Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Open seasonally May 20 through October 10. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Maximum 3-night stay limit per reservation. Key code provided with confirmation.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
About
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a one-of-a-kind lodging experience in Lolo National Forest, approximately 55 miles west of Missoula near Superior, Montana. Unlike traditional wooden fire lookouts, this is a concrete block structure with the rental cabin occupying the third floor above active radio and cellular communication equipment. The enclosed stairway and solid construction make it more suitable for families with supervised children than typical open-catwalk lookouts. The lookout provides sweeping views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, and the Idaho state line. Modern amenities include electricity, cell phone service, an electric stove, heater, microwave, and small refrigerator. Basic cooking utensils, pots, and pans are provided. One twin bed with a mattress pad is included; guests planning to sleep four should bring cots. There is no drinking water on site, so guests must pack in all water needed for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. A vault toilet is located outside the tower. All garbage and food must be packed out, and guests are required to follow bear safety and food storage requirements. Smoking and pets are prohibited inside the tower. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and checkout is at 11:00 AM. Emergency personnel may need to access the lower floors during your stay.
Directions
From Missoula, travel west on I-90 for 55 miles to Exit 46 at Superior. Turn south and at the T-intersection turn left (east) on Diamond Road for 1.1 miles, then turn right on Cedar Creek Road #320 for 2.6 miles. Turn right on Forest Road #7863 and travel 6.1 miles to the lookout. No level parking area; set parking brake and chock wheels.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 822-4233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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