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Nature

Established Camping

Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Ashland, MT. The area features rolling hills and forested terrain. Weather in this region typically sees highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 15°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Tongue River Reservoir State Park and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Overview

Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4,245 feet in the Custer National Forest approximately 40 miles from Ashland, Montana. The lookout was moved from its original location of Yeager Butte in 1958 and was an active fire lookout until 2001. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This vantage point offers the chance to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and star gazing on clear nights. The lookout is accessible by car, but it is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill to the lookout from the parking area. Guests should be prepared to bring most of their own supplies and gear.

Recreation

You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking near the lookout. Opportunities are available to enjoy off-road vehicle riding and hunting.

Natural Features

The lookout offers expansive views of the nearby hills and the distant Bighorn Mountains, which are about 100 miles away. Vegetation is sparse, but sagebrush and lupin thrive on the surrounding landscape. Wildlife in the area includes fox, black bear, antelope and a variety of bird species ( bear safety ).

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Location

Diamond Butte Lookout is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Ashland, Montana: travel east on State Highway 212 for approximately 3 miles. Turn south onto Otter Creek Road hwy 484 and travel 20 miles. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and travel 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn north onto the Sonnette Divide Road for 2 miles then turn east on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road. Travel 1 mile to the lookout.

Address

PO BOX 168 2378 HWY 212
Ashland, MT 59003

Coordinates

45.2491667 N
105.9325 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Reviews

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5.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Feb. 15, 2021

Gorgeous Sunsets

Beautiful, easy drive in if the weather's fair. You can drive right up to the lookout and pack your equipment up the stairs. Pretty roomy as far as lookouts go and since it's the plains you can see forever. Tons of hiking nearby and I heard critters all night. Facilities clean and well maintained. Bring everything you need to stay fed, warm, and hydrated, it's remote but worth it!

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Diamond Butte Lookout?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Diamond Butte Lookout. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Diamond Butte Lookout, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Diamond Butte Lookout?

    There are 1 campsites at Diamond Butte Lookout and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts