Black Mountain Lookout

BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Black Mountain Lookout

Black Mountain Lookout remained closed for the 2020 season and is expected to remain closed into 2021. Closure is due to COVID related demands in maintaining a safe environment for our customers and our staff. 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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 22 to Oct 18

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • BBQ
  • Fire Pit
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Shade
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (14)

What Guests Are Saying

Black Mountain Lookout is a highly sought-after and beautiful spot for an overnight stay, offering serene views and amenities like a fridge and microwave. Visitors should be aware that a high clearance vehicle is necessary for access, and it's important to bring potable water and sleeping bags for added comfort. Despite some logistical challenges, many guests express eagerness to return and appreciate the lookout's maintenance and upgrades.

Review Summary

4.5
14 reviews
5
85.7%
12
4
0.0%
0
3
0.0%
0
2
7.1%
1
1
7.1%
1

Everto G

Verified

July 11, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

The most creature comforts at a fire lookout so far! My wife, dog and I really enjoyed our stay. Quite windy at the top of the peak but not an issue inside the cabin. Having electricity was nice since I forgot to charge the battery to my camera. Road is pretty accessible and most vehicles should be able to make it but high clearance is a plus (we were in my 3rd Gen 4Runner so it wasn't a problem. Lots of fire roads to explore if you are keen on driving around and getting pinstripes.

Bianca H

Verified

August 21, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

This was amazing. The views at sunset were so beautiful I almost cried. The drive is a bit scary as it goes right along the side of the mountain, but totally do-able. Lots of nice cozy touches like electric “gas” lamps and fairy lights, microwave and playing cards. This was a once in a lifetime experience I wholeheartedly recommend

Gabriela C

Verified

August 30, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

Staying here was such a great experience I’d recommend to anyone. The cabin itself is pretty packed with basic supplies. All you’d really need to bring is your own bed sheets, pillows, food and drinks. Service was limited, so I’d advise you find areas where you can make a call in case of emergency. Overall, I enjoyed my stay here and plan on coming again.

Keith W

Verified

September 27, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

We had an excellent night at Black Mountain fire lookout. Weather held out until we got up there and then the rain storms moved in in waves; beautiful! Road was great, no need for the 4x4 we took, could have brought up our Crosstrek. Well stocked and clean. Liked having electricity and the use of the frig. Loved having the walk-around the whole lookout instead of like up at Sardine Peak. Views were awesome. Geocache nearby, the coordinates were off but it's there. Would love to stay again.

Ronna D

Verified

September 29, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

Well equipped, well maintained, and beautiful setting. Appreciate those who keep it going! It was our fourth stay, already planning our return in 2023.

chris l

Verified

November 11, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

2

My goodness...the wind up there will keep you inside and up all night, and then you can not talk because of the sound of the wind. The road was the scariest thing i have ever been on, and its so tight that a boulder took a chunk out of my car door!!!! Not to mention the dust that I created that blinded my friend behind me. He had to stop and let me get a mile ahead. View was nice but damn that wind!

Perla B

Verified

June 16, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

I truly enjoyed the Look Out! Amazing views, awesome sunsets, great cloud/weather watching, the bountiful wildflowers, butterflies ( hundreds of moths in the restroom, lol is not deterring me not to comeback. It’s quite an experience! The road was roughest the lasr 3m to the lookout ( my Traverse LT AWD- still hit a rock under once). Overall- plan to hopefully experience find spots on the remaining lookouts in California ❤️

Jose H

Verified

August 12, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

I loved it the view was just beautiful and the lookout very well maintained.

Aniruddha J

Verified

October 2, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

Nice cabin with good views. It can get chilly at night. The electric heater in the cabin does not work, so get some warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.

Bailey M

Verified

July 19, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

5

Staying here was awesome! Such a unique experience and the views are great. Cell service with Verizon was excellent. If it's going to be hot during your stay do be prepared for the tower to be hot inside as well - with all of the windows the sun really heats it up.

Location Black Mountain Lookout

Address:
Po Box 7
Blairsden, CA, 96103
United States

Highway access

Black Mountain Lookout is located approximately 10 miles from Highway 395 near Milford, California.

Elevation: 2153 feet

Distance to downtown

42 mi drive to downtown Blairsden (about 1 hr 17 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Entry to the cabin is by key; contact the Beckwourth Ranger District at (530) 836-2575 for the combination to the lock box and to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit. The office is open.
  • Access to the cabin is by dirt road; high clearance vehicles are recommended
  • Maximum capacity of the tower is four people, however tent camping adjacent to the tower is available for up to four guests
  • Pets are welcome
  • Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears, and other wildlife from area
  • Pack out all trash
  • Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
  • The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
  • Bring enough water for your stay.
  • reservations may only be modified or cancelled up to three days in advance of arrival date.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 8, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service