How much does camping cost at Double Arrow Lookout?

Camping fees at Double Arrow Lookout range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Double Arrow Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Double Arrow Lookout 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 Double Arrow Lookout before I book?

Yes! Double Arrow Lookout has 6 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 Double Arrow Lookout?

Double Arrow Lookout is open May 22 to September 04. 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 Double Arrow Lookout?

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

Is there cell service at Double Arrow Lookout?

Cell phone service at Double Arrow Lookout is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Double Arrow Lookout have?

Double Arrow Lookout 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 Double Arrow Lookout?

Pets are not allowed at Double Arrow Lookout. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Double Arrow Lookout?

Double Arrow Lookout offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Double Arrow Lookout?

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

Double Arrow Lookout

4.46

17 reviews

Seeley Lake Ranger District, 3583 MT-HWY 83 N., Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Hiking Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,911 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Seeley Lake Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,911 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Seeley Lake Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Double Arrow Lookout

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $75.00. 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

406-677-2233

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Seeley Lake Ranger District, 3583 MT-HWY 83 N., Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA

Double Arrow Lookout

Seeley Lake Ranger District, 3583 MT-HWY 83 N., Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA

Nearby places

Seeley Lake (approximately 2 miles), Missoula (about 55 miles), Kalispell (approximately 75 miles)

Driving directionsFrom the town of Seeley Lake, turn west on Riverview Drive halfway between MM 13 & 14. Drive straight on the paved road for 0.6 mile, where you will cross over the Clearwater River. Continue on the same road another 0.6 mile where the road will split, stay straight (do not go right). The road will narrow, become more rocky and rough. Proceed almost 1 mile where you will make a right turn. After another 0.2 mile, make another right turn. Go another 0.2 mile and turn right again on Forest Road 696. Continue 1 mile where you will come to the lookout gate. Proceed through the gate (using the gate combination number) and in 0.1 mile you will be at the lookout.

Weather at Double Arrow Lookout

Best Time to Camp at Double Arrow Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to the lookout (open May 23–Sept 1), with warm, dry days ideal for hiking, boating on Seeley Lake, fishing, swimming, and nightly stargazing from the tower. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18–29 °C), with crisp nights dropping into the 40s–50s °F (5–12 °C), making for comfortable daytime exploration and cool sleeping at 4,900 ft. Expect peak visitation in July and early August, so reserve early; late-Jun Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May 23–Sept 1; summer reviews overwhelmingly positive and weather is reliable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 23 and closes September 1 (reservable dates).

About Double Arrow Lookout

Double Arrow Lookout sits in mid-elevation forest within Lolo National Forest near Seeley Lake, operated by the Seeley Lake Ranger District. This historic fire lookout tower offers a rare overnight stay with panoramic views, a working heater, and a refrigerator. Guests hike in for privacy and stargazing, with vault toilets at the base and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the surrounding forest.

Double Arrow Lookout is a unique, historic structure offering cabin-style accommodations atop a 20-foot tower. It is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. Primitive camping and sleeping in the surrounding area are prohibited, ensuring exclusivity and privacy for guests staying within the lookout.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to the lookout (open May 23–Sept 1), with warm, dry days ideal for hiking, boating on Seeley Lake, fishing, swimming, and nightly stargazing from the tower. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18–29 °C), with crisp nights dropping into the 40s–50s °F (5–12 °C), making for comfortable daytime exploration and cool sleeping at 4,900 ft. Expect peak visitation in July and early August, so reserve early; late-Jun Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation4911 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout commands panoramic views of the Swan Mountains and the forested Seeley Valley below. Glacial valleys and craggy peaks frame the landscape, with dense conifer forests blanketing the mountainsides. Wildlife sightings include mountain goats on rocky cliffs, elk in valley meadows, grizzly bears foraging, bald eagles overhead, and trumpeter swans on distant mountain lakes. The elevation and exposure create striking light shifts from sunrise to sunset.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lookout includes living quarters within a 14-by-14 structure atop a 20-foot tower. It is equipped with electric lights, heat, a cook stove, and a small refrigerator. Sleeping arrangements include two single beds and two portable cots, accommodating up to four guests.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests allowed per reservation.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at this facility.

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 (online and app) or the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe lookout features a compact 14-by-14-foot structure with enough space to accommodate up to four people.

PrivacyThe lookout provides significant privacy, as camping and sleeping are prohibited in the area surrounding the tower.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesReviewers recommend bringing sleep mats, due to the hard benches, and being prepared for wind-related noise. "The outside trap door is really heavy...wind grabs it if left half open and it bangs shut," noted a guest.

Best CampsitesOnly one site exists: the lookout tower itself. Reviews praise the views, privacy, and cleanliness, though some note broken door handles and sticky table surfaces. The heater and refrigerator work well. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the access road.

Need help booking Double Arrow Lookout?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Double Arrow Lookout provides a unique camping experience with modern amenities such as electricity, an electric cook stove, small refrigerator, and a heater. Guests must bring their own supplies including bedding, cooking and cleaning equipment, food, towels, soap, garbage bags, and toilet paper. The facility features a vault toilet located outside the tower. Cell phone service is available in the area. User reviews highlight the lookout's cleanliness, privacy, and accommodations. One reviewer noted, 'The lookout was easily accessible, CLEAN, and had so many amenities which included a nice stack of chopped firewood.' Another stated, 'Having the amenities that a lot of other lookouts don’t have plus the privacy and views were amazing.' However, some reviews raised concerns about maintenance, such as a sticky table surface and a broken door handle.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Double Arrow Lookout offers a diverse range of activities including hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography. The nearby Seeley Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxing on a sandy beach. Visitors can access hiking trails leading into surrounding mountains and valleys. User reviews have highlighted the breathtaking views and peaceful environment: 'The views are unparalleled and the accommodations were great!'

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 Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. An outdoor vault toilet is provided, which is located a short distance from the lookout tower.

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

4.5

17 reviews

Recommended

Double Arrow Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews paint a highly positive picture of Double Arrow Lookout, praising its views, peaceful atmosphere, and unique accommodations. The average campground-specific sentiment is 4.2, reflecting general satisfaction.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the breathtaking views, privacy, and cleanliness of the lookout. Many appreciate the amenities such as the heater and refrigerator. Quotes include: 'Double Arrow fire...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some issues raised in reviews include the broken door handle, sticky table surface, and occasional disturbances from uninvited visitors.

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific mentions mostly refer to the single lookout structure. User Brenda S noted issues such as the sticky table and broken door handle.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra cleaning supplies and bedding. One user suggests, 'Bring your own sleep mat/cushion or an air pump for the one that is provided.' Others note the importance of a...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many families describing their trips as memorable and peaceful. Winter reviews may be less frequent but not reported as negative.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: 'We had an incredible time. It made our first anniversary really special.' and 'Our night in the lookout was overall great! It’s so peaceful and beautiful to see the...

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed accessibility reviews are available.

Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are prohibited at the lookout, and user reviews do not provide additional commentary or complaints related to this policy.

Based on 17 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a unique mountaintop stay with sweeping views and don't mind hiking to a remote tower.

Skip if

You need drive-up access or prefer traditional tent and RV camping over a fire lookout.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(174)

River Point Lolo Campground (Mt)

3600 Boy Scout Road

River Point Lolo Campground sits in mid-elevation Western Larch forest near Seeley Lake in Lolo National Forest. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors swim, fish, kayak, and hike during the summer season when the lake and trails are fully accessible.