Campsite for booking · Janesville

Black Mountain Lookout

via Recreation.gov Blairsden, CA, Janesville, California, United States

Overview

Pitches
1
Pitch types
cabin, tent
Season
Not stated: check on Recreation.gov
Check-in / out
14:00 / 13:00

Facilities

  • Dogs allowedListed by Recreation.gov
  • Electric hook-upListed by Recreation.gov

Policies

PetsYes
SmokingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
Instant bookingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
CancellationNot stated: check on Recreation.gov

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.

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.

Description supplied by Recreation.gov.

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Where you can stay nearby

Campsites, aires and parking within 30 km, from OpenStreetMap.

  1. Laufman
    Campground · Janesville, California
    3.2 km from the pick-up area
  2. Conklin Park
    Campground · Portola, California · Paid
    8.6 km from the pick-up area
  3. Campsite near Janesville
    Campground · Janesville, California
    11 km from the pick-up area
  4. Meadow View
    Campground · Portola, California
    13 km from the pick-up area
  5. Wind Break Trailer Park
    Campground · Portola, California
    19 km from the pick-up area
  6. Long Point Campground
    Campground · Janesville, California
    23 km from the pick-up area

Nearest dump station and water

  1. Service point near Susanville
    RV dump station · Susanville, CaliforniaWaste
    64 km from the pick-up area
  2. Water point near Truckee
    Water fill station · Truckee, CaliforniaWater
    98 km from the pick-up area
Pick-up10 kmPlot of OpenStreetMap data
Map of 6 places to stay near Black Mountain Lookout. CampsiteFull map

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Data: Recreation.gov (RIDB), from ridb.recreation.gov, last updated 13 October 2026. Federal agencies provide this data and are responsible for it; it may be incomplete. Not endorsed by Recreation.gov or the U.S. Government. About this data. Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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