Plateau Lookout (FR 5535) in MT -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Montana

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Plateau Lookout (FR 5535) in MT

Lolo NF, Ninemile Ranger District
3,179 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonWEAK
AT&TMARGINAL
T-MobileUSABLE
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An 18.3-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Missoula County, MT. The road is open seasonally, May 16 to October 14.

Lolo National Forest, Ninemile Ranger District records no overnight restriction here.

16.6 of the 18.3 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (18.3 miles). Climbs 3,600 ft over 18.3 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 19%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 26 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Martin Point stands 2,852 ft above the site, 3.8 miles southeast. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. Clark Fork runs 0.8 mi off. The nearest town, Frenchtown, is 15 mi off.

September normals 40–74°F, 1.0″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Lolo Hot Springs Campground in MTCampground18.4miWest Fork Butte Lookout in MTCampground19.2miLee CR Camp East Loop (FR 1035) in MTDispersed Camping19.7miLee Creek Campground in MTCampground19.8miSally Basin (FR 2185) in MTForest Road Road20.1mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Lolo National Forest, Ninemile Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?