Onion Mountain Lookout

Star0
1 review
2164 NE Spalding Avenue, GRANTS PASS, OR, 97526, USA

Quick Facts

4,438 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Currently closed to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Wild Rivers Ranger District 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
Onion Mountain Lookout
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation service fees are $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person. Recreation use fees vary by location and activity. Cancellations...
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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
541-471-6500
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"User reviews for Onion Mountain Lookout are sparse, with limited details on the camping experience. One user review noted restricted access for non-forest service personnel."

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Campground Map

2164 NE Spalding Avenue, GRANTS PASS, OR, 97526, USA

Onion Mountain Lookout

2164 NE Spalding Avenue, GRANTS PASS, OR, 97526, USA

Driving directionsFrom Grants Pass travel Highway 199 south to Riverbanks Road (milepost 7-just past the Applegate River) and turn right. Proceed on Riverbanks Road, 5.5 miles to Shan Creek Road and turn left. Travel 8 miles on this gravel road to Forest Service Road 2509 and turn right. Proceed 0.75 miles to the Onion Mountain gate. Note: Onion Mountain Lookout is accessible by car, but the last 8.75 miles are on graveled Forest Service roads. Entry to the lookout is by a key obtained from the Wild Rivers Ranger District office at 2164 NE Spalding Avenue in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Onion Mountain Lookout is accessible by car; however, the last 8.75 miles require travel on gravel Forest Service roads, which may pose challenges for certain vehicles.
Nearby places
Grants Pass (7 miles to Riverbanks Road + additional miles to lookout gate)
Nearby supplies
Grants Pass offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations. Supplies must be obtained before driving to the lookout, as the facility lacks access to water and stores.

Best Time to Camp at Onion Mountain Lookout

Winter transforms Onion Mountain into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 27°F and 39°F, and an average of nearly two inches of snow dusting the landscape. While winter adventurers can experience the lookout's serene, snow-kissed solitude (with a 37% chance of precipitation), most visitors find spring and summer ideal for their mountain escape. These warmer months promise azure skies, comfortable temperatures, and easier access to this lofty perch above the clouds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Currently closed to reservations until further notice.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Currently closed to reservations until further notice.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Currently closed to reservations until further notice.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Currently closed to reservations until further notice; winter conditions include light snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Unavailable as facility is closed to reservations.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Currently closed to reservations until further notice.
  • Current Alerts: Facility closed to reservations until further notice.

About Onion Mountain Lookout

Perched high above southwestern Oregon's rugged wilderness, Onion Mountain Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an unforgettable escape. This historic fire tower, rising 12 feet into the sky at 4,438 feet elevation, crowns its namesake peak with a cozy 14x14-foot cabin that serves as your private window to the world. Perfect for solo travelers or couples, this rustic retreat strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with nature while surrounded by endless mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon.
Onion Mountain Lookout offers a mix of lodging and camping options, including the rental of a historic lookout cabin and nearby tent sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific time listed.
Check-out
No specific time listed.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 7 nights allowed.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Onion Mountain Lookout can engage in hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails offer stunning mountain views, old-growth forests, and natural swimming pools. At night, the lookout offers a prime location for stargazing due to its expansive night sky.
HikingHiking trails throughout the area provide mountain views, old-growth forest canopies, and natural pools for swimming. The Taylor Creek/Onion Way mountain loop is a popular trail among mountain biking enthusiasts.
SwimmingNatural pools for swimming are available along the hiking trails.
BikingMountain biking is popular, especially on the Taylor Creek/Onion Way mountain loop.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, with early summer showcasing Bear Grass, Snow Mountain Buckwheat, and purple penstemon.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGravel roads may challenge access. No water on site; visitors must bring adequate supplies for hydration and cooking. Tower design may pose safety hazards for small children.
Active AlertsFacility closed to reservations until further notice.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Onion Mountain Lookout

Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Onion Mountain Lookout has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Onion Mountain Lookout are sparse, with limited details on the camping experience. One user review noted restricted access for non-forest service personnel.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the unique lodging experience in the lookout cabin and its panoramic views.
Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints highlight restricted access for non-forest service personnel.
Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water and garbage bags, and preparing for a remote experience.
Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned; visitors should plan for variable weather conditions at high elevations.
Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct review quote: 'No access for non forest service personnel.'
Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews were not provided.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews addressing accessibility features were not provided.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the facility, but specific reviews from pet owners are not available.
Based on 1 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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