How hard is it to get a campsite at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin?

There are 1 campsites at Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Established Camping

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

Be The First to Review

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted.

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin is located in the Smith River National Recreation Area within Six Rivers National Forest. The terrain features forested areas and mountainous landscapes. Visitors can experience temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 30°F in winter, with Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the Pacific Ocean nearby for exploration.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Six Rivers National Forest

Overview

On a high, narrow mountain ridge at 5,280 feet, Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin offer visitors an awe-inspiring experience and a quiet haven away from crowds. Excellent views of the Siskiyou Wilderness to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west are why visitors love staying in the heart of the Six Rivers National Forest of northern California. The current lookout building was previously situated at Camp Six, where it was used to spot forest fires. That structure was moved from Camp Six to Bear Basin Butte in 1996. The original Bear Basin Butte lookout existed in the 1930s. During the summer and early fall months (July 1 - September 30), the rental includes both the lookout tower and a modern 1930s-style cabin built in the 1990s. This is a remote location. Access to the cabin is variable and the road is not maintained for winter use. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, and guests are also advised to carry chains and a shovel. Guests should note that even during the summer, the paved portion of the road (South Fork Road) frequently has numerous rocks and debris. The last half mile of the access is on a steep gravel road. Quality tires and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Bird watching is available, as well as great hiking opportunities in the nearby Siskiyou Wilderness. Please don't forget to pick up a Siskiyou Wilderness Map at your nearest Forest Service Visitor Center or local outdoor store before venturing into the wilderness. Horseback riding trails may be accessed nearby, and wildlife viewers may catch a glimpse of deer or bears, which make their home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center is about 21 miles, or roughly one hour by vehicle, from the lookout. Doe Flat and Island Lake Trailheads, which access the Siskiyou Wilderness, are within three miles of the lookout.

Fee Info

Reservations must be made at least 3 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 Month(s) in advance. The lookout and cabin, rented as a pair, may be reserved for one to four nights between July 1 and September 30. The rental rate is $75 per night for one to eight people and $5 per night for each additional person, up to a maximum of 12 people.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin is located in California

Directions

Driving to Bear Basin Butte Lookout: Take Highway 199 to milepost 24.85, ten miles east to Gasquet. Turn onto Little Jones Creek Road. Stay on the paved road (FS16/17N05 Jawbone Road) for 9.7 miles. Turn left on 16N02 and go .5 miles. Locked gate to lookout access road is on left. Distance from Smith River NRA Visitor Center: 21.5 miles Driving time: approximately 1 hour Directions from Smith River NRA Visitor Center, 10600 U.S. Highway 199, Gasquet, California 95543: Travel east on Hwy 199 10.6 miles (mile post 24.73) to Little Jones Creek Road (a.k.a. FS 16/17N05/Jawbone Rd). Follow signs to Bear Basin Lookout, staying on the paved road. About 5.8 miles up Jawbone you will have your first view of the lookout. At about 20.5 miles (10 miles on Jawbone), turn left onto 16N02 and continue to gate at 20.8, following sign to Bear Basin Lookout.