Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout
Currently closed for the season. Opens June 15 and operates through October 20. Access may be limited depending on snow accumulation. Reservations are required via Recreation.gov. 14-day stay limit, 2-person maximum occupancy.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-26-03 Gravel Pit Area Closures
Burgess and Copper Creek Gravel Pit closures to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-26-01 Cloud Peak Wilderness Regulations
Cloud Peak Wilderness regulations
Forest Special Order 02-02-26-02 Over Snow and Motor Vehicle Restrictions
Over snow vehicles and other motorized vehicle restrictions (S-Areas).
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-11 Black Mountain Lookout Building Closure
The Black Mountain Fire Lookout building and deck are closed to entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-10 Burgess Junction Visitor Center
Area closure to protect Burgess Junction Visitor Center building.
Forest Special Order 02-02-03-25-01 Medicine Wheel Area Closure
Restrictions in the Medicine Wheel Area.
Forest Special Order 02-02-01-25-02 West Tensleep Corridor
Restrictions to camping and human waste management in West Tensleep Corridor, Forest System Road 27.
Forest Special Order 02-02-03-25-05 Shell Falls Interpretive Site Closure
Shell Falls Interpretive Site trails, pathways, grounds, viewing platform, buildings, parking areas, and road closed to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-24-02 Occupancy and Use Camping Regulations
Regulations related to camping and use of areas in the Bighorn National Forest.
About
Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout is one of the few historic fire lookouts in the Bighorn National Forest region available for overnight rental. Constructed in 1950 atop Sheep Mountain at 9,600 feet elevation, this CCC-built structure served as an active fire lookout until the early 1970s. Today it offers a unique lodging experience with panoramic views stretching from the peaks of the Cloud Peak Wilderness across the Powder River Basin, with Devils Tower visible on clear days. The lookout is a primitive facility equipped with one twin bunk bed, a table with two chairs, a small cabinet, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and cleaning supplies. There is no electricity, no indoor plumbing, and no potable water. A vault toilet is located near the lookout. Guests must bring all water, bedding, a cookstove, cooking and eating utensils, lanterns, and trash bags. The surrounding area offers opportunities for ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Access is via a single-lane gravel road (Forest Road 28) that dead-ends at the lookout. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to variable road conditions. Summer temperatures average 70°F but can drop to 30°F at night. Lightning storms are frequent; the lookout is equipped with lightning protection systems, and guests should stay indoors and avoid touching metal furnishings during storms.
Directions
From Buffalo, WY, take Highway 16 west approximately 28-30 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 28 and continue to the end of the road where the lookout is located. The road is a single-lane gravel surface; 4-wheel drive is recommended.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 684-7806 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Sheep Mountain Lookout |
Availability
Photos
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