Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near Black Butte Lake. Finding a place to cabin camp in California is easier than ever. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these California cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
The sparkling Sacramento River bisects 488 acres of riparian forest, flowering grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands providing very diverse Naturewatch experiences. Visitor facilities are closed.
NOT A FREE CAMPGROUND!
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Rustic Pine Mountain Lookout was constructed in 1933 and used for fire detection until 1942. During World War II, the lookout served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. This lookout is historically significant because it only offers 180-degree views of the surrounding terrain, while other lookouts have 360-degree views. The lookout is typically open from May through October and is accessible by car. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and will need to bring several of their own supplies for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the lookout.
The lookout mostly offers a prime location for relaxing and enjoying the views. Guests craving more active pursuits can find hiking trails and hunting areas nearby. Floating and fishing on the Eel River are popular pastimes enjoyed by visitors to the area.
The lookout is perched on an outcropping, at an elevation of 4,400 feet. It is in a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak and madrone trees. Bucknell Creek and the Eel River are the major drainages in the area. The windows afford views of endless mountain peaks and offer a good vantage point for watching the evening sunsets. A variety of bird species inhabit the forest, and guests may spot eagles, owls, hawks and osprey. Mountain lions, black bears, black-tailed deer, flying squirrels, bobcats and Tule elk also live in the area. Please be safe around snakes and bears.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (707) 275-2361.
The historic town of Upper Lake is approximately 19 miles to the south. This former logging and ranching town offers excellent bird watching, various recreational activities, shops, restaurants and events. The Lake Pillsbury recreation area is seven miles to the northeast. This is the largest lake in Mendocino National Forest and offers many recreational opportunities.
$50 / night
Post Creek Guard Station was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for use as a wildfire lookout. It is now available for recreational use. This historic guard station is eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can drive to Post Creek Guard Station, though much of the trip is on gravel Forest roads, depending upon which route is chosen. This charming cabin offers beautiful views of the nearby mountains and forest. Some amenities are provided, but guests will have to bring supplies and gear. Post Creek Guard Station offers the chance to relish the peace and quiet in a beautiful, secluded location.
Post Creek Guard Station is an ideal location to relax and enjoy the view. Guests who want to do something a bit more active can find hiking and other recreational activities in the nearby wilderness. On hot days guests can take a dip in the swimming hole at Post Creek, located a quarter mile from the guard station.
The guard station is located in the Hayfork area of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest on a ridgeline above Beegum Gorge. Beegum Creek, which is just to the north of the cabin, is a major waterway in this area. The Yolla Bolly Mountains in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness are to the south.
Guests may wish to explore the many hiking trails and mountain lakes in the nearby Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness or dip in the cold water at Beegum Creek.
$75 / night
McCarthy Point Lookout was constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for use in spotting wildfires. During World War II, the lookout served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. The lookout is accessible by vehicle, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Guests must walk approximately 1,000 feet along a paved trail to reach the lookout from the parking area. This is a high cliff area, so caution is advised. The cabin offers several creature comforts, but guests may need to bring some supplies and gear for their stay. The scenic views and remote location make McCarthy Point Lookout an ideal retreat.
The lookout is an excellent base for exploring the recreational opportunities of the Ishi Wilderness. Many hiking and equestrian trails crisscross the Wilderness. Special fishing regulations are in effect for Mill and Deer Creeks within the Wilderness. Please check the State of Californias Fishing Regulations before fishing. A valid California fishing license is required.
The lookout is perched at an elevation of 3,600 feet on the southern end of Mill Creek rim overlooking scenic Mill Creek Canyon and the Ishi Wilderness. The cabin is tucked into a stand of mixed evergreens. McCarthy Point is located within a state game refuge that protects species like wild hog, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, bobcat, Tehama deer and rabbit. A variety of raptors nest on rock cliffs in the nearby Ishi Wilderness, including hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. Other common bird sightings include wild turkey, quail, canyon wrens, band-tailed pigeons and myriad songbirds.
Ishi Wilderness
$75 / night
Legend
Location is great especially if you have a boat to launch or just enjoy being at the river.
Campsites were nicely laid out. Being in the summer, busy as you might expect. Walking around, it looked like several were full time residence not necessarily camp hosts. Some had spider webs growing on them they were sitting so long, others were taking a part, repairing and painting their RV's. Sierra Nevada brewing was a 20 minute ride in the event you are looking to slake a thirst in the hot weather. Staff member Chera was great with the reservations and information.
ScoutI stay here a lot as I pass through. Every single time there has been a methhead staying who is a ranting and raving lunatic dropping f-bombs this and m-fer that for the whole campground to hear. If they stopped taking cash it would fix a lot of problems separating vagrants from true nomads.
