Diamond Butte Lookout

Vault Toilet below the lookout
DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT
A view from inside Diamond Butte Lookout

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4,245 feet in the Custer National Forest approximately 40 miles 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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Sep 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
  • Propane
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly

Cabin Interior

  • Heating
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (63)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.7
63 reviews
5
77.8%
49
4
15.9%
10
3
3.2%
2
2
3.2%
2
1
0.0%
0

Jim H

Verified

December 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Our family loved our stay.
We will book it again!

Jim H

Verified

December 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Our family loved our stay.
We will book it again!

Doug M

Verified

January 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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.

Doug M

Verified

January 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

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.

John H

Verified

October 27, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

We had a wonderful time at the lookout. Everything was as advertised, we have another trip planed for Granit Butte lookout very soon.

John H

Verified

October 27, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

We had a wonderful time at the lookout. Everything was as advertised, we have another trip planed for Granit Butte lookout very soon.

Wyatt J

Verified

November 1, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Incredible place to stay. So much to see during the day, and the stars are amazing during the night!

Wyatt J

Verified

November 1, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Incredible place to stay. So much to see during the day, and the stars are amazing during the night!

Daniel C

Verified

February 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

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 miles in from turn onto road

Daniel C

Verified

February 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

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 miles in from turn onto road

Location Diamond Butte Lookout

Address:
Po Box 168 2378 Hwy 212
Ashland, MT, 59003
United States

Elevation: 1301 feet

Distance to downtown

38 mi drive to downtown Ashland (about 1 hr 1 min)

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: September 9, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service