How much does camping cost at West Fork Butte Lookout?

Camping fees at West Fork Butte Lookout range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is West Fork Butte Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

West Fork Butte 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 West Fork Butte Lookout before I book?

Yes! West Fork Butte Lookout has 8 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 West Fork Butte Lookout?

West Fork Butte Lookout is open January 01 to December 31. 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 West Fork Butte Lookout?

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

Can I have a campfire at West Fork Butte Lookout?

Fire policies at West Fork Butte Lookout: No campfires. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does West Fork Butte Lookout have?

West Fork Butte 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 West Fork Butte Lookout?

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

What amenities are available at West Fork Butte Lookout?

West Fork Butte Lookout offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at West Fork Butte Lookout?

Popular activities at West Fork Butte Lookout include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

West Fork Butte Lookout

4.27

69 reviews

24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA

Top 1% in MTFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Forest Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,310 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 1st t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Missoula Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,310 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 1st t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Missoula Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

West Fork Butte Lookout

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. 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

406-329-3814

I manage this campground

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24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA

West Fork Butte Lookout

24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA

Nearby places

Lolo (17 miles), Missoula (approximately 30 miles)

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.

Weather at West Fork Butte Lookout

Current alerts(12)

All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out
Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not always guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814).
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Firewood can be limited - please conserve wood while staying at the lookout

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Butte Lookout

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff at West Fork Butte: brilliant western larch turning gold, crisp hiking days, and dramatically extended visibility from the lookout. Expect daytime highs in the 40s–60s°F in September and October with crisp nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F; these conditions are ideal for photography, wildlife viewing (elk and deer are more active), and quieter trails after the summer crowds thin. Note that hunting seasons run through parts of fall, so wear blaze orange when Peak months: October, September, August, July Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in MT

Fall noted as best: clear air, extended views and brilliant larch color in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 1st to December 31st annually. Reservations start June 23, 2025.

About West Fork Butte Lookout

West Fork Butte Lookout is a historic fire lookout cabin in Lolo National Forest operated by the Missoula Ranger District. Perched in the foothills outside Missoula, the cabin offers panoramic views and comes equipped with propane burners and a wood stove. Guests hike, bike, and watch for elk and deer on surrounding trails, with fall bringing golden larch displays and exceptional visibility.

West Fork Butte Lookout offers a unique lodging experience in a historic fire lookout cabin. Tent, primitive, and group camping options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest payoff at West Fork Butte: brilliant western larch turning gold, crisp hiking days, and dramatically extended visibility from the lookout. Expect daytime highs in the 40s–60s°F in September and October with crisp nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F; these conditions are ideal for photography, wildlife viewing (elk and deer are more active), and quieter trails after the summer crowds thin. Note that hunting seasons run through parts of fall, so wear blaze orange when Peak months: October, September, August, July Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation2310 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout perches on a rocky knob within the Bitterroot Mountains near the Montana-Idaho border. Lodgepole pine and western larch forests surround the cabin, with larch turning brilliant gold in fall. Guests spot elk, deer, and chipmunks from the windows. The Continental Divide traces across the western horizon. Fall visibility extends dramatically on clear days, especially when the larch are at peak color.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site includes a 14x14-foot fire lookout cabin equipped with bunk beds, mattress pads, and basic kitchen amenities such as a propane cook stove and lantern. Bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies must be brought by guests.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The lookout can accommodate up to 4 guests.

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 via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by contacting the customer service center.

AccessibilityThe steep and rocky terrain leading up to the lookout and the bathroom location present challenges for individuals with mobility issues. User reviews caution that the trail and bathroom location may not be suitable for elderly visitors or those with balance issues.

Site SizeThe cabin is 14x14 feet, accommodating up to four people.

PrivacyThe site is relatively secluded but does receive visitors due to its proximity to hiking trails.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sleeping pads for comfort, use flashlights for nighttime outhouse trips, and secure food from wildlife. Visitors recommend sturdy footwear for rocky terrain.

Best CampsitesSingle lookout facility. Reviews recommend securing the best experience by bringing extra sleeping pads (the existing mattress pads are thin), packing food in airtight containers (chipmunks move fast when you unlock the door), and carrying a headlamp for nighttime trips to the vault toilet 500 feet downhill.

Need help booking West Fork Butte Lookout?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Guests should bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Biking

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the facility has a vault toilet located approximately 500 feet from the cabin.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

4.3

69 reviews

Satisfactory

West Fork Butte Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

Based on 69 reviews