render the lookout inaccessible due to snow and harsh conditions.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Currently $45 a night to stay here, and it is worth every penny.' 2. 'What a beautiful spot! The clouds blew through us, a storm rolled through, and it was perfect.' 3. '56 steps to the top. The...

Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to steep stairs and a heavy trapdoor. 'The stairs are very steep, and the trapdoor is heavy, which might pose challenges for individuals with disabilities,' remarked one...

Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are absent from the available data.

Based on 25 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want solitude in a working lookout with sweeping views and don't mind a catwalk climb.

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You need ground-level access or want to avoid areas with logging activity.

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