Black Mountain Lookout
The lookout is currently closed for the pre-season period. Normal operating season runs from Memorial Day weekend through October. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
About
Black Mountain Lookout is a beautifully preserved example of 1930s CCC architecture, originally built in 1934 as a fire spotting station for the Forest Service. The C-3-type lookout sits on a single-story 10-foot tower at an elevation of 7,161 feet on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, approximately 10 miles from Highway 395 near Milford, California. The cabin interior sleeps four on two single beds with mattresses and includes a small table and chairs, refrigerator, small stove, heater, and electric lights. A picnic table and vault toilet are located outside. Tent camping space adjacent to the lookout accommodates up to four additional guests. No potable water is available; guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and washing, and must pack out all garbage. The location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing, with deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and osprey frequenting the area. Frenchman Lake is a 30-minute drive away for swimming, fishing, and water sports. Access is via dirt road and high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Directions
From Highway 395 at Milford, take County Road 336 to Milford Grade. Turn right onto Milford Grade (County Road 336/Forest Road 26N70). Turn left on Forest Road 26N80 and continue to the lookout. Alternatively, from Reno go north on Highway 395 to Doyle, turn onto County Road 331 up Doyle Grade (gravel), pass Meadowview Campground, turn right onto County Road 101 toward Milford, continue on forest roads 28N03 and 26N04 to Forest Road 26N70, turn right and continue 0.1 mile to Forest Road 26N80. High-clearance vehicles recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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