Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Star4.26
22 reviews
P.O. BOX 1620
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

7,309 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open July 1 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service 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
Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for cabins are $75 per night. A $10 service fee applies for reservation changes or cancellations. Late cancellations may incur...
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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
530-964-2184
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout emphasize its breathtaking views, rustic charm, and peaceful isolation. However, they also highlight challenges such as yellow jacket infestations, lack of modern amenities, and occasional organized group visits."

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 1620

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

P.O. BOX 1620

Driving directionsFrom McCloud, California, travel east on Highway 89 for 16 miles to Road 15 (the Harris Springs Rd). Turn left and travel on a paved road for about 4.5 miles on Road 15 to the 49 road (Powder Hill Road). Travel for approximately 28 miles northeast to the Medicine Lake area. From there, follow the road along the north side of Medicine Lake for approximately 4 miles to Little Mt. Hoffman. These last 4 miles are not paved and motor homes and vehicles pulling trailers are not recommended.
Last 4 miles are unpaved and difficult for RVs and trailers; paved roads lead up to this section.
Nearby places
McCloud (approximately 16 miles west), Medicine Lake (approximately 4 miles south of the lookout).
Nearby supplies
Closest supply locations not explicitly stated, but Medicine Lake and McCloud are nearby population centers.

Best Time to Camp at Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Each season paints Little Mt. Hoffman with its own dramatic palette. Summer bathes the lookout in warm, golden sunshine, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and sunrise photography. Winter transforms this mountain retreat into an enchanted realm where snow blankets the landscape and fierce winds sing through the cabin's timbers. One January visitor described waking to a crystalline wonderland of fresh snow and freezing temperatures, with Mt. Shasta floating like a dream above a sea of clouds—a magical experience that rewards the hardy souls who brave the winter ascent.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open during peak summer; excellent stargazing and views but yellow jacket issues reported in warm months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October with crisp mountain conditions and strong scenic appeal; fewer insect complaints noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Official season opens July 1; spring season is outside listed open period.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Officially closed outside Jul 1–Oct 12 for 2025 season; winter stays not available per listing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 through October 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open July 1 through October 12, 2025. Peak season pricing applies during this period.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Perched high above the volcanic wonderland of Medicine Lake Highlands, Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This charming 14x14 wooden cabin, weathered by nearly a century of mountain seasons since its 1920s construction, serves as your window to some of California's most spectacular volcanic scenery. From this lofty outpost, the giants of the Cascade Range reveal themselves in stunning clarity—Mt. Shasta's snow-capped majesty to the west, Mt. Lassen's volcanic dome to the south, and Oregon's Mt. McLoughlin piercing the northern horizon. True to its rustic heritage, the lookout embraces simplicity: no running water, electricity, or modern conveniences disturb the profound connection with nature. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies and note that the final 4-mile stretch of access road presents a rugged challenge unsuitable for RVs and trailers.
The campground offers a unique historic lookout cabin for overnight stays. Primitive camping options are not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in at 8:00 AM at McCloud District Office
  • combination for lock provided.
Check-out
Check-out not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 3 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout offers activities for both relaxation and exploration, including sightseeing, bird watching, photography, hiking, and access to nearby Medicine Lake for swimming and boating. Reviewers highlight the panoramic views and serene environment.
HikingHiking opportunities are available a short distance from the lookout, allowing visitors to explore nearby hills, clearings, and caves.
SwimmingMedicine Lake features a large swim beach and a day-use area, offering swimming opportunities.
BikingAlthough official sources do not specify biking trails, user reviews and general descriptions suggest that biking may be possible on the unpaved roads leading to the lookout.
BoatingBoating is accessible at Medicine Lake, which has a boat dock in its day-use area.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can enjoy bird watching and wildlife observation, which are highlighted as key attractions of this campground.
Beach activitiesVisitors can engage in beach-related activities at Medicine Lake, which features a large swim beach.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsYellowjackets are a frequent issue during warmer months, described as an "infestation" by a reviewer. Snow and freezing conditions occur during winter periods, requiring preparation for hazardous driving and cold exposure.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Reviews

4.3
22 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout emphasize its breathtaking views, rustic charm, and peaceful isolation. However, they also highlight challenges such as yellow jacket infestations, lack of modern amenities, and occasional organized group visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

"Over the top views" and "Almost full 360 views" are frequently mentioned by users. Visitors appreciate the serene environment, the opportunity for stargazing and sunrises, and the rustic charm of...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include a severe yellow jacket infestation during warm months, absence of basic cleaning supplies like a mop, and challenges with accurate check-in information due to station...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing extra water, battery-powered fans for ventilation, pads for beds, and shade canopies. They also recommend confirming lock codes ahead of arrival due to closures at the McCloud...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Warm months are noted for yellow jacket infestations, making outdoor activities challenging. Winter months offer snow-covered views and cozy experiences with the wood stove indoors.
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing views and nice to be isolated on the top of a mountain but the yellow jackets will ruin your days here..." - Raquel Gibson. "Mt. Shasta came out from the clouds for a few minutes the next...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site number 001 in the Area Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout loop receives varying feedback: positive ratings for views and cabin comfort, but criticisms for lack of cleaning supplies and organized group...
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Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not widely discussed; however, the rugged terrain and steps leading into the cabin suggest limited accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted at the campground. However, yellow jackets pose a challenge as they swarm around food, water, and pets.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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