Mccarthy Point Lookout

Star4.44
7 reviews
T27N R3E SEC 18/19
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$30 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season Opens May 27,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Almanor Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mccarthy Point Lookout
$30.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
None refundable reservation fee:Credit-card transaction fees part of system of the reservable site.
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

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"User reviews highlight the breathtaking views, remote location, and rustic charm of the lookout cabin. However, challenges include difficult access roads, wildlife encounters, and the lack of modern amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

T27N R3E SEC 18/19

Mccarthy Point Lookout

T27N R3E SEC 18/19

Driving directionsFrom Red Bluff, drive east on Highway 36 toward Lassen National Park and Chester. Turn right onto Payne’s Creek Loop in Paynes Creek, then turn right on Plum Creek Road (County Road 202) and continue for about 9 miles to the junction of County Road 707B (Forest Service Road 28N29/Ponderosa Way). Turn right and follow this road past Black Rock Campground until you reach Forest Service Road 27N08. Turn left and drive less than a mile to road 27N21. Turn left and proceed to the McCarthy Point Lookout. Please call the Almanor Ranger District for alternate road directions if needed.
"This area is extremely remote, and accessibility can be challenging." User review highlights emphasize difficulties navigating the roads from Highway 36: "Extremely rocky, curvy, and scary with cliffs" and "One water crossing that may be impassable in spring." Alternative routes from Highway 32 are smoother and more driveable.
Nearby places
Chester, CA is the closest civilization, approximately 2+ hours away.
Nearby supplies
Pack your satellite communicator in case of an emergency. Supplies are likely 2 hours away. Chester, CA is the nearest city for any items of necessity.

Best Time to Camp at Mccarthy Point Lookout

Summer days at McCarthy Point can soar to a toasty 93 degrees, but the elevation brings welcome relief when evening falls. The lookout's panoramic windows become nature's theater during summer thunderstorms, offering front-row seats to spectacular lightning displays dancing across the wilderness. Previous guests have marveled at witnessing three dramatic thunderstorms during their stay, each one painting the sky with electric artistry visible through the cabin's wraparound windows.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer; hot daytime temps (up to 93°F) but cool evenings and dramatic storms.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Site closes Sep 05, so generally not available in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May, so spring access is limited; pleasant weather when open.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter months; seasonal opening May 27–Sep 05.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Over lapse and fees. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season Opens May 27,2025 and Closes Sep 05,2025.
  • Current Alerts: None

About Mccarthy Point Lookout

Step back in time at McCarthy Point Lookout, where a 1936 Civilian Conservation Corps fire tower has been transformed into an extraordinary mountain retreat. After parking your vehicle, a scenic 1,000-foot walk along a paved trail leads you to this historic cabin that once served as vigilant eyes protecting the forest from wildfires and, during World War II, scanning the skies for enemy aircraft. Inside, you'll find a cozy blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, with a fully equipped kitchen, propane stove for cooking, wood stove for warmth, and two single beds perfect for a peaceful night's rest. Perched dramatically at 3,600 feet, the lookout rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Mill Creek Canyon and the untamed Ishi Wilderness stretching endlessly before you.
McCarthy Point Lookout is a unique offering, classified under cabin lodging for its historic lookout tower. Primitive camping facilities are recommended for visitors due to the absence of modern amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Null

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

McCarthy Point Lookout offers limited recreational opportunities directly on-site but serves as a gateway to exploring the nearby Ishi Wilderness. Its remote and scenic location makes it ideal for relaxing, wildlife observation, and enjoying panoramic views.
HikingMany hiking trails are available in the nearby Ishi Wilderness, although some user reviews mention limited hiking options directly from the cabin itself, aside from fire roads.
FishingFishing is permitted in nearby Mill and Deer Creeks within the Ishi Wilderness. Special fishing regulations apply, and a valid California fishing license is required.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can observe a variety of wildlife including wild hogs, mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, Tehama deer, rabbits, and numerous bird species such as hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and trash." Mice are commonly found in the cabin. "In the middle of the night, we did hear mice scattering about in our cabin looking for food." Guests should be aware of feral cows near the lookout.
Active AlertsNone
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mccarthy Point Lookout

Reviews

4.4
7 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mccarthy Point Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the breathtaking views, remote location, and rustic charm of the lookout cabin. However, challenges include difficult access roads, wildlife encounters, and the lack of modern amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, remote and peaceful setting, and unique experience of staying in a historic lookout tower.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by users include challenging road access, mice and other wildlife in the cabin, lack of potable water, and the long walk from the parking area to the cabin.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend avoiding the road from Highway 36 due to its rocky terrain and opting for the smoother route via Highway 32. Guests suggest bringing satellite communication devices, minimizing gear...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for high temperatures inside the cabin, while thunderstorms provide a dramatic spectacle during rainy weather. Wildlife activity increases during warmer months.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The views from the cabin were stunning. Never in my life have I seen anything like it.' - Jessica W 2. 'We experienced 3 thunderstorms while we were there, really great views of lightning from...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews focus exclusively on the cabin and its immediate area, particularly the suitability of site #001 for stargazing and panoramic views.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Access to the cabin is challenging due to the 1,000-foot walk from the parking area, compounded by the lack of accessibility features for those with mobility issues.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Bears were sighted in the area, and wildlife encounters are common. No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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