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-234600
When Pine Mountain Lookout reopens
Pine Mountain Lookout's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
3
Openings · last 90 days
3
Only 3 openings 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 – Sep 26, 2026 · of 1 monitored site
Of the 9 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Sep 26, 2026): 9 reserved.
Currently fully reserved online
All 9 tracked site-nights are currently reserved. Openings appear when inventory returns to Recreation.gov; a free alert catches them the moment Campsite Sniper detects one.
Load status
Sep 18 – Sep 26, 2026Not open online100%
Open site-nights0 / 9
Reserved (of online inventory)9 / 9
Of the 9 tracked site-nights (Sep 18 – Sep 26, 2026): 9 reserved.
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Sep 2026No month in range currently shows online availability. 0 open site-nights across the tracked window — all tracked site-nights are reserved.
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 Pine Mountain Lookout
Overview
Rustic Pine Mountain Lookout was constructed in 1933 and used for fire detection until 1942. During World War II, the lookout served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. This lookout is historically significant because it only offers 180-degree views of the surrounding terrain, while other lookouts have 360-degree views. The lookout is typically open from May through October and is accessible by car. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and will need to bring several of their own supplies for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the lookout.
Recreation
The lookout mostly offers a prime location for relaxing and enjoying the views. Guests craving more active pursuits can find hiking trails and hunting areas nearby. Floating and fishing on the Eel River are popular pastimes enjoyed by visitors to the area.
Facilities
The inside of the cabin is equipped with a set of bunk beds and four cots, touch lights, a dining table with chairs and storage cabinets. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit are provided for emergency use. A picnic table, fire ring and grill are located outside. An outhouse with a vault toilet is a short distance away. There is no water and electricity. Guests must bring their own water supply, as well as trash bags to pack out their trash. The bunk bed does not have box springs or mattresses. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, firewood, cookware, utensils and extra toilet paper are not provided.
Natural Features
The lookout is perched on an outcropping, at an elevation of 4,400 feet. It is in a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak and madrone trees. Bucknell Creek and the Eel River are the major drainages in the area. The windows afford views of endless mountain peaks and offer a good vantage point for watching the evening sunsets. A variety of bird species inhabit the forest, and guests may spot eagles, owls, hawks and osprey. Mountain lions, black bears, black-tailed deer, flying squirrels, bobcats and Tule elk also live in the area. Please be safe around snakes and bears.
Nearby Attractions
The historic town of Upper Lake is approximately 19 miles to the south. This former logging and ranching town offers excellent bird watching, various recreational activities, shops, restaurants and events. The Lake Pillsbury recreation area is seven miles to the northeast. This is the largest lake in Mendocino National Forest and offers many recreational opportunities.
1 monitored cabinNo hookupsPets OKFire pitsMax party 6
Getting there
From Upper Lake: Proceed north on M1/Elk Mountain Road past the Upper Lake Ranger Station. After several miles, as indicated by the sign, turn left onto 18N05. Soon after leaving M1/Elk Mountain Road, you will come to a three-way intersection. Only the center road (up the hill) and the right-hand road will get you to the Lookout. The right-hand road is in better shape. If you do not have 4-wheel-drive and high clearance, the center road is not recommended. After a few miles, make the hairpin turn to the left onto 17N23. A gate indicated by a sign will be on the right a few miles along. From Potter Valley: Travel on M8 (south side of Eel River) is not recommended as the PG&E gates are unpredictably opened and closed, and progress on 18N05 from M8 could be blocked by trees. Turn right on Eel River Road (North County Road 240B) and drive 4 miles to the Y intersection. Take the right hand fork of the Y, signed as Cutoff Road, and travel down the hill for about a half-mile. At the bottom of the hill proceed north on County Road 240B and cross the bridge to the north side of Eel River. Turn right towards Lake Pillsbury and proceed for 14 miles to the junction with M1 at the Soda Creek Store. Turn right (south) onto M1. At the junction of M1 and M8, proceed to the left (uphill, following the sign for Upper Lake) to stay on M1. After approx 6 miles, as indicated by the sign, turn right onto 18N05. After a few miles, make the hairpin turn to the left onto 17N23. A gate indicated by a sign will be on the right a few miles along.
10025 Elk Mountain Road, Upper Lake, CA 95485707-275-2361
BirdingCampingFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteHuntingWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-234600 · facility
Photo gallery
Roll CS-234600 · Pine Mountain Lookout · Upper Lake CA7 frames · facility
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Pine Mountain Lookout?
Reservations for Pine Mountain Lookout are made through Recreation.gov. All 9 tracked site-nights are currently reserved; a free alert catches the next detected opening. Campsite Sniper has also detected 3 site openings 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 14:17 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 Pine Mountain Lookout?
Campsite Sniper detected 1 site-date opening at Pine Mountain Lookout in the last 7 days, 3 over 30 days and 3 over the last 90.
Does Pine Mountain Lookout have online availability right now?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot, all 9 tracked site-nights are currently reserved. A free Campsite Sniper alert catches the next detected opening.
Stop refreshing. Let the app watch it.
Filter
Lakefront, hookups, your RV length, weekends only - set it as picky as you want.
Watch
We run paced availability checks for Pine Mountain Lookout. One watch covers every matching site.
Get the ping
When a match opens, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.