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.
Helpful
About Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Thompson Peak Lookout provides great views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, the Idaho state line and, of course, the big sky of Montana. It is close enough to Superior to allow for easy access, but remote enough to provide the quiet and solitude expected at a lookout. The modernized tower provides amenities not typical to a lookout, making it a desirable place to stay.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Photography
Year-round
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Photography
Nearby
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
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
Missing information?
001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
$75
/
per night
🏠
Cabin
- 4 guests
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Reviews
97 reviews
Summary
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a well-maintained facility with stunning 360-degree views, making it a memorable experience for families and visitors. The amenities, including a fridge, cooktop, and well-stocked supplies, enhance the stay. However, access requires 4-wheel drive due to some potholes in the road, and some guests experienced interruptions from nearby workers and occasional smoke affecting visibility.
Based on guest feedback
4.7
Overall rating
Based on 97 reviews
5 stars
80.4% (78)
4 stars
13.4% (13)
3 stars
3.1% (3)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
3.1% (3)
Showing 97 reviews
Verified Only
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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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
Anna B
VerifiedJuly 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Went up in 100 degrees and was thankful for the fan. Place was very clean. It was hot, hot, hot at night and lots of flies - I imagine they die down as the summer goes on. Very minimal cooking supplies up there, and the electricity made storing & cooking food easy.
Helpful
Anna B
VerifiedJuly 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Went up in 100 degrees and was thankful for the fan. Place was very clean. It was hot, hot, hot at night and lots of flies - I imagine they die down as the summer goes on. Very minimal cooking supplies up there, and the electricity made storing & cooking food easy.
Helpful
Anna B
VerifiedJuly 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Went up in 100 degrees and was thankful for the fan. Place was very clean. It was hot, hot, hot at night and lots of flies - I imagine they die down as the summer goes on. Very minimal cooking supplies up there, and the electricity made storing & cooking food easy.
Helpful
James R
VerifiedJune 9, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Excellent place to stay. Just beware that there are 3 towers at the lookout. When the wind increases, you'll hear a interesting flute or piccolo type of sound as the wind blows through the towers
Helpful
James R
VerifiedJune 9, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Excellent place to stay. Just beware that there are 3 towers at the lookout. When the wind increases, you'll hear a interesting flute or piccolo type of sound as the wind blows through the towers
Helpful
Location & Directions for Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
P.O. Box 460, Superior, MT 59872 United States
Elevation: 1,398 ft
Getting There
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 mi 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, a...
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 mi 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 mi and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 mi to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.
Highway access
The Thompson Peak Lookout Tower is accessible via I-90, approximately 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior.
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
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Superior, MT
Population: 896
Nearby city: Missoula, MT
Approx. 48 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,766 ft
Superior, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service