Black Mountain Lookout
Black Mountain Lookout is located on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, 10 miles from Highway 395, near Milford, California. The lookout was constructed in 1934 and is a great example of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture. The C-3-type lookout is situated on a single story 10 foot tower and is extremely well-preserved. The lookout tower is normally available for Memorial Day weekend through October, offering guests a unique lodging experience in Plumas National Forest.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins with electric | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | People / vehicles | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Partial | 8 / 4 | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
The one-room lookout cabin is set on a tower, rising 10 feet above the ground. It is furnished with two single beds with mattresses, but can accommodate up to four people. There is also space for tent camping adjacent to the lookout, for up to four visitors. The cabin has a small table and chairs, a refrigerator, a small stove, heater, and lights, all powered with electricity. A picnic table and vault toilet are also on site. Although the lookout provides a few amenities, guests must bring several of their own, including food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap and garbage bags. No water is available at this facility, so guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. Packing an additional light source is also recommended.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Access to the lookout is by a dirt road; high clearance vehicles are recommended. Visitors should be aware that access is subject to inclement weather during the early and late season. Black Mountain Lookout is located on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, 10 miles from Highway 395, near Milford, California.
| Nearest town | Blairsden, California |
| Coordinates | 40.1153° N, 120.3211° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
Reservations may only be modified or cancelled up to three days in advance of arrival date.
Supplies & services
| RV sales & service | Reliable RV ↗ | 25.2 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 39.5 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Cabela's ↗ | 45.6 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 3.2 miJordan Quarry0.4 mi trail
- 3.7 miMcKesick2.2 mi trail
- 3.7 miConklin2.1 mi trail
- 4 miDoyle Reservoir1.5 mi trail
- 4.9 miLittle Bird0.3 mi trail
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Plumas National Forest begins about 3.2 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 3.2 miPlumas National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,431,953 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Natural features
The Plumas National Forest is defined by its unique land features and pleasant climate. Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to the many streams and lakes, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys, meadows and lofty peaks. Guests at Black Mountain Lookout are treated to striking views of Honey Lake to the north, and Last Chance Creek to the south. Diverse vegetation provides a habitat for wildlife including deer, coyotes, bald eagles and osprey. Frenchman Lake is within a 30-minute drive from the lookout. This lake is popular for swimming, water skiing, fishing and camping.
Recreation
Hiking, birding, stargazing and wildlife viewing are popular among guests of the lookout. On a clear night, visitors can gaze upon the expansive sky as it unfolds with a dazzling display of stars.
Guidebooks for California
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Black Mountain Lookout?
Sites at Black Mountain Lookout are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Black Mountain Lookout?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Black Mountain Lookout have?
1 site, including 1 cabin with power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Black Mountain Lookout?
Black Mountain Lookout is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Black Mountain Lookout?
Yes, pets are allowed at Black Mountain Lookout. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Black Mountain Lookout?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE, AT&T 4G LTE, and T-Mobile 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Black Mountain Lookout?
Hiking, birding, stargazing and wildlife viewing are popular among guests of the lookout. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Black Mountain Lookout?
Blairsden, California.
Source: Getting there
What if Black Mountain Lookout is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Laufman Family Campground (2 mi), Conklin Park Campground (5.3 mi, first-come), and Meadow View Equestrian Campground (8 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby