Bear Basin Butte Lookout / Pierson Cabin Camping Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Bear Basin Butte Lookout / Pierson Cabin in California's Six Rivers National Forest offers a unique, reservation-only camping experience in a historic fire lookout and adjacent rustic cabin—no dispersed camping.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
A recreation.gov reservation is required; fees apply. Amenities include pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and limited water (bring extra). No RV access or hookups. Perched at 5,300 ft, the site offers panoramic views of the Siskiyou Wilderness and Pacific Ocean, with a forested, remote vibe perfect for solitude seekers. Nearby, explore Doe Flat and Devil’s Punchbowl trails. Best visited June–October, weather permitting. High-clearance vehicles recommended for steep, gravel access road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Bear Basin Butte Lookout / Pierson Cabin
Patrick Creek
Patrick Creek Campground
Grassy Flat
Grassy Flat Campground
Panther Flat
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith R Nr Crescent City Ca
|
658cfs |
Indian C Nr Happy Camp Ca
|
80cfs |
Klamath R Nr Klamath Ca
|
4270cfs |
Klamath R Nr Seiad Valley Ca
|
1560cfs |
Sucker Cr Bl Lt Grayback Cr Nr Holland
|
41cfs |
Illinois River Near Kerby
|
165cfs |
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
|
NOHRSC BIGELOW CAMP
|
0" |
|
BIGELOW CAMP
|
0" |
|
NOHRSC BIG RED MOUNTAIN
|
0" |
|
BIG RED MOUNTAIN
|
0" |
West Fork Clear Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Clear Creek
Ten Mile Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Clear Creek
Headwaters In Siskiyou Wilderness To Confluence With Ten Mile Creek
Raspberry Lake
Sanger Lake
Dry Lake