Six-month rolling reservationTimed release
Reservations can be booked approximately six months in advance on recreation.gov. Trip window: Year-round; drive-up in summer, snow access in winter.
U.S. Forest Service · CA
Calpine Lookout
Historic 1934 drive-up fire-lookout rental in the Tahoe National Forest, booked almost every night and reserved about six months out on recreation.gov.
Permit requiredovernightDrive-up access in summer; winter access by snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile.
Access requirement
How to get a permit
Permit rules
QuotaSingle rentable observation cab (Site 001); reservation required and booked almost every night of the year.
GroupMaximum 2 people; two twin beds in the cab.
Fees$45 per night per the managing forest; confirm current rate on recreation.gov.
TransferReservation tied to the booking holder; check recreation.gov terms.
SafetyNo electricity or running water; propane appliances only. Winter road often closed by snow and ice.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
CALPINE LOOKOUT
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
CHAPMAN
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 2913Aug 3013Aug 3113
Availability: Recreation.gov
SIERRA
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov