California · Camping · Sierraville

Calpine Lookout

Calpine LookoutPhoto: Recreation.gov (RIDB) / public domain
1
sites
May–Jun, Aug–Sep
best months

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 1 h ago

Is Calpine Lookout open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Tahoe National Forest.

  • Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts

    Agency alert covering Tahoe National Forest · Order 17-25-05 · USFS · Tahoe National Forest

As of · Source: USFS · Tahoe National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • 1 site for cabin campingReservable on Recreation.gov
  • At 5,860 ft
  • Near SierravilleSierraville Ranger District · Tahoe National Forest

Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and is one of three remaining examples of the enclosed windmill-style lookout in California. The lookout was actively used every summer until 1975. It is a three-story structure with external stairs. The top room or observation cab is the only rentable space at this time. This is a popular rental facility that is booked almost every night of the year. Calpine sits at an elevation of 5,980 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of the Tahoe National Forest, approximately 40 miles from Truckee, California. During the summer, renters can drive directly to the base of the tower. In winter, the road is often closed due to snow and ice so access is by snowshoes, skis or snowmobile. The lookout has propaned-powered appliances but does not have electricity or water.

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Aug–Sep

    Best time to visit Calpine Lookout

    Best months: May–June and August–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 19°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 21°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      52° / 25°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      58° / 29°

      6 wet

    5. May

      67° / 35°

      5 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 40°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 45°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 43°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 37°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 30°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 24°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 19°

      8 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Portola, CA, 8.7 mi away at 4,850 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Calpine Lookout

1 site for cabin camping

Check dates