Big Hole Lookout (MT)
Big Hole Lookout (MT) is a national forest campground in Montana. Hookups: no hookups.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- Montana
- Coordinates
- 47.60417, -115.07028
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Activities
- Backpacking, Berry Picking, Birding, Camping, Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight, Hiking, Historic & Cultural Site, Horse Camping, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Lookout Tower, Mountain Biking
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 406-826-3821
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Big Hole Lookout (MT)
Overview The Big Hole Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive 360 degree view of valleys and mountain ranges for miles and miles. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June to early October each year. 2021 is the first year the lookout will be available to the public to rent. We are excited to offer this new, unique opportunity on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District. The lookout can be accessed on the Big Hole Lookout Trail by foot, horse or bicycle for 3 miles, one way, on a easy to moderate trail. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. From Plains, Montana plan on at least a 60 - 90 minute drive to the Big Hole Lookout Trailhead on a steep and winding road. Recreation Big Hole Lookout has an amazing 360 degree view of several mountain peaks and ranges. Various non-motorized trails link to the site allowing renters to hike, bike, or ride for several miles. The area is popular for wildlife viewing, star gazing, and enjoying the piece and quiet of the backcountry. Facilities The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There is a twin bed for with a mattress pad, two cots, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a vault toilet is available about 200 feet from
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 79 designated routes (268 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Memorial Campground | Private campground | 5.2 mi | — | — |
| Clark Memorial Campground | National forest campground | 5.2 mi | — | — |
| Copper King Campground | National forest campground | 5.6 mi | — | — |
| Copper King Campground | Private campground | 5.6 mi | — | — |
| Gold Rush Campground | National forest campground | 13 mi | — | — |
| Tamarack 08A | National forest camping area | 15 mi | — | — |
Open Big Hole Lookout (MT) in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.