Black Mountain Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season as of October 21, 2025. The lookout typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov when open.
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…
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 10 at 8:21AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches below 6500 feet, 6 to 12 inches above 6500 feet, and up to 24 inches above 7000 feet in eastern Sierra County. Peak winds could gust as high as 35 to 40 mph Saturday afternoon. * WHERE...Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. * WHEN...From 2 PM Saturday to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes.
About
Black Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, representing an excellent example of CCC architecture. This C-3-type lookout is situated on a single-story 10-foot tower at 7,161 feet elevation on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District in Plumas National Forest. The lookout offers striking 360-degree views of Honey Lake to the north and Last Chance Creek to the south. The cabin comfortably sleeps four people, with camping space available outside for a maximum occupancy of eight visitors. The site includes a picnic table and vault toilet, but no potable water is available. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, and pack out all garbage. Pets are allowed at the site. The lookout is accessed via dirt roads requiring high clearance vehicles, located 10 miles from Highway 395 near Milford. Popular activities include hiking, birding, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The area is home to diverse wildlife including deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and osprey. Frenchman Lake, popular for swimming, water skiing, fishing, and camping, is within a 30-minute drive.
Directions
From Susanville, go south on Highway 395 to Milford. At Milford take County Road 336 and go up Milford Grade (gravel road) past Laughlin Work Center and Laughlin Campground and Forest Road 26N84. Continue 0.5 mile and turn left onto Forest Road 26N80B to Black Mountain Lookout. From Reno, go north on Highway 395 to Doyle. Turn onto County Road 331 and go up Doyle Grade (gravel road) passing 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 and climb to Black Mountain Lookout. High clearance vehicles recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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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