About Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Birding
Hiking
Photography
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Power Service
Fire Pit
Kitchen
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Power Service
Connectivity and Media
- Cell Reception
Cooking and Fire
- Fire Pit
Cabin Interior
- Kitchen
- Heating
- Air Conditioning
Cabin Outdoor Features
- Deck or Patio
Views and Setting
- View
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001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Site Details
Reviews (93)
What Guests Are Saying
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a unique and enjoyable stay with stunning panoramic views and a well-equipped kitchen, making it easy to cook and store food. The surrounding deck and clean accommodations enhance the experience, though the access road requires a 4-wheel drive due to potholes. Some guests noted noise from nearby workers and bugs due to the tower’s yellow paint, but overall, it is highly recommended for its beauty and amenities.
What Guests Are Saying
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a unique and enjoyable stay with stunning panoramic views and a well-equipped kitchen, making it easy to cook and store food. The surrounding deck and clean accommodations enhance the experience, though the access road requires a 4-wheel drive due to potholes. Some guests noted noise from nearby workers and bugs due to the tower’s yellow paint, but overall, it is highly recommended for its beauty and amenities.
Review Summary
David N
VerifiedAugust 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
The watchtower itself was modern by usual watchtower standards, with electricity and some creature comforts. We happened to be there when workers were there, so we had "company" until 6 pm and again at 8am. It made it somewhat awkward to be there. On a positive note, the catwalk made viewing the scenery quite pleasant, and it was close to town. There are about 5-6 miles of gravel one-lane roads to get there, so keep an eye out for areas where two vehicles can fit in case you meet someone. Good tires and a high clearance vehicle are nice to have.
If we came here again, we'd choose a weekend in hopes that communication workers wouldn't be there.
David N
VerifiedAugust 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
The watchtower itself was modern by usual watchtower standards, with electricity and some creature comforts. We happened to be there when workers were there, so we had "company" until 6 pm and again at 8am. It made it somewhat awkward to be there. On a positive note, the catwalk made viewing the scenery quite pleasant, and it was close to town. There are about 5-6 miles of gravel one-lane roads to get there, so keep an eye out for areas where two vehicles can fit in case you meet someone. Good tires and a high clearance vehicle are nice to have.
If we came here again, we'd choose a weekend in hopes that communication workers wouldn't be there.
Erik S
VerifiedAugust 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Air conditioner runs all night, lots of traffic noise from the interstate and trains.
Erik S
VerifiedAugust 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Air conditioner runs all night, lots of traffic noise from the interstate and trains.
Erik S
VerifiedAugust 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Air conditioner runs all night, lots of traffic noise from the interstate and trains.
Janet O
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Great view of course! Everything was clean, and we cleaned and cared for the lookout too. The road was fine for our SUV.
Janet O
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Great view of course! Everything was clean, and we cleaned and cared for the lookout too. The road was fine for our SUV.
Janet O
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Great view of course! Everything was clean, and we cleaned and cared for the lookout too. The road was fine for our SUV.
Mike B
VerifiedJune 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
I, like others rent these places for peace and quiet. We were blessed to have a Verizon crew most of the 2 days we were there.
Not impressed. Verizon and recreation.gov should have just kept the tower closed. We didn't get our money's worth this time.
Mike B
VerifiedJune 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
I, like others rent these places for peace and quiet. We were blessed to have a Verizon crew most of the 2 days we were there.
Not impressed. Verizon and recreation.gov should have just kept the tower closed. We didn't get our money's worth this time.
Location Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Address:
P.O. Box 460
Superior, MT, 59872
United States
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign. At the next stop sign turn left and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road, towards the Exxon Gas Station, and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive for about 3 miles and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.
The Thompson Peak Lookout Tower is accessible via I-90, approximately 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.1783 / -114.908
Elevation: 1398 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- The lookout is locked; you'll receive the key code with your reservation.
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
- There is no water supply at the lookout.
Site types & loops
- The lookout is a shared space with ongoing communication activities.
Safety & rules
- Repairs may occur on the first and second floors during your stay.
- Be informed about safety regarding bears, water, and weather before booking.
- Pack out all garbage, food, and personal items after your stay.
Pets
- Smoking and pets are not allowed at the lookout.
General
- Learn more about the Lolo National Forest at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo
- 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.
Site capacity
- You can stay a maximum of 3 nights per reservation.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 5, 2026
