How much does camping cost at Up Up Lookout?

Camping fees at Up Up Lookout are $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Up Up Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Up Up 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 Up Up Lookout before I book?

Yes! Up Up Lookout has 10 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 Up Up Lookout?

Up Up Lookout is open June 12 to October 05. 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 Up Up Lookout?

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

Is there cell service at Up Up Lookout?

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

How many campsites does Up Up Lookout have?

Up Up 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 Up Up Lookout?

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

What amenities are available at Up Up Lookout?

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

Up Up Lookout

Q: Can I have a campfire at Up Up Lookout?

Fire policies at Up Up Lookout: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.72

31 reviews

P.O. BOX 460, SUPERIOR, MT, 59872, USA

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana Mountain Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June 12, 2025 - Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June 12, 2025 - Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Up Up Lookout

$45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-822-4233

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 460, SUPERIOR, MT, 59872, USA

Up Up Lookout

P.O. BOX 460, SUPERIOR, MT, 59872, USA

Nearby places

Superior, MT (approximately 25 miles).

Weather at Up Up Lookout

Current alerts(8)

All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out.
During the 2026 season, renters will need to utilize the Ward Creek Road to get to the Up Up Lookout Tower. Please follow the information under the "Getting There" tab for the Ward Creek Road directions. The Deer Creek Road will not be accessible for the 2026 season.
Learn more about the Lolo National Forest at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo
Maximum stay limit is 3 nights per reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Up Up Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the fullest array of experiences at Up Up Lookout — long daylight, abundant wildflowers (June–August), and reliably dry trails make hiking, mountain biking on nearby routes, fishing in the St. Regis drainage, and stargazing especially rewarding. Expect daytime highs around 60–80°F and cool nights ranging from the low 30s to mid-40s°F at 5,900 ft, which are comfortable for overnight stays in the historic lookout cabin. Crowds are moderate — this is a sought‑a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Larch turn gold and early fall is popular; views and foliage are highlights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to October 05. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: June 12, 2025 - October 5, 2025.

About Up Up Lookout

Up Up Lookout sits in the mid-elevation forest of Lolo National Forest near Superior, Montana, offering a rare chance to rent a fire lookout cabin alongside primitive camping. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this very small site combines rustic charm with sweeping views and access to hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The three-day stay limit encourages short, immersive trips into the St. Regis drainage country.

Up Up Lookout is a converted fire lookout tower offering a unique camping experience. It caters to those seeking rustic accommodations in a remote and scenic location.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the fullest array of experiences at Up Up Lookout — long daylight, abundant wildflowers (June–August), and reliably dry trails make hiking, mountain biking on nearby routes, fishing in the St. Regis drainage, and stargazing especially rewarding. Expect daytime highs around 60–80°F and cool nights ranging from the low 30s to mid-40s°F at 5,900 ft, which are comfortable for overnight stays in the historic lookout cabin. Crowds are moderate — this is a sought‑a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout commands views across deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers, with the Continental Divide visible to the west. At this elevation, wildflowers bloom from June through August in surrounding meadows, while larch trees turn gold in autumn against evergreen slopes. The St. Regis River drainage spreads below, and reviews mention spotting eagles at eye level from the tower. Alpine tarns dot the high country, remnants of glacial action that shaped these sharp ridges and cirques. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky with minimal light pollution to obscure it.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lookout provides lodging in the form of a 40-foot tower equipped with a twin bed and mattress pad. Additional cots, such as three donated by Friends of Savenac, are available. The structure is equipped with propane lights and a heater. However, no cooking facilities or refrigeration are provided.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 3 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Accommodates up to four guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsBooking available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe uneven rock steps leading to the lookout may pose difficulties for individuals with mobility challenges. There is no indication of specific accessibility accommodations.

Site SizeThe lookout is designed for up to four people, with limited sleeping arrangements including one twin bed and space for additional cots.

PrivacyThe lookout provides limited privacy as visitors have reported occasional disturbances from ATVs bypassing locked gates and even individuals climbing up the tower at night.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests recommend bringing a basket or bucket for hauling items up, as there is no winch system. Reviewers also suggest locking the catwalk to prevent intrusions.

Need help booking Up Up 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

Up Up Lookout offers limited amenities due to its rustic nature as a converted fire lookout tower. Campers can expect propane lights and a heater in the tower, as well as a twin bed and mattress, with the recommendation to bring additional cots for sleeping. A campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table are located at the base of the tower, along with a pit toilet. Guests are required to bring their own water, cooking equipment, and other essentials, and they must clean the facility before leaving.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Up Up Lookout

The Up Up Lookout offers a variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting. The Up Up Ridge Trail connects to other trails leading to alpine lakes and the 7,300-foot Eagle Peak. Seasonal activities like berry picking and fishing are also popular.

Hiking4.0/5

Up Up Ridge Trail to alpine lakes and Eagle Peak; steep, scenic access to roadless areas.

Biking4.0/5Top 6% in Montana

Mountain biking permitted; terrain described as challenging and scenic for bikers.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Elk, moose and black bears commonly seen; wildlife viewing highlighted in description.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High-elevation, remote lookout with sweeping views suggests good dark-sky/stargazing potential.

Photography4.0/5Sweeping valley and Divide views, wildflowers in summer and larch color in fall provide great photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage, food, and personal belongings as there are no trash or recycling facilities provided.

Cell CoverageOne camper noted, "I have Verizon & was able to get full 4G coverage." Another review mentioned that cell service in the area was "terrific" but recommended contacting the facility for accurate directions due to GPS inconsistencies.

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

4.7

31 reviews

Top-Rated

Up Up Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Up Up Lookout is highly rated for its stunning views, unique accommodations, and rustic charm. Reviews highlight challenges such as access issues and occasional disturbances, but overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the cleanliness, spectacular views, and rustic charm of the lookout. One described it as "so relaxing and the views are unbelievable." Another noted the Forest Service's efforts in...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mentioned issues with GPS directions leading to incorrect routes. Some also reported disturbances from unauthorized visitors and ATVs bypassing locked gates. One user noted the lack of...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 is the designated site for the lookout. Guests consistently praised its cleanliness and maintenance.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend not relying on GPS for directions and instead using the detailed instructions provided. Bringing extra cots, cooking equipment, and water is essential. One user suggested decorating...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall appear to be the most popular seasons due to favorable weather and vibrant foliage. Guests also noted challenges like wildfire smoke affecting views in mid-summer.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Make SURE you lock the catwalk due to reports of people climbing up while you are there." - Robert P. "If you have a fear of heights, I would not recommend." - Chelsea U.

Based on 31 reviews