Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

4.86

8 reviews

Smith River National Recreation Area US Forest Service P.O. Box 228, GASQUET, CA 95543, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping California

Quick Facts

5,280 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open July 1st to Sep...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,280 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open July 1st to Sep...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The rental rate is $75 per night for one to eight people. An additional fee of $5 per night per person applies for groups ranging from 9 to 12 people.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-457-3131

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What Campers Say

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Reviews for Bear Basin Lookout and Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its breathtaking views, secluded location, and well-maintained facilities. Several users praised the cleanliness and comfort of the cabin and vault toilet."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Smith River National Recreation Area US Forest Service P.O. Box 228, GASQUET, CA 95543, USA

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

Smith River National Recreation Area US Forest Service P.O. Box 228, GASQUET, CA 95543, USA

Driving directionsFrom Crescent City, head north on Highway 101 and turn right (east) on Hwy 199. Go through the town of Hiouchi and turn right on county road 427 (South Fork Road) and continue driving 14 miles. Pavement ends and this road becomes Forest Service Road 16N02. Follow this road for 18 miles. You will see an access road (with a sign) on your left with a gate. Following the access road, it is 0.5 miles from the gate to the cabin. Note: Due to Road 17N05 being closed from damage this winter, all access must be obtained via South Fork Road and 16N02 over Ship Mountain. Approximately 18 miles of this route is not paved and has areas of washout.

Access is challenging and recommended only for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles due to steep gravel roads and sections with washouts. Guests should carry tire chains and a shovel, especially during low-elevation storms.

Nearby places

Crescent City (approximately 1 hour by vehicle)

Gasquet (distance unavailable)

Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center (21 miles, ~1 hour by vehicle).

Nearby supplies

Patrick's Creek (approximately 40 minutes away) for water fill-up

other grocery and supply options not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

The high country calendar dictates the rhythm of life at Bear Basin. Summer arrives with warm days and cool mountain nights, painting wildflower meadows in vibrant hues while gentle breezes carry the scent of pine and fir. Early autumn brings crisp air and golden light, creating ideal conditions for stargazing from your lofty perch. As the seasons turn, winter storms can sweep across the ridge with little warning, while spring often delivers a temperamental mix of sunshine and sudden squalls. Wise visitors plan their adventures for the reliable weather window between June and October, when the mountain roads are most passable and nature puts on her finest show.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Open Jul 1–Sep 30; warm days, cool nights and peak wildflower displays make summer ideal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.0 / 5

Lookout closes Oct 1; weather and access decline making fall less reliable for visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Spring access can be impacted by snow and road washouts; few reviews from spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Primary season is summer; winter access and services are limited/closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1st to September 30th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open July 1st to September 30th annually. The lookout tower closes October 1st due to wind damage risks; the cabin remains open.
Current Alerts: Road 17N05 is closed due to storm damage; access limited to South Fork Road and 16N02 over Ship Mountain.

About Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

Perched atop a narrow mountain ridge at 5,280 feet, Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin invite adventurous souls to experience the untamed beauty of Six Rivers National Forest. This remarkable dual facility pairs a historic fire lookout tower with a thoughtfully designed modern cabin, both commanding spectacular vistas that stretch from the rugged Siskiyou Wilderness to the distant shimmer of the Pacific Ocean. The journey to reach this mountain sanctuary requires determination—winding forest roads lead you far from civilization's reach, rewarding those who venture here with profound solitude and an intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness.

Bear Basin Lookout and Cabin offer rental accommodations primarily focused on cabin lodging, with a lookout tower included during summer and early fall.

Historical SignificanceBear Basin Lookout carries the legacy of generations of fire watchers who stood sentinel over these forests. Originally constructed at Camp Six as part of the region's early fire detection network, this weathered guardian was carefully relocated to its current commanding position in 1996, preserving both its practical purpose and historical character. The accompanying Pierson Cabin pays homage to the architectural traditions of the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps left its mark throughout America's forests. Together, these structures create a living museum where visitors can experience the romance of backcountry fire watching while enjoying modern comforts.

Weather and SeasonsThe high country calendar dictates the rhythm of life at Bear Basin. Summer arrives with warm days and cool mountain nights, painting wildflower meadows in vibrant hues while gentle breezes carry the scent of pine and fir. Early autumn brings crisp air and golden light, creating ideal conditions for stargazing from your lofty perch. As the seasons turn, winter storms can sweep across the ridge with little warning, while spring often delivers a temperamental mix of sunshine and sudden squalls. Wise visitors plan their adventures for the reliable weather window between June and October, when the mountain roads are most passable and nature puts on her finest show.

