Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout
Perched atop a forested mountain, the historic Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout offers a unique recreation experience -- one of few fire lookouts in the region available for overnight rental. Constructed in 1950 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) atop Sheep Mountain at an elevation of 9,600 feet, the lookout was historically occupied as a fire lookout until the early 1970s. The lookout is available for rental from June 15 through October 20; however, access to the facility may be limited depending on snow accumulation. Limited amenities are provided; please be prepared to pack in supplies and gear for a comfortable stay.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
active
Site mix
| Fire lookouts | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | People / vehicles | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout | 2 / 2 | Prime |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 11:00 AM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
This facility is primitive in nature. While a single vault toilet and one set of bunk beds are available, there is no running water, indoor plumbing or electricity. Basically, what is available are four sturdy walls, sound roof, no neighbors and commanding views from the lower quadrant of the Bighorn Mountains all the way out to South Dakota's forests. It is recommended that guests bring all their water and accommodations needed for overnight camping. This is a "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" facility; guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take State Highway 16 west approximately 30 miles. Turn right on Forest Developed Road (FDR) 28 and travel 6 miles north of U.S. Highway 16. FDR 28 will dead-end at the lookout.
| Nearest town | Buffalo, Wyoming |
| Coordinates | 44.1897° N, 107.0044° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Guests are advised to call ahead to confirm access to the facility.
Fire nearby
- WildfirePk
40 mi from the campground · 1,645 acres · 85% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Leigh Creek RV Dump Station ↗ | 5.6 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Sportsman's Warehouse ↗ | 40.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 2.3 miHesse Creek Cutoff1.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 2.6 miSheep Cutoff0.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 2.7 miUpper Hesse Creek1.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 2.9 miUpper Muddy0.9 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 3 miHanson Sawmill1.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 4.3 miTrigger Lake0.2 mi trail · hiking, horse
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Bighorn National Forest begins about 6.8 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 6.8 miBighorn National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,112,948 acres
- 8.1 miCloud Peak Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 191,914 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- James T. Saban LookoutStructure · Ten Sleep · 10.2 mi
Natural features
Besides offering the unique experience of staying in a historical fire lookout, Sheep Mountain Lookout will provide visitors with panoramic views from the mountain peaks in the Cloud Peak Wilderness all the way out through the Powder River Basin. On a clear day, visitors can see to Devils Tower National Monument. Due to the high elevation, guests should be prepared for high altitude conditions including high winds. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees, but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms.
Recreation
The area surrounding the lookout offers endless opportunities for ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing or hunting. The lookout is also ideal for visitors who simply want to relax and enjoy stargazing, wildlife viewing, mountain streams and abundant wildflowers.
Nearby
The town of Buffalo, Wyoming, is located within a 45 minute drive for amenities such as grocery stores, swimming pool, historic downtown and a museum.
Guidebooks for Wyoming
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout?
Sites at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout?
Check-in 11:00 AM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout have?
1 site, including 1 lookout.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout?
Yes, pets are allowed at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout?
The area surrounding the lookout offers endless opportunities for ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing or hunting. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout?
Buffalo, Wyoming. The town of Buffalo, Wyoming, is located within a 45 minute drive for amenities such as grocery stores, swimming pool, historic downtown and a museum.
Source: Getting there
What if Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Lost Cabin Campground (3.8 mi), Circle Park Campground (6.5 mi), and South Fork (Wyoming) (6.9 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby