Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates1 total site
Cabins
1 site
About Calpine Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- BBQ
- Fire Pit
On Site Services
- Propane
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Calpine Lookout.
001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Site Details
Reviews (31)
What Guests Are Saying
Calpine Lookout offers a comfortable and memorable experience with breathtaking views, making it a favorite for repeat visitors. Guests appreciate the serene setting, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and stargazing. While there were minor logistical issues and suggestions for improvements, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the location.
What Guests Are Saying
Calpine Lookout offers a comfortable and memorable experience with breathtaking views, making it a favorite for repeat visitors. Guests appreciate the serene setting, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and stargazing. While there were minor logistical issues and suggestions for improvements, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the location.
Review Summary
Andrea G
VerifiedJuly 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Beautiful view and serene setting. Star-gazing is fantastic and saw many birds. Be sure to bring bug spray! You'll need a 4wd to get up here.
Julien D
VerifiedMay 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
This was our 2nd stay at Calpine. Everything was just as great as the 1st time around 👍🏻.
Roxanne K
VerifiedMarch 19, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
This place is a gem! We had no issues with the stay or the hike in. There was plenty of toilet paper, but short on matches for the lamps. I ordered a silverware set since there was only one fork for sharing. The nearby falls was gorgeous and Graeagle looks amazing for mountain biking in the summer. We can’t wait to come back!
Gloria L
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Lovely place to enjoy the sunset, night sky, and sunrise from. Fairly quiet (you can hear the cars) but you will spot light pollution coming from the south. This felt like glamping especially if you're used to backpacking! Hope others enjoy using the star wheel!
Vanessa W
VerifiedMay 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Amazing views and very well kept! It was an even better experience than I had hoped for. There are 2 flights of stairs that are easy to ascend even with an armload of goods. The gas stove top and oven allows you too cook like you are at home if you don't want to campfire cook. I stayed nice and toasty even when the nights were in the 30s. All the staff was welcoming and super helpful. I can't wait to go back!
william p
VerifiedApril 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Take Plenty of water and put your food up on the hooks or an ice chest because there are a few critters that come out at night.
Ellen O
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Gorgeous spot, the winter trail was well marked. The kitchen could use a few mugs.
Ben T
VerifiedFebruary 14, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
We had a wonderful time skiing into the fire lookout.
J.R. S
VerifiedAugust 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Another great spot this is the second tower I've stayed in, a perfect experience.
Jodi M
VerifiedApril 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA CALPINE C.O.
Everything was perfect for our stay. A few housekeeping tips - mantles were burnt out and the oven wasn’t working, but that did not stop us from enjoying ourselves.
Location Calpine Lookout
Address:
Sierraville Ranger District
Sierraville, CA, 96126
United States
From Sierraville, the lookout is approximately 10 miles north on State Highway 89. Renters will be given a renters packet after check-in with the best access or parking based on current weather conditions. During the winter months, access is by snowshoes, skiis or snowmobiles on a 2 mile trail with a 1000 foot elevation gain.
Calpine Lookout is accessible via State Highway 89, which is approximately 10 miles south from Sierraville.
Elevation: 1776 feet
11 mi drive to downtown Sierraville (about 19 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- Approximately 2 weeks before arrival, the Sierraville Ranger District will contact renters to confirm the reservation and give check-in instructions by email. Contact the Sierraville Office at (530) 994-3401 (Monday through Friday) for road and weather conditions or fire restrictions.
- Weather conditions and snow may cause the access road to be closed. The gate combination will not be given under these conditions and the only access to the lookout will be on foot.
- The key for the lookout is kept in a lockbox at the lookout; renters will be given the combination to the gate and the lockbox upon check-in.
- Snowshoes, skis or snowmobiles are required to access the lookout when snow is present. Remember you must also pack in all your supplies and water.
- In winter conditions, temperatures may be as low as -21 degrees; cold weather clothing is required.
- No water is available; visitors must bring their own supply.
- Pack out all food and trash.
- Lightning may be a hazard during summer storms.
- Renters need to provide a valid contact phone number on their reservation so the district staff may contact renters with check-in procedures and current conditions before arrival.
- Learn more about Tahoe National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 3, 2026
