Black Mountain Lookout

About this campsite

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.

Charges & Cancellations

reservations may only be modified or cancelled up to three days in advance of arrival date.

Location

BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT•CA

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Common questions about BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT

Can you book BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT online?

We hold no online booking link for BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT?

BLACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT sits in CA. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

3.2 km away

Laufman Family Campground

Federal campground: Laufman Family Campground.

8.6 km away

Conklin Park

Campground: Conklin Park. Operated by USFS PNF Beckwourth RD.

12.8 km away

Meadow View Family Campground

Federal campground: Meadow View Family Campground.

23.0 km away

LONG POINT (CA)

Overview Long Point Campground is one of three in the Antelope Lake Recreation Area. It is situated on the lake's southwestern side, providing clear water views at nearly every location within the campground. Antelope Lake is one of the more remote, quiet lakes in the Sierra Nevada's Plumas National Forest, making it a popular destination for anglers and explorers of all abilities. Recreation Due to its prime location on the lake, Long Point is known for great bass fishing. Sailing and other boating activities are also popular at Antelope Lake. Some sites are very near to shallow water and are ideal for wading near the campground; other sites are near deeper water, allowing visitors the opportunity to anchor their boats nearby. Facilities The campground offers multiple single-family and larger group campsites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. With Antelope Lake adjacent to the campground on three sides, most sites have a view of the water. Tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as vault toilets and drinking water. Natural Features The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,000 ft. and is shaded with plentiful pine and fir trees. It is nestled in the beautiful northern Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering forested woods and scenic vistas as far as the eye can see. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 927-7878. Nearby Attractions Campground is located about 30 miles from the small town of Taylorsville.

25.9 km away

BOULDER CREEK (CA)

Overview Boulder Creek Campground is located in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, where ancient glaciers gave way to numerous mountain lakes and vast granite peaks. Year round, outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to the area's many streams and lakes, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys, meadows and lofty peaks. Recreation The campground provides educational campfire programs at the amphitheater. It offers several single-family campsites and while none are directly on the lake, a few sites have a limited view of the water. Antelope Lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating and water skiing. A multi-lane boat ramp is available less than two miles from the campground. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, bluegill and a variety of trout. The rugged terrain and dusty mountain trails are perfect for mountain biking, but offer limited opportunities for hiking near the campground. Facilities The campground offers several single-family sites open to both tent and RV camping, a short walk from the lake. Several sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tables and campfire rings are provided, as well as vault toilets and drinking water. Natural Features The campground is located near Antelope Lake, which is a small, remote lake with about 15 miles of forested shoreline. Surrounding the lake are mountains blanketed with Jeffrey and lodgepole pines and fir trees. Protected coves around the lake attract several species of migratory birds. The site sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Nearby Attractions Fishing is also plentiful in Indian Creek, below the spillway at nearby Antelope Dam. The nearest gas and phone is 25 miles from the campground in Taylorsville, CA.