Gird Point
4.7723 reviewsP.O. BOX 388, DARBY, MT, 59829, USA
Gird Point
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for peak season is $30. There is no mention of additional fees for off-season bookings as they are unavailable.
About this campground
Perched atop a mountain peak, Gird Point Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and experience life as a fire watcher in this beautifully restored historic lookout. This extraordinary mountaintop retreat combines the charm of vintage 1940s furnishings with breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch across three magnificent mountain ranges. Wake up above the clouds, cook simple meals in your sky-high kitchen, and fall asleep to the gentle creaking of this storied structure that once stood guard over Montana's vast wilderness.
The Gird Point Lookout offers cabin-like accommodations in a remote and rustic setting. It is not suitable for traditional tent or RV camping.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable L-4 cabin stands as a testament to America's fire-watching heritage in the Hamilton/Skalkaho wilderness. Originally built to house brave souls who scanned the horizon for smoke plumes, the lookout was lovingly restored in 2001, preserving its authentic character while making it accessible to modern adventurers. Step inside to discover carefully curated 1940s furnishings that transport you to an era when solitary watchers lived for months among the clouds, connected to civilization only by radio and their own resourcefulness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings crystalline blue skies and warm, dry days perfect for mountain adventures, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 55.9°F at dawn and a comfortable 82.9°F in the afternoon sun. The mountain winds tell their own stories here, sometimes whispering through the vintage windows and adding to the authentic lookout experience—as one guest memorably shared, 'the wind rattled the windows and made it drafty,' creating an atmospheric reminder of the elements that have shaped this peak for generations. Each season paints the surrounding peaks in different hues, but summer offers the most reliable conditions for your high-altitude escape.
ElevationAt 7,702 feet above sea level, Gird Point Lookout offers a true alpine experience where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and morning clouds often drift below your windows like a sea of cotton.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your eagle's nest perch, three of Montana's most spectacular mountain ranges unfold before you—the jewel-toned Sapphires, the dramatic Bitterroots, and the rugged Anaconda-Pintlers create a panoramic masterpiece that changes with every shift of light. The surrounding landscape tells a story of resilience, where meadows and young forests are reclaiming areas touched by historic wildfires, creating a mosaic of renewal and regrowth. Step onto the wraparound catwalk for unobstructed views that stretch to the horizon, where lucky visitors might spot elk traversing distant ridges, hawks riding thermals, or deer picking their way through recovering forests below.
Geological RegionNestled within the embrace of Bitterroot National Forest at 7,702 feet, Gird Point Lookout commands a stunning vantage point where three iconic mountain ranges converge. The Sapphire Mountains roll eastward in gentle waves, while the jagged peaks of the Bitterroots march along the western horizon, and the Anaconda-Pintlers stand sentinel to the south. This elevated outpost overlooks a landscape in constant evolution, where nature's resilience shines through in the patchwork of forests regenerating from past wildfires—a living reminder of why these lookouts were built and the ongoing dance between fire, forest, and renewal in the Northern Rockies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe facility may pose challenges for children and pets due to the 8-foot high tower and narrow steps. "Guests are responsible for their own safety."
Sites SizeThe cabin is 14 by 14 feet, offering a compact but functional space for up to four occupants.
Sites PrivacyHigh privacy is ensured due to the remote location of the lookout. "Great views, nobody around," noted one user.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPack bedding and a mousetrap. ‘Bring duct tape for drafty windows,’ one user recommended. Consider arriving during daylight due to unmarked roads and challenging navigation.
Best CampsitesOnly one site exists: the Gird Point Lookout cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 am.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 pm.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 4 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle historic lookout tower converted into a cabin.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen during peak season from June 21 to September 13.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; site must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation policy applies: A $10 fee is charged for cancellation made before arrival. If canceled less than 14 days prior, the fee for the first night's stay is forfeited.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Gird Point Lookout can engage in hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle trails. The panoramic views and wildlife sightings provide unique recreational opportunities. "The lookout is known for its scenic views that can be enjoyed on just about any day of the year."
Hiking
A variety of hiking trails are available in the area. "Visitors will see a mosaic of recovering vegetation patterns" due to past fires. Caution is advised in high winds due to hazardous snags.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available and provide challenging terrain.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to a variety of wildlife. "Seeing the herd of big horn sheep made it even more special," noted one user review.Winter Activities
Guests can experience dramatic weather and seasonal changes, such as storms rolling in and cloudy days that obscure views.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are not allowed inside the lookout. Firewood may not be reliably available.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsNarrow steps and a catwalk at the lookout may pose risks for children and pets. High winds and hazardous snags from wildfire recovery areas are additional concerns. One user review warned of mice and drafty conditions (‘mouse present,’ ‘drafty due to gaps in window frames’).
Active alertsNo firewood is provided despite being listed as available ('FS likely aware of missing boarded-up window,' one reviewer noted). Users must contact the ranger station for key code and fire restrictions.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Contact the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913 during office hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) for assistance. Closest hospitals or police stations details are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 21 - September 13.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and clean the cabin prior to leaving. Basic cleaning equipment is provided.
Proximity to water featuresDoes not feature nearby lakes or rivers as explicit attractions.
Common complaintsDrafts due to gaps in window frames, limited firewood availability, and reports of mice.
HostAccess the key code by contacting the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913 a week before arrival.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 388, DARBY, MT, 59829, USA
Driving directionsFrom Hamilton, Montana, travel east on Highway 38 for about 7 miles. Turn north onto Gird Road/Forest Road 714 and continue for about 13 miles to the Gird Point Lookout Trailhead. The tower is approximately 1/2 mile hike from the parking area.
Guests can access the lookout by vehicle, followed by a short hike over a moderate grade. The road leading to the lookout has been repaired recently (‘loggers have done a great job fixing up the road this year’ according to user reviews). Some reviews also mention that there are no USFS road numbers marked along the way, making navigation potentially challenging without a map (source: user review).Nearby places
Hamilton (20 miles east), Darby (approx. distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
Guests are advised to pack water, food, and other essentials as the lookout is remote. Closest grocery or fuel locations are not explicitly stated.
Camper Reviews
4.8
23 reviews
Gird Point is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews consistently highlight the breathtaking views, peaceful solitude, and unique accommodations offered at Gird Point Lookout.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Spectacular views, solitude, and well-equipped facilities were frequently praised. "What an awesome place to spend a couple days," one reviewer noted. "Great views, nobody around," another user...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Limited firewood availability, drafty windows, and occasional presence of mice were mentioned. "It was pretty drafty due to gaps in the window frames," shared one user. "There was a mouse present,"...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a downloaded map for navigation, carry extra bedding and firewood, and prepare for windy conditions. "Be advised there are no signs giving USFS road numbers. We had brought a downloaded OnX map...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
High winds and cold conditions can persist even in summer, but sunny days and scenic views are also frequent. "The wind blew hard enough to keep us awake and it rattled the windows," noted one...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Watching the sunrises and sunsets was awesome too." "Seeing the herd of big horn sheep made it even more special." "The wind came up Saturday afternoon and blew one of the windows in."
Based on 23 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Reviews for site '001' frequently mention its exceptional views and privacy. "Great views, nobody around," noted one visitor.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
The narrow steps and elevated cabin pose challenges for some guests. "This may pose a hazard for children and pets," official sources note.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pet policies are available.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025