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Tahoe National Forest › Sierraville Ranger District › California
› Sierra County
› Sierraville
› Calpine Lookout
› Campsite #1
Campsite #1 at Calpine Lookout, CA
$45
Cabin Site #1
| Drive-In | 4 people |
| 2 | good |
11/12
5/25
Campsite #1 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, Cabin Site
Campsite Reviews (22)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 82% |
| 4 star | | 18% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@AndreaG2267730 · Camped on Jul 6, 2025 at Campsite #1
Beautiful view and serene setting. Star-gazing is fantastic and saw many birds. Be sure to bring bug spray! You'll need a 4wd to get up here.
@JulienD0A2FAE3 · Camped on May 5, 2025 at Campsite #1
This was our 2nd stay at Calpine. Everything was just as great as the 1st time around .
@RoxanneK82679C · Camped on Mar 9, 2025 at Campsite #1
This place is a gem! We had no issues with the stay or the hike in. There was plenty of toilet paper, but short on matches for the lamps. I ordered a silverware set since there was only one fork for sharing. The nearby falls was gorgeous and Graeagle looks amazing for mountain biking in the summer. We cant wait to come back!
@Glorial3746098 · Camped on Sep 8, 2024 at Campsite #1
Lovely place to enjoy the sunset, night sky, and sunrise from. Fairly quiet (you can hear the cars) but you will spot light pollution coming from the south. This felt like glamping especially if you're used to backpacking! Hope others enjoy using the star wheel!
@VanessaW728B27 · Camped on Apr 23, 2024 at Campsite #1
Amazing views and very well kept! It was an even better experience than I had hoped for. There are 2 flights of stairs that are easy to ascend even with an armload of goods. The gas stove top and oven allows you too cook like you are at home if you don't want to campfire cook. I stayed nice and toasty even when the nights were in the 30s. All the staff was welcoming and super helpful. I can't wait to go back!
@WilliamP724185 · Camped on Apr 4, 2024 at Campsite #1
Take Plenty of water and put your food up on the hooks or an ice chest because there are a few critters that come out at night.
@EllenO78575DEF · Camped on Feb 16, 2024 at Campsite #1
Gorgeous spot, the winter trail was well marked. The kitchen could use a few mugs.
@BenT71E7AD3795 · Camped on Feb 6, 2024 at Campsite #1
We had a wonderful time skiing into the fire lookout.
@JRS9097950 · Camped on Jul 31, 2023 at Campsite #1
Another great spot this is the second tower I've stayed in, a perfect experience.
@JodiM3149128 · Camped on Apr 4, 2023 at Campsite #1
Everything was perfect for our stay. A few housekeeping tips - mantles were burnt out and the oven wasn’t working, but that did not stop us from enjoying ourselves.
@EllieE3683515 · Camped on Feb 26, 2023 at Campsite #1
There were about five feet of fresh powder when we made our way up, and it was really difficult going breaking trail, but well worth the effort. We ended up leaving early as another massive storm was rolling in, but it’s beautiful and wild up there and an adventure we’ll never forget! We’ve been in the summer too, and it’s a totally different (but also amazing) experience. We’ll be back for sure!
@KatrinaW827285 · Camped on Feb 6, 2023 at Campsite #1
Beautiful.
@IvajloN6194853 · Camped on Jan 28, 2023 at Campsite #1
Great experience! The lookout is well stocked with pots, pans and utensils - no need to bring anything for cooking besides food. The gas fireplace warms the place very well. Temps dropped to 5F during our stay but we were still warm and cozy inside. A good sleeping bag is all you need. We brought a bunch of extra blankets and pads but we only needed a pad for the cot. There is only one cot besides the two beds so it's ideal for 3 people. We melted snow for water... bring tons of water in the summer.
Activities: We had about 15-20 inches of fresh powder and sledding right off the tower was the highlight for the kids. There is a chess set, a few puzzles and some playing cards but if you want you can bring your own games/cards/puzzles.
