How much does camping cost at Black Mountain Lookout?

Camping fees at Black Mountain Lookout are $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Mountain Lookout first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Mountain Lookout accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Mountain Lookout before I book?

Yes! Black Mountain Lookout has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Mountain Lookout?

Black Mountain Lookout is open May 22 to October 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Mountain Lookout?

Black Mountain Lookout does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Black Mountain Lookout have?

Black Mountain Lookout has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Mountain Lookout?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black Mountain Lookout. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black Mountain Lookout?

Black Mountain Lookout offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Mountain Lookout?

Popular activities at Black Mountain Lookout include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Mountain Lookout

4.70

18 reviews

PO Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping California

Quick Facts

6,959 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,959 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Black Mountain Lookout

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 836-2575

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103, USA

Black Mountain Lookout

PO Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103, USA

Nearby places

Milford (10 miles), Blairsden (null distance), Honey Lake (null distance), Frenchman Lake (30-minute drive)

Weather at Black Mountain Lookout

Best Time to Camp at Black Mountain Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, driest weather at the 6,959 ft summit, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and nights cooling into the 30s–40s°F. All lake and creek activities — fishing, boating, and swimming — are at their peak, trails are clear of snow, and the lookout is fully accessible for sweeping views and excellent stargazing. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and brisk summit winds and occasional afternoon thunderstorms, so plan for早 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season; most reliable access and warmest, driest weather on the summit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season typically Memorial Day weekend through October. Closed for 2020 and expected closure into 2021 due to COVID concerns.

About Black Mountain Lookout

Black Mountain Lookout sits at 6,959 feet in Plumas National Forest, operated by the Beckwourth Ranger District. This historic fire lookout cabin offers sweeping summit views and stargazing from a remote perch accessed by a challenging mountain road. Guests stay in the restored lookout structure itself, equipped with electric hookups and cozy period details, surrounded by mid-elevation forest ideal for hiking and wildlife watching.

Black Mountain Lookout offers a unique opportunity to stay in a historic fire lookout cabin, complemented by tent camping. "Staying here was such a great experience I’d recommend to anyone."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, driest weather at the 6,959 ft summit, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and nights cooling into the 30s–40s°F. All lake and creek activities — fishing, boating, and swimming — are at their peak, trails are clear of snow, and the lookout is fully accessible for sweeping views and excellent stargazing. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and brisk summit winds and occasional afternoon thunderstorms, so plan for早 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6959 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout commands views across valleys and ridges. Honey Lake spreads north toward the horizon. Last Chance Creek winds through the terrain to the south. The elevation puts you above most of the surrounding forest, where streams, alpine lakes, and meadows fill the canyons below. Wildlife sightings are common. Deer graze in the clearings. Coyotes move along ridgelines. Bald eagles and osprey ride the thermals overhead.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site is centered around the Black Mountain Lookout cabin, which accommodates up to four guests. "The cabin itself is pretty packed with basic supplies," including electricity, lights, refrigerator, and small stove. Adjacent tent camping is available for an additional four guests.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tower accommodates up to 4 people
adjacent tent camping allows an additional 4 visitors.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online platform, contact center, and in-person booking.

AccessibilityThe cabin and tent camping areas are accessible primarily via a high-clearance dirt road. Visitors should be aware of potential difficulties as "the road was the scariest thing I have ever been on," according to a reviewer.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four guests, and tent camping sites adjacent to the cabin allow for an additional four visitors.

PrivacyThe site is secluded, providing privacy and stunning views of Honey Lake and Last Chance Creek.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations include using high-clearance or AWD vehicles for access and packing extra water and light sources.

Best CampsitesThere's only one option here: Site 001, the lookout cabin itself. It sleeps four and has electricity, gas lamps, and fairy lights for atmosphere. Tent sites sit adjacent to the cabin for overflow. The views are the real selling point. Sunsets and stargazing from the summit are exceptional.

Need help booking Black Mountain Lookout?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Mountain Lookout offers a secluded and unique camping experience primarily centered around a historic fire lookout cabin. The cabin is equipped with a refrigerator, small stove, heater, and lights powered by electricity. "The most creature comforts at a fire lookout so far!" Guests mention the convenience of having "electricity was nice since I forgot to charge the battery for my camera." While the cabin provides basic furnishings, including two single beds and a small table, campers are advised to bring essential items such as food, bedding, and water as "no water is available at this facility." The site features a picnic table and vault toilet adjacent to the lookout.

Electricity hookups

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Black Mountain Lookout

Activities at Black Mountain Lookout include hiking, stargazing, wildlife viewing, and birding. "On a clear night, visitors can gaze upon the expansive sky as it unfolds with a dazzling display of stars." Frenchman Lake, located 30 minutes away, offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water skiing.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Surrounding Plumas NF has hiking and many fire roads to explore.

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking would be at nearby Frenchman Lake (30 min), not onsite.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Summit vistas, Honey Lake views, dramatic sunsets and dark-sky conditions ideal for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

18 reviews

Top-Rated

Black Mountain Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Black Mountain Lookout receives high praise for its unique experience, stunning views, and convenience of amenities like electricity. However, several reviewers highlight challenges related to road accessibility and high winds.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests describe the site as "well-equipped, well-maintained, and beautiful setting." Others enjoy "stunning views," "sunsets were so beautiful," and "cozy touches like electric gas lamps and fairy...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include difficult road conditions: "Do not do this unless you have high clearance and AWD" and "large bedrock outcrops." Some reviewers also noted high winds: "The wind up there will...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 receives reviews with mixed sentiments. Positive: "Excellent night at Black Mountain fire lookout," "Well stocked and clean." Negative: "Wind noise and road condition took a chunk out of...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing adequate water and supplies since "no water is available at this facility." High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for access: "The road was roughest the last 3...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The lookout is most accessible during the summer months when weather conditions are more stable. Challenges arise during early and late-season due to inclement weather.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This was amazing. The views at sunset were so beautiful I almost cried." "My wife, dog and I really enjoyed our stay." "The cabin itself is pretty packed with basic supplies. All you’d really need...

Based on 18 reviews