Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout Campground

Nestled in the breathtaking Custer National Forest, Diamond Butte Lookout is an enchanting camping destination that stands tall at an elevation of 4,245 feet. This historic 30-foot masonry tower offers guests a chance to experience Montana’s natural beauty from an unparalleled vantage point. Originally constructed as a fire lookout in 1958, it proudly provided lookout services until 2001 and now serves as a unique spot for adventurers looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Accommodations

Diamond Butte Lookout can accommodate up to 4 guests, making it ideal for families or small groups. Inside, the lookout is furnished with:

• 1 twin bed with mattress
• 1 double futon with mattress
• 1 cot
• A table and chairs

Important amenities include:

• Propane cook stove with an oven
• Propane lights and heater
• A few cooking and eating utensils
• An outhouse with a pit toilet (located at the gate 200 feet below the lookout)

Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as the lookout is not equipped with water or electricity. Furthermore, it’s essential to bring items such as bedding, lanterns, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels, and an ice chest.

Access & Directions

Reaching Diamond Butte Lookout is a memorable journey. From Ashland, Montana, travel east on State Highway 212 for about 3 miles. Then, turn south onto Otter Creek Road (Highway 484) and continue for 20 miles. After passing the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and drive 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Proceed north for 2 miles, then take an eastward turn on Diamond Butte Lookout Road and travel 1 mile to the lookout.

Note that there is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill from the parking area to the lookout. Guests should prepare accordingly and bring necessary gear to ensure a comfortable stay.

Natural Features & Wildlife

The area surrounding Diamond Butte Lookout boasts expansive views of the nearby hills and the distant Bighorn Mountains, located approximately 100 miles away. The landscape here is defined by sparse vegetation, where sagebrush and lupins flourish, creating an attractive and unique ecosystem.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of creatures that call this area home, including:

• Fox
• Black bear
• Antelope
• Various bird species

Proper precautions should be followed, and guests are encouraged to be bear aware; food, trash, and scented items must be stored inside the cabin to minimize encounters with wildlife.

Activities & Recreation

Diamond Butte Lookout offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Guests can indulge in:

• Hiking and exploring nearby trails
• Horseback riding
• Mountain biking
• Off-road vehicle riding
• Hunting (in season)

Whether you’re looking to bask in stunning sunrises and sunsets or gaze at the stars on clear nights, this lookout provides a perfect base for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Essential Information

Before your stay, please keep in mind the following:

• This campground requires guests to pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure.
• Firewood should not be moved to prevent the spread of pests; it’s advised to obtain firewood locally and burn it on-site.
• In case of emergencies or important inquiries, ensure to call ahead for cabin access combinations during office hours.

Experience the beauty and tranquility of Diamond Butte Lookout—an ideal retreat for those looking to engage with nature in its most pristine form.