Established Camping
Mission Lookout - Flathead National Forest
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Mission Lookout will be closed in October 2025 for road work and/or logging near the lookout.
Mission Lookout in Flathead National Forest is surrounded by forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Flathead Lake and Jewel Basin Hiking Area, offering opportunities for water activities and hiking.
Description
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.
Fee Info
Mission Lookout is available for $45 a night for a maximum stay of seven consecutive nights. Within the maximum window (a rolling 6 month window), the maximum consecutive stay rule is 7 days and there is a Stay Beyond Maximum Window where customers can book past the 6 month rolling window if there is availability on the last day(s) of the maximum window.
Reservation Info
Grizzly bears frequent this area
Location
Mission Lookout - Flathead National Forest is located in Montana
Directions
From Swan Lake, travel south on Highway 83 for 3 miles. Turn west onto Porcupine Creek Road 10229 (mile-marker 68). After passing Forest Road 9714, turn right onto Forest Road 9803 (2.2 miles after leaving the state highway). Continue on Forest Road 9803 for 1.4 miles, to a gate. The gate may be opened. If not, it can be opened with the same combination code as the tower. The tower and parking area are located just beyond the gate.
Address
200 RANGER STATION ROAD
Bigfork, MT 59911
Coordinates
47.8941667 N
113.8730556 W
Detours Nearby
Spotted Bear
3 hrs 54 min away
Beaver Creek
4 hrs 26 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Missoula
- 2 hrs 27 min from Helena
- 2 hrs 58 min from Great Falls
- 3 hrs 37 min from Coeur d'Alene
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
Contact
General Info
Reservations
