Girard Ridge Lookout

Star4.82
44 reviews
PO BOX 1620, MCCLOUD, CA, 96057, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

4,809 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025; c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Shasta-Trinity 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
Girard Ridge Lookout
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the Girard Ridge Lookout cabin is $75 during the peak season between May 15, 2025 and October 31, 2025. This does not include...
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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
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What Campers Say

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 44 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the stunning views, tranquility, and unique experience of staying in the historic Girard Ridge Lookout. The primitive nature of the cabin is appreciated by most, but some noted the lack of amenities and wildlife encounters as challenges."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1620, MCCLOUD, CA, 96057, USA

Girard Ridge Lookout

PO BOX 1620, MCCLOUD, CA, 96057, USA

Driving directionsFrom Redding California, or Mt. Shasta, take Interstate 5 towards Castle Crags State Park. Exit the Interstate at the Soda Creek exit 726. From here, the lookout is approximately 7.5 miles over mostly dirt road. Head east towards the Sacramento River. Cross the bridge over the river and veer right until you come to a road intersection. Turn right on Riverside and follow a curvy and narrow paved road to the intersection of the Girard Ridge Road (Forest Service Road Number 38N23). Turn left, heading up hill. The road will change from pavement to dirt at the 1.9 mile mark from I-5. You will pass some microwave towers. At the top of the hill at approx 6.5 miles from the interstate look for a road intersection, this is Forest Service Road Number 39N13. It will be your first left. Turn here and travel approximately .6 mile to an unnumbered road again on your left. A sign says Girard Ridge Lookout with an arrow. Turn here and you will come to a green Forest Service gate. Open the gate and travel on this road until you reach the lookout (about 1/2 mile).
The dirt roads leading to Girard Ridge Lookout are steep and narrow in sections, requiring high clearance vehicles for easier access. The road transitions from paved to dirt at 1.9 miles from Interstate 5 and includes several potholes. It is recommended to drive cautiously as active logging may also occur.
Nearby places
McCloud (approximately 7.5 miles), Mount Shasta (approximately 30 miles), Redding (approximately 60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Fuel and groceries are available in McCloud and Mount Shasta, approximately 7.5 to 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Girard Ridge Lookout

The lookout's elevated perch creates its own microclimate, offering welcome relief when valley temperatures soar above 100°F during summer months. Mountain breezes sweep across the ridge, keeping days pleasantly cool and nights refreshingly crisp. Winter transforms this outpost into a snow-globe wonderland, though heavy snowfall can make access challenging. Spring and fall bring ideal conditions, with wildflower blooms or autumn colors painting the surrounding forest in vibrant hues.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; ridge provides relief from valley heat, though bees and occasional smoke are noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late-season access likely offers crisp views; wildfire smoke can sometimes reduce visibility.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens May 15; reviewers call spring views 'absolutely stunning' though stay is late spring only.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed Nov–Apr; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season occurs from May 15 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025; closes October 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Active logging near Girard Lookout (until September 30, 2023) may cause temporary road closures.

About Girard Ridge Lookout

Perched high above the Sacramento River Canyon, Girard Ridge Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This 1931 fire lookout tower, lovingly preserved by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, offers visitors a chance to step back in time while soaking in some of California's most breathtaking mountain panoramas. From your rustic cabin in the sky, watch as Mount Shasta's snow-capped peak catches the first light of dawn and Castle Crags glow amber at sunset. With no electricity or running water, this remote sanctuary promises star-filled nights and the profound silence only found in wild places.
Girard Ridge Lookout offers a unique camping experience in a primitive, remote cabin setting. It is geared toward visitors seeking solitude and panoramic views.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 3 nights during a single visit.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activity at Girard Ridge Lookout is enjoying the stunning views and tranquil surroundings. Additional recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers frequently praise the panoramic views and sunsets, making photography a common activity. "Amazing experience even though the smoke from some of the wildfires moved in," said J.R. S.
HikingHikers can follow the Forest Service road north for 3 miles to reach the Pacific Crest Trail. The location allows access to Castle Crags State Park, which offers additional hiking trails.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby areas, such as the Sacramento River, which is mentioned by reviewers who enjoyed cooling off in the river.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in nearby areas, such as the Sacramento River, which reviewers have described as a refreshing activity on hot days.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently mention the abundance of wildlife in the surrounding forest, including bears. "Be aware of animals, especially at night," advised Drew Allen.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, bees during hot weather, and narrow roads requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Active AlertsActive logging near Girard Lookout (until September 30, 2023) may cause temporary road closures.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Girard Ridge Lookout

Reviews

4.8
44 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Girard Ridge Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the stunning views, tranquility, and unique experience of staying in the historic Girard Ridge Lookout. The primitive nature of the cabin is appreciated by most, but some noted the lack of amenities and wildlife encounters as challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the breathtaking views, peacefulness, and the opportunity to disconnect from the modern world. Many reviewers praised the cleanliness of the vault toilet...
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Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the difficulty of accessing the lookout via steep and narrow dirt roads, occasional wildlife disturbances (mice and bears), and the lack of nearby trash disposal facilities. A few...
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Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water, cleaning supplies, bedding, and mosquito repellent. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised due to the condition of the dirt roads. "Do not miss...
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Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer months, reviewers noted high temperatures and the presence of bees, suggesting preparations like water and battery-operated fans. Wildfire smoke occasionally affects visibility during...
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Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"AWE-INSPIRING!!! One of the best moments in my life was staying here one night," said Drew Allen. "Absolutely stunning," added Ty Kaufman. "The views are breathtaking, and the lookout is so remote...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews are specific to the 001 campsite at Girard Ridge Lookout. "Amazing views of Mt. Shasta during the day and a sky full of stars at night," said Aniruddha J.
Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in reviews; one visitor regretted not bringing their dog due to concerns over heat.
Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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