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

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

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
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Sep 15 to Dec 31

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?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

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
View Site Details

Reviews

63 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Write a review
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

Andreya T

Verified

January 27, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

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.

Helpful

Andreya T

Verified

January 27, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

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.

Helpful

Kara K

Verified

January 25, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

We planned our visit for right after Thanksgiving, as it is tough to get a reservation during the summer if you don't plan ahead. It is a very popular place with great sights and hiking. Even if you come in winter there is still great hiking and sights to see. However, in order to get to the lookout, there is a very steep path you must go up to reach the tower. During our stay, this path was covered in ice and was extremely slippery. We could not even use the wagon as it would just slide around and pulling the wagon through the grass on the side hill was not ideal either due to snow and not wanting to ruin vegetation.
It is a great experience and we loved the 360-degree view. We will be back, hopefully when it is not so icy!

Helpful

Kara K

Verified

January 25, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

We planned our visit for right after Thanksgiving, as it is tough to get a reservation during the summer if you don't plan ahead. It is a very popular place with great sights and hiking. Even if you come in winter there is still great hiking and sights to see. However, in order to get to the lookout, there is a very steep path you must go up to reach the tower. During our stay, this path was covered in ice and was extremely slippery. We could not even use the wagon as it would just slide around and pulling the wagon through the grass on the side hill was not ideal either due to snow and not wanting to ruin vegetation.
It is a great experience and we loved the 360-degree view. We will be back, hopefully when it is not so icy!

Helpful

David G

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

This is a very well kept lodging, warm and comfortable in all ways inspite of the very cold muddy period we were there. Others should treat themselves to the high altitude experience.

Helpful

David G

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

This is a very well kept lodging, warm and comfortable in all ways inspite of the very cold muddy period we were there. Others should treat themselves to the high altitude experience.

Helpful

Randall B

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

All the comforts of home - propane stove with oven, full size refrigerator/freezer, propane heater and lights. Just bring your water and you are all set. Only downside is cabin atop a tall, steep butte and can be quite a chore getting gear and people up to the cabin. May be a problem for elderly, kids or those less fit. Also outhouse is at base of butte and quite a hike down for those night time visits. Trail up to cabin can get quite muddy and slick when it rains.
Highest point in Custer Forest provides beautiful panoramic views. Windows around all 4 sides.

Helpful

Randall B

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

All the comforts of home - propane stove with oven, full size refrigerator/freezer, propane heater and lights. Just bring your water and you are all set. Only downside is cabin atop a tall, steep butte and can be quite a chore getting gear and people up to the cabin. May be a problem for elderly, kids or those less fit. Also outhouse is at base of butte and quite a hike down for those night time visits. Trail up to cabin can get quite muddy and slick when it rains.
Highest point in Custer Forest provides beautiful panoramic views. Windows around all 4 sides.

Helpful

Ian B

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

Very neat place, awesome views, a little work out getting everything up the hill but well worth it. Thunderstorms rocked all evening. Wished I could've stayed longer.

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...

Nearest town

Ashland, MT - 38 mi

About over 1 hr (61 min) to downtown

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

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Ashland, MT

Population: 959

Elevation: 2,904 ft

Ashland, MT

Weather & Conditions

Loading destination weather
USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service