Bear Basin Lookout and Cabin

I stay in a lot of cabin through Rec.gov. This is by far one of the most beautiful places I have stayed. The views are incredible. Tips for those who haven't been there.... They are not kidding about the road. Getting there is a feat. Google GPS is wrong and stops before you actually get to the look out. Don't miss the turn to it. Easy to miss the last turn on the left. There is service on one side of the mountain but not the other with Verizon. And be sure to keep all food inside the cabin. The deer are cute and friendly but total scavengers and will get into anything not nailed down. Though adorable, don't make friends with them, or they will keep you all night getting into things. They ate the soap and licked my sunblock bag until it was soaking wet due to residue of sunblock on it. Licked the cast iron pans because we used olive oil. Best advice is chase them off. I am sure it looks different than before the fire a few years ago. But you simply could not beat the amazing view!!!

It's a really nice set-up. There's a firepit outside with two picnic benches, a wood shed with wood in it (no need to bring your own), an outhouse, the cabin itself, and the lookout. Cabin has three beds, seemed to be double size. We fit two people on each one comfortably. The cabin has a wood stove, but we never needed to use it, and there are assorted things there to make your stay easier. (Axe, shovel, charcoal BBQ, briquets, some cleaning supplies, books, games, table, three chairs, and a few other items.) The lookout is a short walk up the hill and besides great views has a little table and a futon in it. When we were up there it was smoky and hot so visibility was limited. One thing to make sure you bring is plenty of water. If you need to fill up, the nearest place is Patrick's Creek, almost 40 minutes away. If you have kids they will enjoy the dust and dirt, mine sure did. There were a lot of yellow jackets around all hours of the day, nobody was stung, but it is something to note. The lady at the ranger station was really nice and helpful. Another thing to note is you can pick up the keys when the station opens at 8 AM, but check-out time for the lookout is 2 PM. Cell phone coverage is limited, might be able to send out a text, so plan on being free from technology. It was a good time, very relaxing, and amazing views.

Nicest lookout I’ve stayed in so far.

Wonderful trip. Would have been a 5 star review if it weren't for the burn damage. Brought friends that have never been and we all enjoyed the fantastic views. Had to come in via South Fork Rd because of storm damage on regular route. Much longer route but it had great views of SF Smith river and mountain vistas (good road). The cabin is beautifully maintained and the view from the bathroom is quite nice (you'll have to see for yourself). Multiple deer every night. Buck Lake is nearby and well worth the short 1 1/2 mile hike in. Also short drive away is Bear Basin (meadow). Beautiful and full of wildflowers and other botanical wonders... maybe even a bear view! Wonderful and beautiful scenery everywhere. If you like lookouts (and cabins) and nature this is for you.

The most beautiful place this side of heaven. Super clean with everything you need for a lovely stay

We loved our stay at Bear Basin Lookout! The cabin was clean and inviting and it was nice to have a clean toilet too. We had amazing views from the lookout and it was something we will never forget. I will try to visit many times more!

Always a great stay.

Amazing views and night sky’s. What a wonderful place to experience.