West Fork Butte Lookout

Star4.40
69 reviews
24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

2,310 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 1st t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Missoula 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
West Fork Butte Lookout
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates range from June 1st to December 31st at $55 per night. Additional fees may apply for reservations, cancellations, or modifications...
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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
406-329-3814
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 69 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Overall user sentiment for West Fork Butte Lookout is positive, with guests praising the views, solitude, and rustic charm. However, some reviews note issues with boarded-up windows, steep access trails, and mouse activity."

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Campground Map

24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA

West Fork Butte Lookout

24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA

Driving directionsFrom Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Lolo. Turn onto Highway 12 and continue west for 17 miles, following Lolo Creek to Forest Road 37. Turn left onto Road 37 and cross the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek. Follow Forest Road 37 for approximately 7 miles to the second intersection. Turn a sharp left, open the locked gate using the combination provided by the Missoula Ranger Station, close the gate behind you, and follow the road half a mile to the lookout. During winter and early spring months, the gate at the beginning of Forest Road 37 is closed and locked. Visitors can park at the parking area below the gate and follow the route via snowmobile, skis, or foot for 7.5 miles to the lookout.
Road access varies by season. During summer months, the gate near the beginning of Forest Road 37 is open, while in winter and spring, it remains closed to protect roadbed surfaces. Hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling is necessary during closures, and guests must travel 7.5 miles to reach the facility.
Nearby places
Lolo (17 miles), Missoula (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Missoula, MT, provides grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations. Lolo also hosts a brewery and other amenities nearby (approximately 17 miles from the lookout).

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Butte Lookout

Each season transforms West Fork Butte into a dramatically different wonderland. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while autumn sets the larch trees ablaze in brilliant gold. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a backcountry paradise accessible by ski or snowmobile for those prepared for the adventure. Spring emerges with wildflowers and the return of birdsong, though mountain weather can surprise visitors with sudden storms or unexpected sunshine. Winter adventurers should come prepared for the raw beauty and challenges of high-country conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and deep snow.

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

Summer offers warm days, hiking and wildlife viewing; peak season begins June 1.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in MT

Fall reviews highlight brilliant larch color and rugged scenic appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site is closed in spring (open June 1–Dec 31).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Open through Dec 31; winter guests liked stove/firewood but access and weather can be harsh.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1st to December 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 1st to December 31st annually. Reservations start June 23, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Winter gate closures limit vehicle access; seasonal variability requires hiking or skiing to reach the site.

About West Fork Butte Lookout

Perched atop a rocky knob in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains, West Fork Butte Lookout invites adventurers to step into a piece of living history. This charming 14x14-foot fire lookout tower, once home to vigilant forest guardians scanning for smoke on the horizon, now welcomes up to 4 guests seeking an unforgettable mountain retreat. Wake up to 360-degree panoramic views that stretch across endless ridgelines and valleys, where morning mist dances through ancient forests and evening alpenglow paints the peaks in shades of gold and rose.
West Fork Butte Lookout offers a unique lodging experience in a historic fire lookout cabin. Tent, primitive, and group camping options are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at West Fork Butte Lookout can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and fishing in nearby Lolo Creek. Wildlife viewing is popular, with sightings of elk, moose, deer, black bears, and chipmunks frequently mentioned in reviews.
HikingHiking trails are available in the area. Reviews suggest West Fork Trail #320 is accessible, but some visitors noted lack of interest in its downhill path. "Hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning" was highlighted in one review.
FishingFishing is available in Lolo Creek, but no specific details about fish species or quality of fishing were provided.
BikingNo detailed descriptions of biking opportunities are provided, but recreational biking is mentioned as an activity.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to elk, moose, deer, and black bears. "Saw a bear driving up and 2 more in a clearing on the next ridge over," one review mentions. Chipmunks and a Rocky Mountain Weasel have also been sighted.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and chipmunks. Rocky terrain can be hazardous for walking. Seasonal snow and wind risks may impact accessibility.
Active AlertsWinter gate closures limit vehicle access; seasonal variability requires hiking or skiing to reach the site.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at West Fork Butte Lookout

Reviews

4.4
69 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
West Fork Butte Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall user sentiment for West Fork Butte Lookout is positive, with guests praising the views, solitude, and rustic charm. However, some reviews note issues with boarded-up windows, steep access trails, and mouse activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews emphasize the "spectacular views," "amazing sunsets," and the cabin's well-stocked amenities, such as propane burners and wood stoves. "This beats a five-star hotel," one guest claimed.
Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include boarded-up windows obstructing views, difficulty accessing the vault toilet at night, and issues with mice and chipmunks. "Most of the lookout windows remain boarded up, which is...
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Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests suggest bringing additional sleeping pads for comfort, using a flashlight for nighttime trips to the vault toilet, and securing food from wildlife. "Chipmunks will get in your food as you...
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Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors appreciated the warm wood stove and the availability of firewood. Fall reviews highlighted autumn colors and the rugged charm of the lookout. Spring and early summer reviews often...
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Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spectacular view, amazing location." "Loved staying here! You can't beat the view and star visibility." "Absolutely GORGEOUS! The views were flipping incredible and worth every mile."
Based on 69 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews pertain to the fire lookout cabin (site 001). Guests generally praise its amenities but note challenges such as steep trails and boarded-up windows. One reviewer mentioned, "What a...
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Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues were noted, with reviewers warning that steep, rocky terrain makes the site unsuitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility challenges. "This place is not for the elderly...
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Based on 69 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at West Fork Butte Lookout. No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 69 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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