Bald Knob Lookout

Star3.71
16 reviews
42861 HWY 242, POWERS, OR 97466, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

3,630 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Powers Ranger Station 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
Bald Knob Lookout
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for Bald Knob Lookout is $65 during peak season (May 16 - September 30). Additional reservation service fees may apply ($8 online, $9...
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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
(541)439-6200
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What Campers Say

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 16 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlocation

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Bald Knob Lookout receives positive reviews for its unique and peaceful setting, cleanliness, and panoramic views. However, issues like lack of communication regarding access codes and damaged propane amenities were noted."

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Campground Map

42861 HWY 242, POWERS, OR 97466, USA

Bald Knob Lookout

42861 HWY 242, POWERS, OR 97466, USA

Driving directionsFrom Portland take I-5S to OR-42 West. Take OR 542 S to Powers. Drive south from the Powers Ranger District office on Highway 242 through the town of Powers to the Forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 33 along the South Fork of the Coquille River for approximately 11.5 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 3348. Travel up Forest Service Road 3348 approximately 2 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 5520. Turn right, and the pavement ends. Take Forest Service Road 5520 for 2 miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road 5520-020, and follow this spur road approximately 2 miles to a gate. Go through the gate and continue through a second gate to the end of the lookout road.
Forest Service Road 5520 has recent winter storm damage and is safely passable with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle. The driving route includes paved and gravel roads, with some sections requiring navigation through gates. Note: Forest Service Road 3343 is closed to through traffic.
Nearby places
Powers (approx. 15 miles, 30 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Powers town has basic supplies (approx. 15 miles away). Visitors should bring all essential supplies including food, water, and camping gear as the site lacks nearby stores.

Best Time to Camp at Bald Knob Lookout

Each season paints Bald Knob with its own dramatic palette. Spring arrives with rushing snowmelt and carpets of wildflowers bursting through the forest floor, while autumn transforms the landscape into a brilliant tapestry of golds and crimsons before winter's first snow. Summer brings intense mountain sunshine with temperatures occasionally soaring to 100°F, making the elevated perch a welcome refuge. Winter storms can sweep across the peak with fierce beauty, occasionally limiting access but creating a wonderland for those lucky enough to witness it.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and scenic in summer; reviewers enjoyed views though some reported temps up to 100°F.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn colors and vistas highlighted; open through October for fall foliage viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens Memorial Day; late-spring wildflowers noted but facility mostly closed earlier in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside Memorial Day–Oct; winters likely heavy snow and not suitable for stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day through October. Peak season is May 16 to September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Propane amenities are unavailable due to storm damage and vandalism. Forest Service Road 5520 has damage but remains passable with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.

About Bald Knob Lookout

Perched high above the wilderness at 3,630 feet, Bald Knob Lookout invites adventurous souls to step back in time and experience camping like nowhere else. This restored 1931 fire lookout tower, once serving as an Aircraft Warning Service observation station, now offers visitors an extraordinary escape into solitude with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Though recent vandalism and storm damage have temporarily disabled the propane amenities in this unique flat-top cabin, the magic of staying in this historic sky-high retreat remains undiminished.
Bald Knob Lookout provides cabin-style accommodations with space for a single tent setup, offering a unique lodging experience. It does not support tent-only camping or RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Flexible based on reservation schedule.
Check-out
Flexible based on reservation schedule.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Bald Knob Lookout can enjoy hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, and seasonal natural changes like spring flowers and autumn colors. Hiking trails such as the Panther Ridge Trail and Coquille River Falls Trail offer scenic views and historical significance. User reviews emphasize the peacefulness and natural beauty, with one stating: 'Beautiful scenery, and a secluded waterfall is nearby.'
HikingThe Panther Ridge Trail, accessible from the lookout, follows a historic Native American travel corridor. It traverses old-growth timber and rhododendron undergrowth. The nearby Coquille River Falls Trail offers switchbacks through virgin forests, ending at a scenic waterfall.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse wildlife such as spotted owls, bull elk, and sandhill cranes. Seasonal changes enhance wildlife visibility opportunities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong winds are common and can displace tents. Visitors must bring adequate supplies, including water, as none are available onsite. Winter storms may affect roads.
Active AlertsPropane amenities are unavailable due to storm damage and vandalism. Forest Service Road 5520 has damage but remains passable with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bald Knob Lookout

Reviews

3.7
16 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bald Knob Lookout has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Bald Knob Lookout receives positive reviews for its unique and peaceful setting, cleanliness, and panoramic views. However, issues like lack of communication regarding access codes and damaged propane amenities were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praised the facility's cleanliness, secluded location, and spectacular views. One guest noted: 'The beauty did not disappoint with the brilliant forest, wonderful sunrise/sets,...
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Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback included lack of communication regarding access codes and the temporary lack of propane amenities due to vandalism and storm damage. One reviewer shared, 'Was not provided with...
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Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions include bringing all required amenities like water, cooking supplies, and additional light sources. One reviewer advised: 'Do NOT use a map application to the address. Use the ones...
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Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits may be very hot, with reviewers indicating temperatures reached 100°F during their stay. Winter stays would likely involve heavy snowfall and require preparation for cold conditions.
Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Would have liked to stay at least 2 nights to do more activities.' 2. 'Reception is out most of the drive, but picks up a little for Verizon once you're in the tower.' 3. 'The tower was very...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Guests noted the site as clean with well-maintained facilities. One reviewer described the vault toilet as 'well-stocked with disposable toilet paper.'
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features; the remote and steep location may pose challenges.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the facility.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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