Cougar Peak Lookout

Star4.77
19 reviews
408 Clayton, PO Box 429
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

6,694 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service 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
Cougar Peak Lookout
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fee for overnight stay in the Cougar Peak Lookout is $45 per night during the Peak Season (June 13 - October 14). Additional...
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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
406-210-5287
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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews largely praise the lookout for its cleanliness, maintenance, solitude, and stunning vistas. "The lookout itself was cleaner and in better repair than others we have stayed," one reviewer noted. Others highlighted the site's rustic charm and its proximity to scenic hiking trails."

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Campground Map

408 Clayton, PO Box 429

Cougar Peak Lookout

408 Clayton, PO Box 429

Driving directionsFrom Thompson Falls, Montana, travel west on Highway 200 for about a mile. Before crossing the Clark Fork River bridge, turn right onto Blue Slide Road and continue about 8 miles, to the junction with Forest Road 403. Turn right and travel about 14 miles to the lookout.
The lookout is accessible by vehicle, but late spring snow drifts may compromise parts of the road, requiring visitors to hike a short distance (150 feet) from the parking area to the lookout. Roads can be rocky and rough, particularly for low-clearance vehicles.
Nearby places
Thompson Falls (~23 miles, approximately 35-40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, fuel, and other essentials, can be obtained in Thompson Falls (~23 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Cougar Peak Lookout

At nearly 7,000 feet, Cougar Peak Lookout exists in its own weather world where summer nights demand warm blankets and morning coffee tastes better wrapped in a fleece jacket. Even as wildflowers bloom in the valleys below, lingering snow patches may dot north-facing slopes well into June. The crisp mountain air and dramatic temperature swings between day and night remind visitors they've truly escaped to the high country, where weather moves in quickly and every sunset feels earned.

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

Open mid-June to mid-Sept; reviewers highlight summer wildflowers, cool nights, and superb views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Limited availability into mid/late Sept; possible good fall color but shorter season and cooler weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Spring access limited by snow; official open season begins Jun 20.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed in winter; seasonal opening is Jun 20–Sep 18.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 13 - October 14 (Peak Season Pricing applies).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations June 20 - September 18 annually.

About Cougar Peak Lookout

Perched high above the world at 6,694 feet, Cougar Peak Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and experience life as a forest fire watcher. This authentic Forest Service lookout tower, with its wraparound windows and panoramic mountain vistas, transforms a simple overnight stay into an unforgettable journey above the clouds. The cozy quarters sleep up to four guests who share in the privilege of waking up to sunrise painting the Cabinet and Coeur d'Alene Mountains in golden light.
Cougar Peak Lookout offers a unique camping experience focused on rustic and historic accommodations. Its primary lodging is a Forest Service lookout tower available for rent.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 3 nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Cougar Peak Lookout offers a variety of outdoor activities that include hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and biking. "A variety of trails and points of exploration are accessible from the lookout," including the Cougar Peak Trail that follows the ridge below the lookout to Vermillion Pass.
HikingHiking opportunities include the Cougar Peak Trail, which leads towards Vermillion Pass and beyond to Mt. Headley or Slide Rock Mountain Trail. User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and challenges of these trails, with one reviewer stating, "If you go, definitely hike out to Graves Peak and Vermillion Pass."
FishingFishing is available at reservoirs created by the Noxon Rapids and Cabinet Gorge dams, approximately an hour's drive from the lookout. Anglers can expect to catch large and smallmouth bass and northern pike.
BikingThe area supports biking, though specific trails, terrain details, and skill levels required are not explicitly outlined.
BoatingBoating can be enjoyed at nearby reservoirs formed by the Clark Fork River dams. Popular activities include fishing and recreational boating.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, with the area home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and grizzly and black bears. Birdwatchers may spot bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, herons, and a variety of ducks.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, cold and damp weather, and rocky forest roads that may risk tire damage.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cougar Peak Lookout

Reviews

4.8
19 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cougar Peak Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely praise the lookout for its cleanliness, maintenance, solitude, and stunning vistas. "The lookout itself was cleaner and in better repair than others we have stayed," one reviewer noted. Others highlighted the site's rustic charm and its proximity to scenic hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, beautiful views, and the comfort of the accommodations. "Beautiful sunsets and rises," and "the mattress was the most comfortable of...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the difficulty of obtaining a reservation and occasional issues with insects, such as flies and aphid-like swarms. "No screens on the windows, so lots of flies if the windows were...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend hiking to Graves Peak and Vermillion Pass, bringing extra bedding for comfort, and preparing for fluctuating weather conditions. "Drive slowly to avoid tire damage" is another user...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews often emphasize the summer season's beauty and occasional challenges like insects or fluctuating weather. "Guests should be prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We loved the rock art, haven't seen that at the other lookouts we've visited." "It's fairly difficult to score a reservation for this lookout, so I was grateful that it worked out." "Directions were...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight the 001 Lookout site, often praising its privacy, cleanliness, and scenic views. "Saw a meteor shower, as well as colorful sunrises and sunsets" at the Cougar Peak...
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Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are minimal but highlight the remote nature of the site and the short hike required from the parking area, which may challenge individuals with mobility concerns.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related policies and reviews are not mentioned in the sources.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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