Jim H
VerifiedDecember 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Our family loved our stay.
We will book it again!
Helpful
About Diamond Butte Lookout
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
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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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
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001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
🏠
Cabin
Select dates to check availability
- 4 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Pet Friendly
Reviews
63 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.7
Overall rating
Based on 63 reviews
5 stars
77.8% (49)
4 stars
15.9% (10)
3 stars
3.2% (2)
2 stars
3.2% (2)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 63 reviews
Verified Only
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Jim H
VerifiedDecember 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Our family loved our stay.
We will book it again!
Helpful
Doug M
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Nice place to spend Christmas. We had some snow and lows in the teens with gusty winds at times, but also some clear skies during the day and night. The propane heater is great - we kept it set to 1 (out of 5 total) and stayed toasty warm.
Helpful
Doug M
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Nice place to spend Christmas. We had some snow and lows in the teens with gusty winds at times, but also some clear skies during the day and night. The propane heater is great - we kept it set to 1 (out of 5 total) and stayed toasty warm.
Helpful
John H
VerifiedOctober 27, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
We had a wonderful time at the lookout. Everything was as advertised, we have another trip planed for Granit Butte lookout very soon.
Helpful
John H
VerifiedOctober 27, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
We had a wonderful time at the lookout. Everything was as advertised, we have another trip planed for Granit Butte lookout very soon.
Helpful
Wyatt J
VerifiedNovember 1, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Incredible place to stay. So much to see during the day, and the stars are amazing during the night!
Helpful
Wyatt J
VerifiedNovember 1, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Incredible place to stay. So much to see during the day, and the stars are amazing during the night!
Helpful
Daniel C
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Good place. Heater worked wonders. Stove worked. Fridge worked. Car got stuck in mid-shin deep snow at the first hill and had to hike 0.5 mi in from turn onto road
Helpful
Daniel C
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
Good place. Heater worked wonders. Stove worked. Fridge worked. Car got stuck in mid-shin deep snow at the first hill and had to hike 0.5 mi in from turn onto road
Helpful
Location & Directions for Diamond Butte Lookout
Po Box 168 2378 Hwy 212, Ashland, MT 59003 United States
Elevation: 1,301 ft
Getting There
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.
Policies & Rules
General
- 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 3, 2026
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Ashland, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service