Pine Mountain Lookout

Star3.72
22 reviews
10025 ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD, UPPER LAKE, CA, USA, 95485

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May to Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mendocino National Forest 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
Pine Mountain Lookout
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates for the cabin during peak season (April 25 to September 27) are $50. Out-of-season dates are not bookable.
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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Provider
707-275-2361
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What Campers Say

3.72

Mixed Reviews

Based on 22 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the stunning views from Pine Mountain Lookout, including sunsets and wildlife sightings, but also note drawbacks such as noise from logging operations, limited amenities, and poor road directions. "Beautiful views and unique historic cabin," said one reviewer, while another remarked, "The surrounding forest is quite burnt out with very little shade." Overall sentiment averages at 3.647 out of 5."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10025 ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD, UPPER LAKE, CA, USA, 95485

Pine Mountain Lookout

10025 ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD, UPPER LAKE, CA, USA, 95485

Driving directionsFrom Potter Valley: Turn right on Eel River Road (North County Road 240B) and drive 4 miles to the Y intersection. Take the right hand fork of the Y, signed as Cutoff Road, and travel down the hill for about a half-mile. At the bottom of the hill proceed north on County Road 240B and cross the bridge to the north side of Eel River. Turn right towards Lake Pillsbury and proceed for 14 miles to the junction with M1 at the Soda Creek Store. Turn right (south) onto M1. At the junction of M1 and M8, proceed to the left (uphill, following the sign for Upper Lake) to stay on M1. After approx 6 miles, as indicated by the sign, turn right onto 18N05. After a few miles, make the hairpin turn to the left onto 17N23. A gate indicated by a sign will be on the right a few miles along. From Upper Lake: Proceed north on M1/Elk Mountain Road past the Upper Lake Ranger Station. After several miles, as indicated by the sign, turn left onto 18N05. After a few miles, make the hairpin turn to the left onto 17N23. A gate indicated by a sign will be on the right a few miles along.
Access requires navigating narrow and unmaintained roads, including dirt and gravel paths. Seasonal conditions and hazards, such as logging trucks and closed gates, can make access challenging. PG&E gates may block progress on certain roads.
Nearby places
Upper Lake (19 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car), Lake Pillsbury recreation area (7 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Upper Lake, approximately 19 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and other essentials. Lake Pillsbury may serve as a secondary supply location but is less developed.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Mountain Lookout

Summer transforms Pine Mountain into a sun-drenched escape where temperatures frequently soar past 97°F, though welcome mountain breezes sweep across the lookout to offer natural air conditioning. As autumn fades to winter, the mountain reveals a different personality—temperatures plummet, dramatic clouds roll across the peaks, and occasional rain or snow showers create an ever-changing canvas of weather that makes each visit unique.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer but can exceed 97°F with limited shade; great views but hot days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall noted as better weather with fewer logging interruptions; pleasant conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring receives positive reviews; milder temps and recommended timing by visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside May–October; winter not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25 - September 27.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May to October.
  • Current Alerts: Logging activity in the surrounding forest can lead to noise and restricted access. Wildfire recovery is ongoing in the area.

About Pine Mountain Lookout

Perched high above the world at 4,400 feet, Pine Mountain Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and experience life in a historic fire detection cabin. This rustic retreat in Mendocino National Forest rewards visitors with sweeping 180-degree mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon, while offering an authentic taste of solitude in the wilderness. Though the accommodations are simple—featuring bunk beds and vault toilets—the real luxury lies in the unparalleled views, the chance to spot wandering wildlife, and the opportunity to disconnect from the modern world in this piece of living history.
Pine Mountain Lookout features unique accommodations in a historic fire lookout cabin. It is suited for small groups up to six people and offers a rustic camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
7consecutive nights maximum during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at Pine Mountain Lookout can enjoy relaxing in a historic setting and soaking in panoramic views. Activities include hiking, hunting, floating, and fishing in nearby areas. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of bird species such as eagles, owls, hawks, and osprey, as well as mammals including black bears and mountain lions. "Magnificent views and solitude," one user emphasized. However, opportunities for hiking might be limited due to logging operations and burned areas.
HikingHiking trails are available nearby, but access may be limited due to logging operations and fire damage. "I hoped to go hiking, but there did not seem to be trails nearby," one reviewer noted.
FishingFishing opportunities exist on the nearby Eel River, which offers serene floating experiences. "Bring some floats for the river," suggested one user.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the Eel River near the campsite, but water quality may be affected by algae and drought conditions. "Lake Pillsbury is suffering from algae toxins caused by drought, so no swimming is recommended," shared one review.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of eagles, owls, hawks, osprey, black bears, mountain lions, and more. "The bats that come out at dusk are wild," described one reviewer.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife threats include rattlesnakes, black bears, and hazardous trees due to wildfire impact. Noise from logging trucks and high summer temperatures are additional concerns.
Active AlertsLogging activity in the surrounding forest can lead to noise and restricted access. Wildfire recovery is ongoing in the area.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pine Mountain Lookout

Reviews

3.7
22 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Pine Mountain Lookout has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the stunning views from Pine Mountain Lookout, including sunsets and wildlife sightings, but also note drawbacks such as noise from logging operations, limited amenities, and poor road directions. "Beautiful views and unique historic cabin," said one reviewer, while another remarked, "The surrounding forest is quite burnt out with very little shade." Overall sentiment averages at 3.647 out of 5.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Magnificent views, solitude, clean vault toilet (in some cases), accessibility by car, wildlife viewing, and ample firewood supply.
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from logging operations, poor road directions in official emails, lack of amenities (including no mattresses and bedding), unclean vault toilets, and potential safety concerns for solo...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring an air mattress and all necessary supplies, follow Google Maps directions instead of official emails, be cautious of rattlesnakes and logging trucks, plan activities beforehand due to limited...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, visitors reported high temperatures and limited shade, making daytime visits uncomfortable. Spring and early fall might offer better weather conditions and fewer logging operations.
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Magnificent views and solitude." - Duane B. "Bring an air mattress. The cots aren’t what I’d imagined." - Bonnie T. "Beautiful sunsets. Would definitely stay here again." - Jon W.
Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specific to campsite 01 highlight varied experiences, such as rattlesnake sightings, noisy logging trucks, and wildlife encounters.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users appreciated the ADA-accessible vault toilet but noted that the lookout cabin itself is not wheelchair-friendly due to stairs.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed; no specific reviews discuss pet-related experiences.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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