Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4.2 ft in the Custer National Forest approximately 40 mi from
Ashland, Montana. The lookout was moved from its original location of Yeager Butte in 1958 and was an active fire lookout until 2001.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This vantage point offers the chance to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and star gazing on clear nights.
The lookout is accessible by car, but it is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill to the lookout from the parking area. Guests should be prepared to bring most of their own supplies and
gear.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Sep 15 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
On Site Services
Propane
Propane
Pets and Policies
Pet friendly
Cabin Interior
Heating
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
Diamond Butte Lookout offers a cozy and enjoyable experience, highlighted by stunning views of the Milky Way, sunsets, and abundant wildlife. The lookout is clean, well-stocked, and equipped with a complete propane package, enhancing comfort during varied weather conditions. While access involves a steep, uneven path and the need to bring cleaning supplies, the overall atmosphere and natural beauty make it a highly recommended destination for those seeking peace and solitude.
The lookout was amazing. Clean, had everything we needed, safe, comfortable. We were lucky to have nice, unseasonably warm weather. The propane heater kept us warm when the temps dropped at night. We cooked delicious meals on the propane stove. There was a propane fridge and oven that we didn't use. The futon was surprisingly comfy.
The lookout was amazing. Clean, had everything we needed, safe, comfortable. We were lucky to have nice, unseasonably warm weather. The propane heater kept us warm when the temps dropped at night. We cooked delicious meals on the propane stove. There was a propane fridge and oven that we didn't use. The futon was surprisingly comfy.
Isolated location like we expected. The lodging quarters were just fine. The stove area was greasy but not everyone cleans things to the same degree so no big deal. The heat was plenty while temps outside were 16-30 degrees. Great place for us.
Isolated location like we expected. The lodging quarters were just fine. The stove area was greasy but not everyone cleans things to the same degree so no big deal. The heat was plenty while temps outside were 16-30 degrees. Great place for us.
From Ashland, Montana: travel east on State Highway 212 for approximately 3 mi. Turn south onto Otter Creek Road hwy 484 and travel 20 mi. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and travel 12 mi to Sonnette Divide R...
From Ashland, Montana: travel east on State Highway 212 for approximately 3 mi. Turn south onto Otter Creek Road hwy 484 and travel 20 mi. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and travel 12 mi to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn north onto the Sonnette Divide Road for 2 mi then turn east on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road. Travel 1 mi to the lookout.
There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing
Be bear aware: keep all food, trash and scented items stored inside the cabin
Guests must pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure
Learn more about the Custer National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.