Bolan Mountain Lookout

Star4.35
8 reviews
BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST WILD RIVERS RANGER DISTRICT 26568 REDWOOD HIGHWAY
Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,132 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No specific open and...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest site

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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
Bolan Mountain Lookout
$3.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include various charges for reservations, modifications, and cancellations. Typical fees are $10 for changes and cancellations, and $3-$9 for...
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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
541-592-4000
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 8 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Bolan Mountain Lookout are mixed but generally positive, highlighting its stunning views, primitive camping experience, and unique stargazing opportunities. Guests appreciate the panoramic vistas and serenity but caution about limited amenities and the steep steps leading up to the cabin. Negative experiences include issues with security and accessibility."

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Campground Map

BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST WILD RIVERS RANGER DISTRICT 26568 REDWOOD HIGHWAY

Bolan Mountain Lookout

BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST WILD RIVERS RANGER DISTRICT 26568 REDWOOD HIGHWAY

Driving directionsFrom Cave Junction, OR, travel south on Highway 199 6.4 miles to the Happy Camp Road (Forest Service Road 48). Turn left and travel 17.3 miles on Happy Camp Road (FSR 48) to the junction with Forest Road 4812. Turn left and travel 4.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 4812-040, the road to Bolan Lake Campground. Turn left again, and travel 1.1 miles to Forest Road 535. Turn right and travel 1.6 miles to the lookout. Forest Road 535 is gated. The lookout can be accessed by passenger car, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Early summer access can be hampered by late season snow pack. Parking is available just below the lookout.
The lookout can be accessed by passenger car, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Early summer access can be hampered by late season snow pack. Parking is available just below the lookout.
Nearby supplies
Guests should pack in all essential supplies including water, food, and toiletries. No detailed supply locations provided.

Best Time to Camp at Bolan Mountain Lookout

Mountain weather here dances between extremes, creating an ever-changing canvas for outdoor enthusiasts. Lingering snowpack often guards the access roads well into early summer, while afternoon thunderstorms roll across the peaks with dramatic flair. Visitors who've witnessed nature's theater here speak of crystal-clear nights so cold they steal your breath, and summer days when lightning illuminates the surrounding wilderness. The unpredictable conditions demand respect and preparation, rewarding those who come ready with unforgettable atmospheric displays.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late summer cited as pleasant with clear skies ideal for stargazing and views.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers good viewing and milder weather; specific seasonal notes are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Early summer/late spring access may be hampered by lingering snowpack; conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Snowpack often limits access; no winter recreation or reliable access noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No specific open and closed season data provided.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed due to destruction from the Slater Fire.

About Bolan Mountain Lookout

Perched high in the rugged Siskiyou Mountains, Bolan Mountain Lookout once offered adventurous souls a rare opportunity to camp where fire watchers kept vigil over vast wilderness expanses. This primitive camping experience promised unparalleled panoramic views and the chance to sleep among the clouds. Following the devastating Slater Fire, this beloved lookout now stands closed, awaiting its next chapter in a landscape shaped by both natural beauty and wildfire's transformative power.
The Bolan Mountain Lookout is categorized as a cabin rental offering a primitive camping experience. Guests must bring their own amenities, including water, camp stoves, and sleeping gear.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Entry times not specified.
Check-out
Check-out times not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 5 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Bolan Mountain Lookout offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, stargazing, scenic photography, and wildlife viewing. Guests can hike the Bolan Lake Trail, enjoy trout fishing, or picnic beside Bolan Lake’s conifer-lined shores. Stargazing is particularly popular due to its clear night skies and panoramic views.
HikingThe Bolan Lake Trail offers hiking options down to Bolan Lake, surrounded by conifer forests. Official sources state: "Hikers may enjoy spending a day hiking the Bolan Lake Trail down to Bolan Lake."
FishingFishing is available at Bolan Lake, which is stocked with trout. "Hemmed in by conifer forest, the lake is stocked with trout," notes official sources.
BoatingNon-motorized boating such as kayaking is supported at Bolan Lake. "The lake is an ideal setting to enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating such as kayaking, or picnicking at its banks," notes authoritative sources.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, and the lookout is a prime spot for nature photography due to expansive views of wilderness areas and rugged landscapes.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLate-season snow can hamper early summer access. Law enforcement response is limited after 6 PM in Josephine County. Port-Orford cedar root disease is a local concern.
Active AlertsCurrently closed due to destruction from the Slater Fire.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bolan Mountain Lookout

Reviews

4.4
8 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bolan Mountain Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Bolan Mountain Lookout are mixed but generally positive, highlighting its stunning views, primitive camping experience, and unique stargazing opportunities. Guests appreciate the panoramic vistas and serenity but caution about limited amenities and the steep steps leading up to the cabin. Negative experiences include issues with security and accessibility.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the extraordinary views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding wilderness, stargazing opportunities, and a peaceful ambiance. "The views were outstanding and the sunset incredible," writes...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns raised include the steep steps leading to the lookout, limited amenities, and lack of security. Monica Siah’s review mentions a security incident involving trespassers, adding: "There is no...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing adequate supplies, including water and gear, and cleaning the facility before use. Joshua G advises: "Keep your animals close and be prepared to hike up and down stone...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Guests report pleasant conditions during late summer, with clear skies ideal for stargazing. However, early summer access may be hampered by snowpack, as noted in official sources.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing night at Bolan. Beautiful sunset with views of Shasta. 360 view of Milky Way and stars," shares Sarah F. "Drinking a few brews with your feet hanging off the edge of the rocks is an...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

According to Nick T, campsite C01 in Area Bolan Mountain Lookout offers picturesque views but was affected by the Slater Fire.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility may be challenging due to steep and uneven steps. "Not recommended for families with toddlers or young children," states official sources.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and guests appreciate the pet-friendly policy. "Pets are welcome at this facility," confirms the authoritative source.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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