Camper submitted image from Onion Mountain Lookout - 1

View Photos

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Onion Mountain Lookout

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Onion Mountain Lookout is located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, featuring forested terrain with mountain views. Temperatures in the area can reach highs of around 85°F in summer and drop to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Rogue River for rafting and hiking trails in the Siskiyou Mountains.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Onion Mountain Lookout is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Entry to the lookout is by a key. Please call the Wild Rivers Ranger District office at 541-471-6500, four days prior to arrival to arrange pick up and drop off of the key. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is closed on weekends and holidays. It is located at the Grants Pass Interagency Office, 2164 NE Spalding Avenue in Grants Pass, Oregon 97526. From Grants Pass travel Highway 199 south to Riverbanks Road (milepost 7-just past the Applegate River) and turn right. Proceed on Riverbanks Road, 5.5 miles to Shan Creek Road and turn left. Travel 8 miles on this gravel road to Forest Service Road 2509 and turn right. Proceed 0.75 miles to the Onion Mountain gate. Note: Onion Mountain Lookout is accessible by car, but the last 8.75 miles are on graveled Forest Service roads.

Address

2164 NE Spalding AvenueROAD
Grants pass, OR 97526

Coordinates

42.4544444 N
123.6163889 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add Access Type

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add a Feature

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2016

Onion mountian

I came here for at night and it was absolutely amazing. You are at 4000 feet and you can see the milky way clearly. I did not camp here but simply visited. The campsites are really expensive, 40 dollars but i think it would be worth it if you camped here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve the Onion Mountain Lookout fire tower?

Reservations for Onion Mountain Lookout are required and can be made through Recreation.gov. The lookout costs approximately $40 per night. Due to its popularity and unique experience, it's recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak season. Contact the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest office for any reservation assistance or questions about availability windows. Always check the official Forest Service website for the most current reservation policies and fees.

What amenities and facilities are available at Onion Mountain Lookout?

Onion Mountain Lookout offers a rustic experience with limited amenities. The fire tower is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, providing spectacular views, especially of night skies where the Milky Way is clearly visible. The lookout is primarily designed for those seeking a unique overnight experience rather than traditional camping. While specific interior facilities are basic, the panoramic vistas and stargazing opportunities are the main attraction. No running water is available, so visitors should bring their own water supply.

How do I access Onion Mountain Lookout and what are the road conditions?

Onion Mountain Lookout is accessed via forest roads that lead to its 4,000-foot elevation location. The road conditions can vary seasonally, with higher difficulty during winter months. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though not always necessary during dry summer conditions. The journey to this remote location is part of the experience, rewarding visitors with increasingly beautiful views as they ascend. For the most current road conditions, contact the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest office before your trip, especially if traveling during spring snowmelt or after heavy rains.