Black Mountain Lookout, Blairsden, CA

Black Mountain Lookout is located in the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest (1 hr 31 min northwest of Reno, NV) with an elevation of 7,059 feet. The site is normally open from the end of May to mid October. There is a fee of $60.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (12)

4.4 out of 5

5 star		83%
4 star		0%
3 star		0%
2 star		8%
1 star		8%

@BaileyM19298B2 · Camped on Jul 10, 2024 at Campsite #1

Staying here was awesome! Such a unique experience and the views are great. Cell service with Verizon was excellent. If it's going to be hot during your stay do be prepared for the tower to be hot inside as well - with all of the windows the sun really heats it up.

@WilliamC285661 · Camped on Jun 2, 2024 at Campsite #1

The lookout has spectacular views and everything was working, with the exception of the USB lanterns someone left there. Some were missing the power supplies and cables. There were 2 fixtures but only one bulb, but we had a spare light bulb with us, so light was not a problem at nigh; we left the bulb for future guests. The windows were functional, but no screens to keep insects out. In addition, there are large gaps in the frame so that when the wind blows, there is quite a breeze in the room. The vault toilet after dark was a challenge but we came prepared for that 2 AM call of nature us old farts experience! It is a wonderful piece of history to experience, although we did not do much hiking due to lack of trails nearby and inclement weather.Cell service is strong, perhaps because of the tower on top of the next hill (1/4 mile away as the crow flies?). Unfortunately, there was a streetlight there that broke the absolute darkness when we turned off our lights; curtains would help (we used towels).

@Aniruddha43113 · Camped on Aug 25, 2023 at Campsite #1

Nice cabin with good views. It can get chilly at night. The electric heater in the cabin does not work, so get some warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.

@JoseH026C1578D · Camped on Aug 10, 2023 at Campsite #1

I loved it the view was just beautiful and the lookout very well maintained.

@MelissaN948398 · Camped on Aug 8, 2023 at Campsite #1

I do not recommend driving this road.

@PerlaBFD53BD33 · Camped on Jun 7, 2023 at Campsite #1

I truly enjoyed the Look Out! Amazing views, awesome sunsets, great cloud/weather watching, the bountiful wildflowers, butterflies ( hundreds of moths in the restroom, lol is not deterring me not to comeback. It’s quite an experience! The road was roughest the lasr 3m to the lookout ( my Traverse LT AWD- still hit a rock under once). Overall- plan to hopefully experience find spots on the remaining lookouts in California ❤️

@ChrisL4253532 · Camped on Oct 10, 2022 at Campsite #1

My goodness...the wind up there will keep you inside and up all night, and then you can not talk because of the sound of the wind. The road was the scariest thing i have ever been on, and its so tight that a boulder took a chunk out of my car door!!!! Not to mention the dust that I created that blinded my friend behind me. He had to stop and let me get a mile ahead. View was nice but damn that wind!

@RonnaD5898908 · Camped on Sep 20, 2022 at Campsite #1

Well equipped, well maintained, and beautiful setting. Appreciate those who keep it going! It was our fourth stay, already planning our return in 2023.

@KeithW1632645 · Camped on Sep 19, 2022 at Campsite #1

We had an excellent night at Black Mountain fire lookout. Weather held out until we got up there and then the rain storms moved in in waves; beautiful! Road was great, no need for the 4x4 we took, could have brought up our Crosstrek. Well stocked and clean. Liked having electricity and the use of the frig. Loved having the walk-around the whole lookout instead of like up at Sardine Peak. Views were awesome. Geocache nearby, the coordinates were off but it's there. Would love to stay again.

@GabrielaC40733 · Camped on Aug 16, 2022 at Campsite #1

Staying here was such a great experience I’d recommend to anyone. The cabin itself is pretty packed with basic supplies. All you’d really need to bring is your own bed sheets, pillows, food and drinks. Service was limited, so I’d advise you find areas where you can make a call in case of emergency. Overall, I enjoyed my stay here and plan on coming again.

@BiancaH9900089 · Camped on Aug 12, 2022 at Campsite #1

This was amazing. The views at sunset were so beautiful I almost cried. The drive is a bit scary as it goes right along the side of the mountain, but totally do-able. Lots of nice cozy touches like electric “gas” lamps and fairy lights, microwave and playing cards. This was a once in a lifetime experience I wholeheartedly recommend

@EvertoG2028523 · Camped on Jul 8, 2022 at Campsite #1

The most creature comforts at a fire lookout so far! My wife, dog and I really enjoyed our stay. Quite windy at the top of the peak but not an issue inside the cabin. Having electricity was nice since I forgot to charge the battery to my camera. Road is pretty accessible and most vehicles should be able to make it but high clearance is a plus (we were in my 3rd Gen 4Runner so it wasn't a problem. Lots of fire roads to explore if you are keen on driving around and getting pinstripes.

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