ElevationAt 5,280 feet above sea level, Bear Basin occupies a sweet spot in the sky where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even during summer's peak. This elevation transforms the landscape, creating a high-altitude sanctuary where temperatures drop 15-20 degrees from the valleys below. Morning fog often pools in the canyons beneath you while you bask in early sunlight, and evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and gold. The thin air at this height makes stars appear impossibly bright, turning each clear night into a celestial showcase.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape surrounding Bear Basin reads like a love letter to the Northern California wilderness. Ancient forests of Douglas fir and sugar pine give way to emerald meadows where summer wildflowers create natural gardens of lupine, Indian paintbrush, and mountain asters. The crystalline waters of Buck Lake nestle in a nearby basin, reflecting sky and forest in its mirror-like surface. Bear Basin Meadow spreads below like a vast green carpet, often dotted with grazing deer in the early morning hours. Black bears, the area's namesake residents, occasionally lumber through the forest clearings, while red-tailed hawks ride the thermals rising from sun-warmed ridges. Each vista from the lookout reveals layers of mountains fading into blue distance, a constantly changing canvas of light, shadow, and weather.

Geological RegionBear Basin Lookout crowns a dramatic knife-edge ridge in the heart of Six Rivers National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary contrasts. From this 5,280-foot vantage point, the earth tells two distinct stories: eastward, the raw wilderness of the Siskiyou Mountains unfolds in waves of forested peaks and hidden valleys, while westward views stretch across successive ridges until they meet the Pacific Ocean's endless horizon. This unique position atop the narrow spine offers a 360-degree theater of Northern California's geological diversity, from the region's characteristic serpentine soils and uplifted marine terraces to the volcanic remnants that punctuate the eastern skyline.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM for key pickup.

Check-out

2:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Up to 4 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin can accommodate up to 8 guests
up to 12 guests are permitted for an extra fee.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIncludes a cabin, lookout tower, vault toilet, picnic tables, campfire ring, and wood shed. Nearby hiking trails enhance layout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot mentioned; reservations are required at least 3 days in advance.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival for a partial refund. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to eight guests, with provisions for up to 12 guests at an extra fee.

PrivacyThe remote location on a high mountain ridge provides a secluded and private atmosphere for guests.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring plenty of water and all essential supplies, as no water or electricity is available. High-clearance vehicles recommended.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin provide opportunities for bird watching, hiking in the nearby Siskiyou Wilderness, and wildlife viewing with chances to spot deer and bears. Nearby attractions like Buck Lake and Bear Basin Meadow offer additional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

HikingHiking opportunities are abundant in the nearby Siskiyou Wilderness. Trailheads like Doe Flat and Island Lake are located within three miles of the cabin. User reviews highlight hikes to Buck Lake and Bear Basin Meadow as worthwhile experiences.

BikingGeneral biking opportunities are mentioned, although specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include spotting deer and bears. User reviews also mention yellow jackets and emphasize carrying proper protective measures.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep gravel roads with washouts, unpredictable weather, wildlife presence (including bears and yellow jackets), and limited cell phone coverage pose hazards.

Active AlertsRoad 17N05 is closed due to storm damage; access limited to South Fork Road and 16N02 over Ship Mountain.

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

Fire PolicyCampfire ring available; follow local firewood regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesThe Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center (21 miles away), ranger station in Gasquet, CA (phone: 707-457-3131).

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are mentioned; guests are responsible for their own waste disposal.

Water FeaturesBuck Lake is nearby (1.5-mile hike). The Smith River is accessible via South Fork Road.

Camp HostRanger station staff are available for key pickup and inquiries during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM).

Weather at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

Reviews

4.9

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Bear Basin Lookout and Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its breathtaking views, secluded location, and well-maintained facilities. Several users praised the cleanliness and comfort of the cabin and vault toilet.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

User reviews highlight the exceptional mountain and wilderness views, cleanliness of the cabin and toilet facilities, and the availability of basic supplies like firewood, games, and books. Wildlife...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted challenges with accessibility due to road conditions, including washouts and steep gravel roads. Yellow jackets were a minor concern for some campers.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are strongly advised to bring plenty of water, high-clearance vehicles, and chains for winter visits. Essential camping gear, including bedding and flashlights, is necessary due to the absence...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is available for rent from July 1 to September 30, and user reviews indicate that these months provide enjoyable camping weather. Reviews outside this timeframe highlight the challenges...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Wonderful trip. Would have been a 5-star review if it weren't for the burn damage. The cabin is beautifully maintained and the view from the bathroom is quite nice." – Robert D. 2. "The most...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5116 reviews repeatedly praise the scenic views, cleanliness, and overall setup of Bear Basin Lookout and Cabin. Users found the cabin accommodations comfortable and enjoyed the nearby hiking...

Based on 8 reviews