The staff at the Sierraville Ranger Station is super helpful. They provide detailed instructions in your reservation package for your stay - how to get there, what's available, etc. etc. Reach out to them if you have any questions.
Good cell coverage (Verizon) - but if your kids don't know that or if you put away their phones you can really spend some time in nature without any distractions.
Activities: We had about 15-20 inches of fresh powder and sledding right off the tower was the highlight for the kids. There is a chess set, a few puzzles and some playing cards but if you want you can bring your own games/cards/puzzles.
The staff at the Sierraville Ranger Station is super helpful. They provide detailed instructions in your reservation package for your stay - how to get there, what's available, etc. etc. Reach out to them if you have any questions.
Good cell coverage (Verizon) - but if your kids don't know that or if you put away their phones you can really spend some time in nature without any distractions.
@HeatherD420628 · Camped on Jan 23, 2023 at Campsite #1
Heavy snow this year meant a more arduous snowshoe hike in, but it was worth it for big clear skies, immaculate hillsides to explore, and perfect solitude. Warm and cozy - an absolute dream.
@NicholasH39633 · Camped on Nov 2, 2022 at Campsite #1
Absolutely incredible experience. Tim was the best.
@NoahS5756993 · Camped on Jan 18, 2020 at Campsite #1
Fantastic lookout with an amazing view. Hiked about an hour uphill through the snow to reach it in the winter. Gas heater, stove, lights, books, basic cooking utensils all available. Toilet is clean.
@NoahS210 · Camped on Jan 18, 2020 at Campsite #1
Fantastic lookout with an amazing view. Hiked about an hour uphill through the snow to reach it in the winter. Gas heater, stove, lights, books, basic cooking utensils all available. Toilet is clean.
@SethF342 · Camped on Dec 27, 2019 at Campsite #1
This was a great excursion in winter. We prepared to bring our gear on a pulk sled, but there wasn't enough snow so everything went into backpacks for the 2 mile hike from the Post Office to the fire lookout. The trail was very easy to find, the cabin was in good shape, and the views were spectacular. We put together a puzzle that was stored in the bookcase and enjoyed the gas-powered fireplace. In summer you can drive directly to the lookout which will make it easier for those not ready for backpacking. I'm very grateful that we have access to these places and that we can preserve it for others to enjoy responsibly. Remember to keep a watchful eye out for Potato Man ;)
@SethF7599440 · Camped on Dec 27, 2019 at Campsite #1
This was a great excursion in winter. We prepared to bring our gear on a pulk sled, but there wasn't enough snow so everything went into backpacks for the 2 mile hike from the Post Office to the fire lookout. The trail was very easy to find, the cabin was in good shape, and the views were spectacular. We put together a puzzle that was stored in the bookcase and enjoyed the gas-powered fireplace. In summer you can drive directly to the lookout which will make it easier for those not ready for backpacking. I'm very grateful that we have access to these places and that we can preserve it for others to enjoy responsibly. Remember to keep a watchful eye out for Potato Man ;)
@AlenaL5877624 · Camped on Nov 10, 2019 at Campsite #1
It was beautiful and magical. We went in November - didn't see another soul on the hill. The lookout has a little propane fireplace that heated the small space right up even though it was 35 degrees outside, we were toasty. It was great to have the propane stove and oven to cook with as well! We would definitely stay here again, peaceful, relaxing, beautiful spot.
@AlenaL367 · Camped on Nov 10, 2019 at Campsite #1
It was beautiful and magical. We went in November - didn't see another soul on the hill. The lookout has a little propane fireplace that heated the small space right up even though it was 35 degrees outside, we were toasty. It was great to have the propane stove and oven to cook with as well! We would definitely stay here again, peaceful, relaxing, beautiful spot.
@TerryH531 · Camped on Aug 25, 2019 at Campsite #1
A once in a lifetime experience!
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