Double Arrow Lookout

Star4.46
17 reviews
Seeley Lake Ranger District, 3583 MT-HWY 83 N., Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA

Quick Facts

4,911 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Seeley Lake Ranger District 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
Double Arrow Lookout
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate for cabin electric is $75. Additional fees include an $8 reservation fee (online or app), $9 fee through the contact center,...
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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
406-677-2233
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 17 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyclean

"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."

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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

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.
Access road is steep dirt and gravel, requiring high-clearance vehicles. "The road up is pretty rough. Sharp rocks," according to user reviews. Low-clearance vehicles are not recommended.
Nearby places
Seeley Lake (approximately 2 miles), Missoula (about 55 miles), Kalispell (approximately 75 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Seeley Lake, 2 miles east, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Double Arrow Lookout

Summer brings ideal conditions to the lookout, with warm, dry days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching during the peak visitation season. The crisp mountain air and moderate temperatures create comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures and stargazing from your tower perch. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, though visitors should come prepared for freezing temperatures and winter driving conditions. The dry climate means spectacular visibility on most days, allowing for stunning views that stretch for miles across the valley below.

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

Site open May 23–Sept 1; summer reviews overwhelmingly positive and weather is ideal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Season closes Sept 1; fall availability and reviews not applicable.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Season opens May 23 — late spring access is limited; spring largely before opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 23–Sept 1; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 1 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens May 23 and closes September 1 (reservable dates).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were specified.

About Double Arrow Lookout

Perched high above the Seeley Valley, the Double Arrow Lookout stands as a sentinel of history and adventure, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to sleep where forest fire watchers once kept their vigilant watch. This beautifully preserved 1933 lookout tower has been transformed into a unique mountain retreat, complete with modern comforts like electricity, heat, a fully equipped kitchen, and refrigerator. From your elevated perch, panoramic views of the Swan Mountains unfold in every direction, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your stay. As one enchanted visitor shared, this remarkable destination strikes the perfect balance of being 'out of the way but not too far,' while families have discovered it to be an 'awesome place' for creating lasting memories together.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM Mountain Time (starting in 2024).
Check-out
1:00 PM Mountain Time (starting in 2024).
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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!'
HikingA variety of hiking trails are accessible from the lookout, offering exploration of nearby mountains and valleys.
FishingFishing is available at Seeley Lake, located about 2 miles east of the lookout. The lake also features a boat ramp.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available at Seeley Lake, which includes a sandy beach and shaded areas.
BoatingBoating is supported at Seeley Lake with amenities such as a boat ramp.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area is rich with wildlife including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and deer. Both bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, and various duck species are common sights.
Beach activitiesVisitors can enjoy beach activities at Seeley Lake, such as sunbathing and relaxing under shaded areas.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep drop-offs and rocky boulders pose safety concerns, especially for children. Grizzly bears and black bears inhabit the region; guests are advised to follow bear safety guidelines.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were specified.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Double Arrow Lookout

Reviews

4.5
17 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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