MISSION LOOKOUT
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Phone
- 406-837-7500
- Coordinates
- 47.8942, -113.8731
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
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.
From the USFS.Official page
Is MISSION LOOKOUT free?
No. MISSION LOOKOUT charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to MISSION LOOKOUT?
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. The tower and parking area are located just beyond the gate. If arriving at night, bring a flashlight in order to see the combination locks.
What are the rules at MISSION LOOKOUT?
Go to recreation.gov to reserve
Nearby
- SWAN GUARD STATION2.0 mi
- Blair Flats2.6 mi
- SWAN LAKE CAMPGROUND3.1 mi
- Van Lake14.3 mi
- Peter'S Creek Campground15.5 mi
- Spotted Bear Campground16.2 mi
- Graves Creek (graves Bay) Campground16.4 mi
- Devils Corkscrew Campground17.0 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
