Openings · last 7 days
1
Booking reality
Campsite Sniper detected 1 site opening here in the last 7 days
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-233296
When Black Mountain Lookout reopens
Black Mountain Lookout's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
1
Openings · last 90 days
1
Only 1 opening in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Sep 18 – Oct 18, 2026 · of 1 monitored site
Of the 31 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Oct 18, 2026): 29 reserved · 2 closed.
No online availability right now
Of the 31 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Oct 18, 2026): 29 reserved · 2 closed. A free alert tells you if any date opens online.
Load status
Sep 18 – Oct 18, 2026Not open online100%
Open site-nights0 / 31
Reserved (of online inventory)29 / 29
Of the 31 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Oct 18, 2026): 29 reserved · 2 closed.
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Oct 2026No month in range currently shows online availability. 0 open site-nights across the tracked window — these site-nights are a mix of reserved, closed, unreleased and non-reservable dates.
Holiday windows
Sites open per night · of 1 cabin| Window | Night | Sites open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked night.
About Black Mountain Lookout
Overview
Black Mountain Lookout is located on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, 10 miles from Highway 395, near Milford, California.
The lookout was constructed in 1934 and is a great example of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture. The C-3-type lookout is situated on a single story 10 foot tower and is extremely well-preserved.
The lookout tower is normally available for Memorial Day weekend through October, offering guests a unique lodging experience in Plumas National Forest.
Recreation
Hiking, birding, stargazing and wildlife viewing are popular among guests of the lookout. On a clear night, visitors can gaze upon the expansive sky as it unfolds with a dazzling display of stars.
Facilities
The one-room lookout cabin is set on a tower, rising 10 feet above the ground. It is furnished with two single beds with mattresses, but can accommodate up to four people. There is also space for tent camping adjacent to the lookout, for up to four visitors.
The cabin has a small table and chairs, a refrigerator, a small stove, heater, and lights, all powered with electricity. A picnic table and vault toilet are also on site.
Although the lookout provides a few amenities, guests must bring several of their own, including food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap and garbage bags.
No water is available at this facility, so guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. Packing an additional light source is also recommended.
Natural Features
The Plumas National Forest is defined by its unique land features and pleasant climate. Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to the many streams and lakes, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys, meadows and lofty peaks.
Guests at Black Mountain Lookout are treated to striking views of Honey Lake to the north, and Last Chance Creek to the south.
Diverse vegetation provides a habitat for wildlife including deer, coyotes, bald eagles and osprey.
Frenchman Lake is within a 30-minute drive from the lookout. This lake is popular for swimming, water skiing, fishing and camping.
1 monitored cabinNo hookups1 shadedPets OKMax party 8
Getting there
Access to the lookout is by a dirt road; high clearance vehicles are recommended. Visitors should be aware that access is subject to inclement weather during the early and late season. Black Mountain Lookout is located on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, 10 miles from Highway 395, near Milford, California. From Highway 395 at Milford take County Road 336 to Milford Grade. Turn right onto Milford Grade (also named County Road 336 and Forest Rd. 26N70. Turn left on Forest Road 26N80 and continue on this road to lookout.
Po Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103(530) 836-2575
CampingHikingInterpretive ProgramsWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-233296 · facility
Photo gallery
Roll CS-233296 · Black Mountain Lookout · Blairsden CA6 frames · facility
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Black Mountain Lookout?
Campsite Sniper's current snapshot shows none of the 31 tracked site-nights open for online reservation at Black Mountain Lookout. That can mean dates are reserved, closed, not yet released, or offered first-come, first-served rather than online. Campsite Sniper has also detected 1 site opening here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at Black Mountain Lookout?
Campsite Sniper detected 1 site-date opening at Black Mountain Lookout in the last 7 days, 1 over 30 days and 1 over the last 90.
Does Black Mountain Lookout have online availability right now?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot, none of the 31 tracked site-nights are open for online reservation. That can mean dates are reserved, closed, not yet released, or offered first-come, first-served rather than online. A free Campsite Sniper alert tells you if any date opens online.
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