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Mission Lookout

Flathead National Forest, Montana

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As of October 2026, Mission Lookout is a campground in Flathead National Forest, Montana with 1 campsite. Mission Lookout is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Mission Lookout for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Mission Lookout is located at 47.8942° N, 113.8731° W.

people allowed on each site: 4

Mission Lookout reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Mission Lookout

Cabin 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Mission Lookout, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the AREA MISSION LOOKOUT loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
001	Cabin	4

About Mission Lookout

Overview

Mission Lookout towers above the forest canopy, providing guests with unrivaled 360-degree views of the beautiful Swan Range, Mission Mountains and Swan Lake. The site served for 75 years as a fire detection tower, and the current lookout has been around since its construction in 1959.

The tower can be accessed by vehicle. A parking area is adjacent to the facility. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Will sleep up to 4 people. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in the Lookout.

Recreation

Along with the spectacular scenery, the immediate area offers visitors an unlimited array of outdoor activities ranging from fishing and swimming at the nearby Swan Lake, to watching migratory waterfowl at the wildlife viewing area.

Hunting is also popular not far from the lookout. Shooting within 150 yards of the Lookout or from/across roads is prohibited.

A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails can be found in the area.

Facilities

The 15-by-15 facility sits atop a 40-foot tower. It is equipped with a built-in double bed and two folding cots, to accommodate up to four adults. The lookout also has a propane cooking stove, simple cooking utensils and a table with four chairs. A modern vault toilet, picnic area and fire ring are located at the base of the tower.

No water or electricity is available. Guests should bring plenty of water, bedding, food, firewood, toiletries and a non-open flame light source, such as a battery-powered lantern, as candles are not allowed within the cabin. href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=67022&actid=101">Click here for more cabin details.

Natural Features

At an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet, the cabin affords views of Flathead National Forest, including the Mission Mountains and Swan Lake.

A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Swan Lake, about 15 minutes away, has a general store with limited groceries and a restaurant.

Rules and notices at Mission Lookout

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Mission Lookout on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Water, electricity and sewer is not available at the cabin. There is a vault toilet at the base of the lookout.

Grizzly bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage

The lookout is a 40-foot tower and guests must be prepared to climb and carry provisions up the steep stairway; due to the height of the tower, children under age 10 are discouraged

During your stay the Forest Service or their representatives may be present at or around the cabin to perform repairs, stocking of cabin supplies, snow removal, or any other general maintenance.

Pets are not allowed at the lookout

Candles or any other open flames are prohibited within the structure

Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility

Contact the ranger district office at (406) 837-7500, during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for updates on weather and road conditions; refunds will not be given for inclement weather or road conditions.

The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter

Guests must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed

Commercial use of cabin is prohibited

Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest

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.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Mission Lookout FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Mission Lookout?

Mission Lookout is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Mission Lookout?

Cancellations happen frequently at Mission Lookout, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Mission Lookout have?

Mission Lookout has 1 campsites.