Minton Peak Lookout

Trout Creek, Montana

Blocked todayMontana
Blocked today

Free — you'll pick up right here.

Conditions: Blocked

for campground, today

An agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 15 h ago · oldest 15 h

  • problem: Agency alerts

    2 active alerts in Kootenai National Forest; most severe: Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas

    USFSPosted Dec 16, 2025 · checked 15 h ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clouds, high 61°F / low 61°F, 0% precip — 97/100 for campground

    OpenWeather15 h ago

Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.

Campsite availability

Live from Recreation.gov for Minton Peak Lookout.

Book on Recreation.gov
Oct 10 – Oct 17
7 nights

We'll watch 2026-10-10 → 2026-10-17 and email you the moment something frees up. No account needed.

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Minton Peak Lookout

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About this campground

Overview Minton Peak Lookout is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,351 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. The mountain was named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded (and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The lookout is typically open from late June through mid-October and is accessible by car. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests should pack in most of their own supplies and gear. Recreation Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area. Facilities The 14x14 foot cabin sits on a five foot tower. The lookout has windows on all sides and is encircled by a catwalk. The cabin sleeps four people and is equipped with two twin size beds with mattresses. Other amenities include a table and chairs, wood stove for heat, two-burner cooktop (propane not provided), broom and dustpan. Firewood is provided. An outhouse with a vault toilet and a campfire ring are located outside. The lookout does not have electricity or water. Guests should bring enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Items such as cooking gear, bedding, lanterns, matches, extra toilet paper, trash bags, dish soap and towels are not available. Natural Features The lookout sits five feet off the ground and is surrounded by an evergreen forest. It offers panoramic views of the Clark Fork Valley, the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Cabinet Range to the east. This is an ideal vantage point to enjoy sunrises and sunsets and gaze out at starry skies on clear nights.

Campsite info

Sites
1
Reservable
Yes
Fire ringsVault toilets
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Facts about this campground

Where it is

Managed by
Forest Service

Source: USFS EDW boundaries; USGS PAD-US 4.1

Conditions

Active alerts for Kootenai National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)

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Guided trips nearby

Local operators near Trout Creekoffering guided trips. You book directly with them — Roamze doesn’t take a cut.

CDA River RV

Camping business nearby (~33 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

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Lost Moose Campground

Camping business nearby (~39 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

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MiVoden

Camping business nearby (~42 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

View operator