USDA Forest Service · California
Black Mountain Lookout
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 electric
- Season
- May 22 to October 18
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 6,959 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- BLACK MOUNTAIN (NFSR 26N80) · native material · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Nearest town
- Blairsden
- Address
- PO Box 7, Blairsden, CA, 96103
- Phone
- (530) 836-2575
- Activities
- Camping, Hiking, Stargazing, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 19° | 2° | 46° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 33° | 18° | -2° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 38° | 21° | 1° | 69° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 48° | 26° | 7° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 60° | 38° | 24° | 75° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 72° | 45° | 30° | 88° | 2 of 11 |
| July | 83° | 53° | 41° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 81° | 53° | 46° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 71° | 47° | 36° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 58° | 36° | 24° | 70° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 44° | 26° | 8° | 58° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 32° | 19° | 3° | 47° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Laufman Family Campground · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 9 sites
- Conklin Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi
- Meadow View Family Campground · USDA Forest Service · 8 mi · 9 sites
- Long Point (Ca) · USDA Forest Service · 14 mi · 36 sites
- Lightning Tree · USDA Forest Service · 16 mi · 40 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-07-08. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.