How much does camping cost at Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Camping fees at Hirz Mountain Lookout are $110/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Hirz 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 Hirz Mountain Lookout before I book?

Yes! Hirz Mountain Lookout has 7 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 Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Hirz Mountain Lookout is open May 01 to October 15. 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 Hirz Mountain Lookout?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Fire policies at Hirz Mountain Lookout: No wood or charcoal fires allowed. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hirz Mountain Lookout have?

Hirz 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 Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Pets are not allowed at Hirz Mountain Lookout. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Hirz Mountain Lookout offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hirz Mountain Lookout?

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

Hirz Mountain Lookout

14 reviews

FIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd., REDDING, CA, 96019, USA

Quick Facts

3,540 ft

Price

$110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Shasta Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,540 ft

Price

$110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 1, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Shasta Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Hirz Mountain Lookout

$110.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $110.00. 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

530-275-8113

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

FIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd., REDDING, CA, 96019, USA

Hirz Mountain Lookout

FIELD OFFICE: 14538 Wonderland Blvd., REDDING, CA, 96019, USA

Nearby places

Redding (20 miles, approx. 30-40 mins)

Driving directionsFrom Redding, California, take Interstate 5 north approximately 20 miles to Gilman Road, exit 698. Turn right and follow Gilman Road approximately 5 miles to road 35N04. Turn left on the road 35N04. This steep, rocky, dirt road is not recommended for low clearance passenger vehicles. Travel approximately 5 miles to the locked gate. Due to rocky, slippery, steep terrain, the last quarter-mile section of road access to the lookout is for foot traffic only.

Weather at Hirz Mountain Lookout

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information about Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
This facility has a compostable toilet that requires daily maintenance by our guests, please follow all guidelines posted.
This is a high cliff area/danger zone; exercise caution, especially with children

Best Time to Camp at Hirz Mountain Lookout

Best season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable access and the clearest panoramic views from the 3,540 ft lookout—expect crisp, refreshing days typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Trails, rough access roads, and the quarter-mile hike to the lookout are usually free of snow and mud, so hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and night-sky photography are at their peak. Weekends bring moderate crowds, but the rugged approach and limited accommodation at the historic fire- Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Site notes: 'Best season: summer' with reliable access and clear panoramic views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1, 2025, through October 15, 2025.

About Hirz Mountain Lookout

Hirz Mountain Lookout sits at 3,540 feet in Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Redding, offering a historic fire lookout cabin rental accessed by a quarter-mile hike. Operated by Shasta Recreation Company, this remote retreat attracts visitors seeking solitude and panoramic views across Northern California's forested foothills. The lookout serves as a base for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing on surrounding trails.

Hirz Mountain Lookout provides cabin lodging as its primary camping accommodation. Tent camping, RV camping, and group sites are not part of this facility.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable access and the clearest panoramic views from the 3,540 ft lookout—expect crisp, refreshing days typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Trails, rough access roads, and the quarter-mile hike to the lookout are usually free of snow and mud, so hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and night-sky photography are at their peak. Weekends bring moderate crowds, but the rugged approach and limited accommodation at the historic fire- Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3540 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lookout crowns a geological crossroads where volcanic Cascade peaks meet ancient limestone formations. Gray limestone exposures around the mountain reveal prehistoric seabeds thrust upward by tectonic forces. From the cabin's 360-degree vantage, Mt. Shasta's glaciated cone rises to the north and Mt. Lassen's volcanic profile marks the southeast horizon. The McCloud River Arm carves through the landscape below, its blue-green water threading between rock layers millions of years in the making. The setting has the ongoing work of water and time on stone.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site offers unique cabin lodging in the lookout tower. It includes two twin beds and two additional mattresses, providing sleeping space for up to four people. No linens or bedding are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Hirz Mountain Lookout.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 4 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (online or call center)

AccessibilityThe final portion of access to the site involves a steep quarter-mile hike that may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges. The rocky and steep access road also limits accessibility for standard vehicles.

Site SizeThe site accommodates up to four people with sleeping arrangements provided in the lookout cabin.

PrivacyThe site is secluded, offering privacy and panoramic views from its elevation of 3,540 feet.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesAppropriate footwear is recommended for the hike up to the lookout." Guests should bring water, food, a cook stove, and other essentials.

Need help booking Hirz Mountain Lookout?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The lookout has no cooking facilities, linens, bedding, water or electricity. Visitors must bring enough water for the length of their stay, as well as garbage bags to pack out their trash.

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hirz Mountain Lookout

Visitors to Hirz Mountain Lookout primarily engage in sightseeing, stargazing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and hunting, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking3.0/5

Site reached by a quarter-mile hike; surrounding hiking opportunities noted but unspecified.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking opportunities mentioned, but trail specifics and difficulty are not given.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Binoculars/birdwatching and wildlife viewing are suggested but no species details.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5360° vistas, Mt. Shasta views and dramatic limestone outcrops make it highly photogenic.

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

14 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hirz Mountain Lookout has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are available for Hirz Mountain Lookout.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects of Hirz Mountain Lookout are not explicitly detailed due to the lack of user reviews.

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints or issues have been noted in user reviews.

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specific to Hirz Mountain Lookout, including individual campsite evaluations, are not provided.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Specific tips or recommendations are unavailable; however, official materials suggest bringing appropriate footwear, sufficient water, a campfire permit for cooking stoves, and packing trash bags.

Based on 14 reviews