Traveler
This is the third CA fire lookout I’ve stayed in, and ties for first place in terms of majestic views. This cabin has not been kept up as well as the others I’ve stayed in, however, and looks to have Ben vandalized some time in the past. It’s missing 3 of the window sections (now replaced with solid wood storm panels, and the entry lock on the cabin’s only door has been ripped out some time ago.
Still - the cabin is sound and will provide a solid - if more rustic - sleeping experience than some of the other lookouts in CA.
TravelerWell maintained grounds friendly and helpful. Cell service is spotty at best and unfortunately WIFI was not working properly although that is not needed for camping, working was almost impossible
TravelerGreat gal checked us in went out of her way to show us available spots. The park is on the river with grass lawn all the way to river and very well kept we will be back on our way back down
ScoutWe arrived late to the campground. The office personnel had our information taped to the lobby door.. with directions on how to find our spot, and wifi info...etc. The employees are all very kind and personable. Any issue I came forward with was met with a... let us solve this problem for you. We will be back yearly. The campsite we had was feet from the feather River. Who wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy with this as a background.
TravelerThis is a great spot close, but not too close to the highway. About 5-7 drive off the highway right next to the Sacramento River. There were about 20-25 sites that need to be booked online. It was full when we went, but we were able to boondock in the fisherman’s boat loading area w/out issue.
ScoutPros: Sites are spread out. The campground is well maintained with beautiful landscape and access/view of river. Full hookups.
Cons: I can hear a gun range and a freeway. Basically in town, so not feeling like I’m enjoying nature.
My husband doesn’t mind the other noises, and the site is beautiful to look at, but I wouldn’t recommend this place if you want a serene escape.
GuideThis is a gem in Red Bluff. CA. You are minutes from I-5 but it is impossible to hear the traffic. Right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark.
We paid $8 per night for a site with our Interagency Senior Pass, no hookups. There are some sites with water and electric for $25 or $12.50 with pass. No sewer dump available.
I did not use the showers or bathrooms. Quarters required for a hot shower. Husband says bathroom was clean.
Beautiful old sycamore trees give this park lots of shade in the hotter months and provide a peaceful setting even in the winter months.
It is only about an hour to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at Lassen NP.
In November when we stayed, there were maybe four or five other campers.
We would definitely return when we are driving thru.
TravelerKinda small sites, no table or anything, and I can’t seem to find the dog run. Overall good place to stay, right in town. Not expensive either, not sure about the cabins or motel though.
Traveler
Was bought out and now not free starts at 15.00
RangerI've been to this campground twice now, and had very different experiences.
The first time was memorial day in 2019, and we had a great spot right on the water. We took our canoe and were able to launch from our site. So ideal. It was relatively quiet, and nobody immediately near us. Amazing sunsets.
The second time we went was June 2020. This time we stayed on the other side of the lake. The water was super low, so our view was completely dried up. Also, it was pretty noisy with sites cramming several tents onto their sites.
Either way, on both occasions we the site relatively last minute, maybe a week or two in advance. Any Californian will know it isnt always easy to book last minute campsites, so I appreciate that! There are 100+ campsites there, so it seems like always something available. Plus, not too far from the bay area.
ScoutQuiet shady and on the feather river. Just off of hwy70.
TravelerGreat little lake. Good fishing. Rough road in.
TravelerThere are a TON of great sites here - with shade, without shade; flat, hilly; etc.. We camped there for the first time on opening weekend in April last year (2018). When we got there there were SO MANY PEOPLE. We were worried that there wouldn't be any spots left! And even if there were, they wouldn't be good spots.
But, no worries, there were plenty of sites spread around - it is a large reservoir. We found one that had shade, wasn't too sloped and wasn't even next to anyone else.
We are going again this year.
ScoutThis is a great reservoir to camp, boat, jet ski, fish, etc. It is a pretty good size that has plenty of space for small parties or large party campsites. It is not too far out from the town of Stonyford but still has enough privacy. Not too many people are familiar with East Park Reservoir which is nice in the sense that it usually isn't over crowded on holiday weekends and especially not during regular seasons. The pricing is pretty inexpensive but the only downfall is that here isn't a whole of tree coverage for shade(hence why I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5) so make sure to bring a pop up tent/canopy for shade. Otherwise, this is an overall great reservoir to camp at and a friendly one.
ScoutIt was such a unique experience staying at Pine Mountain Lookout. The tower is unique in that it only gives a 180º view rather than 360º which allows you stunning views of the sunset. And they were absolutely gorgeous sunsets! There are cots provided just make sure you bring a sleeping bag, sheets, etc. It looks like they recently put in a new outhouse which was very clean! The only bad thing I have to say is there were a bunch of rodents; didn't see any while we were there, just a ton of mouse droppings on the counters and by the door in the morning, so make sure you pack away your food at night. There were also signs that rattlesnakes are in the area, but didn't see or hear any.
The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting on our drive there. But overall it was an amazing experience. I can't wait to stay at another fire tower!
Cabin camping near Black Butte Lake, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Black Butte Lake is Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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