Up Up Lookout
4.7214 reviewsP.O. BOX 460, SUPERIOR, MT, 59872, USA
Quick Facts
5,900 ftPrice
$45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
June 12, 2025 - Octo...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
5,900 ftPrice
$45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
June 12, 2025 - Octo...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Up Up Lookout
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate is $45 during the peak season. Additional reservation fees may apply, including a $10 change fee and late cancellation penalties.
Standard Site Fee$45.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$45.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider406-822-4233
What Campers Say
4.72
Top-Rated
Based on 14 reviews
6 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsclean
"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."
Fees & Passes at Up Up Lookout
$45/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit of 3 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: Cancellations made before arrival are subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days be...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Up Up Lookout
Summer unveils Up Up Lookout in all its glory, with wildflower meadows blooming from June through August and crisp, star-filled nights perfect for stargazing. Early fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of amber larches and ruby huckleberry bushes, making September and October ideal for photographers and nature lovers. As winter approaches, the lookout becomes a true backcountry challenge—heavy snows and plummeting temperatures create an isolated wonderland accessible only to the most determined adventurers. Plan your visit between June and October for the most comfortable experience, when mountain breezes carry the scent of pine and the trails beckon exploration.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 12, 2025 - October 5, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: June 12, 2025 - October 5, 2025.
- Current Alerts: . None mentioned, but travelers are advised to check Recreation.gov for updates.
About Up Up Lookout
Imagine waking up above the clouds in a historic fire lookout tower, where eagles soar at eye level and the Bitterroot Mountains stretch endlessly before you. Up Up Lookout isn't just a place to stay—it's a portal to another era, where brave fire spotters once stood watch over Montana's wilderness. Perched dramatically on a rocky pinnacle, this authentic 1930s lookout cabin invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's grandeur. From your lofty vantage point, watch as morning mist rises from the St. Regis River valley below, while the sun paints the surrounding peaks in shades of gold and crimson.
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.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps and early Forest Service crews carved this lookout from the wilderness, creating a vital link in America's fire detection network. For decades, solitary fire watchers lived here for months at a time, scanning the horizon for telltale smoke plumes and protecting vast forests below. Today, this lovingly preserved piece of living history offers you the chance to experience their world—from the original wood stove that warmed countless lonely nights to the fire-finding equipment that once helped save thousands of acres. As part of the Forest Service's recreation program, Up Up Lookout now serves as a bridge between past and present, allowing modern adventurers to touch history while creating their own wilderness memories.
Weather and SeasonsSummer unveils Up Up Lookout in all its glory, with wildflower meadows blooming from June through August and crisp, star-filled nights perfect for stargazing. Early fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of amber larches and ruby huckleberry bushes, making September and October ideal for photographers and nature lovers. As winter approaches, the lookout becomes a true backcountry challenge—heavy snows and plummeting temperatures create an isolated wonderland accessible only to the most determined adventurers. Plan your visit between June and October for the most comfortable experience, when mountain breezes carry the scent of pine and the trails beckon exploration.
ElevationAt 5,900 feet, Up Up Lookout occupies that sweet spot where the air is refreshingly thin but not breathlessly so, where summer days are warm but nights demand a cozy sleeping bag. This moderate elevation means you'll feel invigorated rather than exhausted, though the occasional mountain wind will remind you of your exposed perch atop the world. The altitude creates a natural air conditioning system in summer and transforms the lookout into a snow globe scene in winter, while offering just enough elevation to escape the valley's heat and haze.
Natural Features and SceneryYour 5,900-foot sanctuary sits at the intersection of wilderness and wonder, where morning might bring a bull elk bugling in the meadow below or a black bear ambling through the huckleberry patches. This 1930s wooden lookout serves as your observation deck for nature's greatest show—watch golden eagles ride thermals at eye level, spot moose feeding in hidden valleys, and trace silver ribbons of alpine streams cascading over ancient granite. When autumn arrives, the surrounding slopes explode in a symphony of color as larch trees turn brilliant gold against the evergreen tapestry. Hidden alpine lakes sparkle like sapphires in rocky basins, while distant waterfalls create misty veils that catch the afternoon light. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches overhead in a display that city dwellers can only dream about.
Geological RegionStraddling the rugged backbone of the Bitterroot Mountains near Montana's western edge, Up Up Lookout commands a throne-like position above the St. Regis River drainage. This dramatic landscape tells a story written in stone—ancient glaciers carved deep valleys and sharp ridges, leaving behind a wonderland of cirques, moraines, and crystal-clear tarns. From your perch, gaze westward toward the Idaho border where the Continental Divide creates a natural boundary between watersheds. The surrounding high alpine country showcases the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies, where tectonic forces and millenia of erosion have sculpted a masterpiece of peaks, valleys, and endless wilderness vistas that stretch to the horizon.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe uneven rock steps leading to the lookout may pose difficulties for individuals with mobility challenges. There is no indication of specific accessibility accommodations.
Sites SizeThe lookout is designed for up to four people, with limited sleeping arrangements including one twin bed and space for additional cots.
Sites 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 CampsitesGuests 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.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated, but guests receive a key code for entry.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle tower structure with a base area including a picnic table, campfire ring, and outhouse.
Open and Closed SeasonJune 12, 2025 - October 5, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsBooking available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival are subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in) forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
The Up Up Ridge Trail offers scenic access to the Ward and Eagle peaks roadless area, with opportunities to explore alpine lakes and reach Eagle Peak at an elevation of 7,300 feet. One hiker noted, "We hiked over to Gold Peak and got some cool photos of the tower from 5 miles away."Fishing
The area provides opportunities for fishing, though specific details about the types of fish or conditions were not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the trails. The terrain provides challenging and scenic routes for biking enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly seen in the area includes elk, moose, and black bears. One user shared, "We saw elk and moose and even a black bear right at the base of the tower."Winter Activities
While no specific activities are mentioned, the lookout's location in the Bitterroot Mountains suggests potential for winter hiking and wildlife observation.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in the provided fire ring. Guests are advised to obtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are Not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsReviewers consistently mentioned bears near the property. The tower's swaying in the wind and open stairways can be unnerving for those with a fear of heights.
Active alerts. None mentioned, but travelers are advised to check Recreation.gov for updates.
Weather at Up Up Lookout
28
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
. Closest emergency services are likely in Superior, MT, but specific facilities are not mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 12, 2025 - October 5, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage, food, and personal belongings as there are no trash or recycling facilities provided.
Proximity to water featuresMultiple scenic alpine lakes are accessible from the Up Up Ridge Trail.
Common complaintsComplaints include misdirections from GPS, lack of privacy due to nearby visitors bypassing locked gates, and the outdated pit toilet.
HostNo specific host details available.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 460, SUPERIOR, MT, 59872, USA
Driving directionsWest bound on I-90 take the Drexel Exit #25. From Drexel turn back east on I-90 to Ward Creek Exit #26. East bound on I-90 take the Ward Creek Exit #26. Proceed up the Ward Creek Rd #889, travel 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Road #3816 and travel 12.1 miles to the locked gate. Proceed 3.2 miles behind the gate to the base of the tower.
Accessible by vehicle. Warning: Follow provided directions, as Google Maps often leads users astray. Some roads can be impassable or overgrown. Cell service is reportedly excellent in the area.Nearby places
Superior, MT (approximately 25 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Superior, MT, the nearest town. Exact stores and distances not specified.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
14 reviews
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 14 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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsCamper 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 14 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsite 001 is the designated site for the lookout. Guests consistently praised its cleanliness and maintenance.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility, but the uneven steps to the lookout and the remote location may pose challenges.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are prohibited at the lookout.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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