Campsite Sniper
Montana · Recreation.gov

Mission Lookout

47.8939° N / 113.8746° W · Data Nov 2 2026, checked hourly
1 monitored site

Sites at this facility

Campsite Sniper is not currently tracking online availability for this facility. The sites below are shown for reference only — they are not known to be unavailable. Check Recreation.gov for current dates.
Mission Lookout

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Availability is not tracked here yet

Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Mission Lookout. That is a gap in what Campsite Sniper tracks — it does not mean the facility is full, closed, or unavailable. Recreation.gov may well be showing open dates right now.

The site details and map below come from the public Recreation.gov record and are accurate. For current dates and to book, go to Recreation.gov.

01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-234360

When Mission Lookout reopens

Mission Lookout's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 7 days
0
Openings · last 30 days
3
Openings · last 90 days
5

Only 5 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.

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.

1 monitored cabinNo hookupsMax party 4

Getting there

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.

200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911406-837-7500
BikingCampingFishingHikingWildlife Viewing

View on Recreation.gov ↗   Get directions ↗

FAQ

How do I get a reservation at Mission Lookout?

Online reservations for this facility, where offered, are made through Recreation.gov. Campsite Sniper has also detected 5 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.

Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?

No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.

How current is this availability data?

Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Mission Lookout, so there is nothing to date here. That is a gap in coverage — it does not mean the facility is full or closed. Check Recreation.gov for current dates.

How often do new openings appear at Mission Lookout?

Campsite Sniper detected 5 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.

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