This 1934 Civilian Conservation Corps fire lookout sits 10 feet off the ground on Black Mountain, offering a rare chance to sleep where fire spotters once worked. The one-room cabin accommodates up to four people and comes with basic amenities, but you'll need to haul in your own water and supplies for this high-elevation camping experience.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- $60
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 7,161 ft
- 📍GPS
- 40.11528, -120.32111
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- (530) 836-2575
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The lookout itself is a well-preserved example of CCC architecture from the Depression era — a C-3-type tower that puts you above the treeline at 7,161 feet. Inside the single room, you'll find two single beds with mattresses, a small table and chairs, plus a refrigerator, stove, heater, and electric lights. Four people can sleep here if needed, and there's space for tent camping on the ground adjacent to the tower for overflow.
The setup is basic but functional. A vault toilet and picnic table round out the facilities, but this isn't car camping. No water means packing everything you need for drinking, cooking, and cleanup. Bring sleeping bags, cooking gear, dish soap, garbage bags, and an extra light source beyond what the cabin provides.
The Setting
Views stretch north to Honey Lake and south over Last Chance Creek. The elevation and isolation make this prime territory for stargazing — the kind of dark skies that urban dwellers rarely see. Wildlife includes deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and osprey moving through the diverse vegetation zones around the mountain.
What to Know
The lookout operates Memorial Day weekend through October when accessible. It's located 10 miles off Highway 395 near Milford, on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District. Reservations require three days advance notice for any changes or cancellations. Frenchman Lake sits within a 30-minute drive for swimming, water skiing, fishing, or additional camping options.