Rachel L
VerifiedAugust 17, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
Nearby forest fire made it too smoky to hike in. I'll try again next year!
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About Mccart Lookout
McCart Lookout is a historic tower located on McCart Peak, east of Sula. It has been restored to reflect a lookout of the 1940s, including the stove, furniture, dishes and other small touches. It offers a unique chance for visitors to camp on a mountain peak, on the border of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, in a rustic, old-time setting. The tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding western Montana wilderness.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Campground Amenities
On Site Services
- Propane
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- View
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01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
$30
/ per night
🏠
Cabin
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- 4 guests
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Reviews
18 reviews
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 18 reviews
5 stars
83.3% (15)
4 stars
0.0% (0)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
16.7% (3)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 18 reviews
Verified Only
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Nancy B
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
Another amazing night at McCart!
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Nancy B
VerifiedJuly 27, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
I was excited to be at McCart again after the closure. Love the updates to both the lookout and outhouse. The only thing I have trouble with is lifting the heavy bear gate above the steps. Very hard to do. Thanks for the cleanup, most appreciated.
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Bree H
VerifiedJuly 25, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
Gorgeous location near the Wilderness. The hike in was a bit rough with no shade after the fire years ago. About 2 mi. The log book was one of the best parts. I have so many questions for the Johnson family who spent every father's day there until everyone grew up. 30 years of entries was just so amazing to get to read. There was a great fire pit near the lookout and we used the downstairs to build bunk bed hammocks. An excellent honeymoon location!!
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Thomas P
VerifiedJune 27, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
Fire tower was in excellent condition, caught an unreal sunset. Great times!!
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Aviv G
VerifiedJune 26, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
Greeted with the most breathtaking wildflower bloom, this stay was incredible. The lookout was clean and fully stocked with even more than was described which was a pleasant surprise. The sunset and sunrise were beautiful as well. Props to the team maintaining this lookout, we greatly appreciate it and hope to be back.
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Traci H
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
It was such a fun and relaxing time at the lookout, will definitely go back!!
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Traci H
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
It was such a fun and relaxing time at the lookout, will definitely go back!!
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Traci H
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
It was such a fun and relaxing time at the lookout, will definitely go back!!
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Nancy B
VerifiedAugust 28, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MCCART LOOKOUT
Another awesome trip to McCart... Appreciated that it looks like they fixed the front boards of the toilet. Thank you!!!
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Location & Directions for Mccart Lookout
7338 Hwy .93 S., Sula, MT 59871 United States
Elevation: 2,161 ft
Getting There
From Missoula, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for approximately 90 mi to Sula. Go east on Highway 472 for about 15 mi and then south on Forest Road 5765/McCart Road for about 6 mi to the Johnson Peak Trailhead. Hike about 1.5 mi to the lookou...
From Missoula, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for approximately 90 mi to Sula. Go east on Highway 472 for about 15 mi and then south on Forest Road 5765/McCart Road for about 6 mi to the Johnson Peak Trailhead. Hike about 1.5 mi to the lookout tower.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via Highway 93, approximately 90 miles from Missoula, Montana. From Highway 93, travelers can take Highway 472 east for about 15 miles before heading south on Forest Road 5765/McCart Road.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM.
- Contact the Darby-Sula Ranger District one week before arrival for a key code to access the lookout, which remains locked.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Utilities
- Guests must bring their own drinking water as it is not available on-site.
Safety & rules
- Guests should bring propane canisters for stoves and lanterns.
- Guests must pack out all garbage and food; garbage bags are recommended.
- Guests are required to bring their own bedding.
- The L-4 cabin is on a tall tower with narrow steps, posing a safety hazard for children and pets; guests are responsible for their own safety.
- Guests should familiarize themselves with bear, water, and weather safety before reserving.
- Bring your own cleaning supplies in case the provided ones are unavailable; guests should maintain cabin cleanliness.
Pets
- Only certified weed-free hay is allowed for stock.
Vehicles & parking
- Motorcycles, ATVs, and OHVs are prohibited on the trail.
Fires & fuel
- Guests should obtain firewood near the destination to prevent pest spread; do not move firewood.
Local regulations
- Guests are encouraged to learn more about the Bitterroot National Forest.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 4, 2026
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Explore Sula, MT
Population: 9
Nearby city: Missoula, MT
Approx. 69 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,429 ft
Sula, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service