Big Hole Lookout (Mt)

Star4.90
20 reviews
PO Box 429, Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, 408 Clayton Street, Plains, MT 59859
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

6,791 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Big Hole Lookout (Mt)
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee for reserving the lookout is $45 during peak season (June 10 - October 14). Additional reservation service fees apply.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
406-826-3821
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.90

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the site's cleanliness, breathtaking views, and well-maintained facilities. Many highlighted the site's solitude and historical significance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 429, Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, 408 Clayton Street, Plains, MT 59859

Big Hole Lookout (Mt)

PO Box 429, Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, 408 Clayton Street, Plains, MT 59859

Driving directionsFrom Plains, Montana travel northwest on Highway 200 for approximately 7.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). From Thompson Falls, Montana travel southeast on Highway 200 for approximately 17.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). Turn north onto Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887) and travel approximately 3 miles to Big Hole Road (FR 5587) and turn left. Travel the Big Hole Road for approximately 17.5 miles to the Big Hole Trailhead.
The road to the trailhead is steep and winding, requiring careful navigation. Reviewers mentioned that the two-track road is manageable with a passenger car, but caution is advised due to the winding terrain.
Nearby places
Plains, Montana is approximately 7.5 miles from Weeksville Creek Road
Thompson Falls, Montana is approximately 17.5 miles from Weeksville Creek Road.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Plains, Montana (approximately 7.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road). Specific stores or types of supplies are not mentioned explicitly.

Best Time to Camp at Big Hole Lookout (Mt)

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature plays by her own rules. While valleys below bask in warm sunshine, the lookout often finds itself wrapped in cool mists and mountain breezes. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, painting dramatic skies and reminding visitors why this outpost was so vital for spotting distant fires. Pack layers and rain gear—the mountain's moods change as quickly as the clouds that dance across its peaks.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season: wildlife, huckleberry picking and ideal hiking; occasional smoky skies late summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn bugling elk and clear mountain vistas; quieter visitation in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Reservations begin June 10; spring-season stays are not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside reservation window (open June 10–Oct 14).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 10 to October 14.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 10 to October 14.

About Big Hole Lookout (Mt)

Perched high above the wilderness, Big Hole Lookout invites adventurous souls to step back in time and experience life as a fire watcher once did. This authentic Forest Service lookout, welcoming guests from June through October, rewards those who make the scenic 3-mile journey by foot, horseback, or mountain bike with an unforgettable backcountry retreat. From your eagle's nest accommodation, witness breathtaking 360-degree panoramas where mountain ranges stretch endlessly into the horizon and valleys unfold like nature's own tapestry below.
Big Hole Lookout is suitable for small groups, offering an authentic backcountry experience in a historic Forest Service lookout.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time details are not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 3 nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

"Big Hole Lookout has an amazing 360-degree view of several mountain peaks and ranges," making it a prime location for various recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The area features several non-motorized trails and is rich in natural and cultural history.
HikingThe campground is accessible via a 3-mile trail with a gradual incline and some steep sections. "The trail was easy to find and the solitude was worth the climb," noted one reviewer. Other trails also link to the site, offering more opportunities for exploration.
BikingThe 3-mile trail leading to the lookout is open to bicycles, and additional non-motorized trails are available for exploration.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to various wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and bears. "We saw a bear while hiking down to the spring," shared one visitor. The site is also frequented by bald and golden eagles.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area has bear activity; visitors must practice bear safety. Additional hazards include steep trails and changing weather conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Hole Lookout (Mt)

Reviews

4.9
20 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Hole Lookout (Mt) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the site's cleanliness, breathtaking views, and well-maintained facilities. Many highlighted the site's solitude and historical significance.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

"The lookout was in fantastic shape and well-stocked," "The views are top notch all day," and "I can hardly wait to make the trip again!" Visitors also appreciated the ease of the trail and the...
Show more
Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors noted issues such as mice in the lookout and challenges in finding the spring due to inaccurate directions.
Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing a water filter for the spring, hanging a lamp from the ceiling hooks, and being 'bear aware.'
Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors frequently enjoyed wildlife viewing and huckleberry picking, while some reviews noted smoky skies affecting views in late summer.
Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "We took our granddaughters 8 & 10 into Big Hole Lookout, we all very much enjoyed our time there. Very clean, well stocked and maintained!" 2. "The views are spectacular. The area is loaded with...
Show more
Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The lookout itself receives consistent 5-star reviews, with visitors emphasizing its cleanliness, amenities, and remarkable views. The trailhead also offers ample parking and is well-marked.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

The 3-mile trail to the lookout is described as manageable, with a gradual incline, but may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. There is no vehicular access to the site.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some visitors brought dogs, including small breeds, up the trail successfully.
Based on 20 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Big Hole Lookout (Mt)? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Lolo National Forest
Big Hole Lookout (Mt)