Coy Flat
3.9834 reviewsCoy Flat
$34.00 - $68.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak Season (April 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025): $34 for single standard non-electric sites, $68 for double sites. Extra holiday charges apply: $2 for single sites, $4 for double sites.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Coy Flat Campground offers an intimate escape into California's legendary forest landscape. At 5,000 feet elevation, this cozy retreat features 19 single sites and one double site, perfect for families seeking a genuine wilderness experience. While the campground embraces a rustic charm—visitors should come prepared with their own water and mosquito protection—the reward is an authentic connection with one of America's most majestic forests.
Coy Flat primarily accommodates tent and RV campers, with options for group camping. Primitive camping is also possible due to the absence of hookups.
Historical SignificanceYour stay places you at the doorstep of the legendary Belknap Grove, where ancient giant sequoias have stood sentinel for millennia. This sacred landscape tells stories of resilience and renewal—while portions of the surrounding Sequoia National Forest still bear witness to the Castle Fire's transformative power, the enduring giants of Belknap Grove continue to inspire visitors with their timeless majesty and the forest's remarkable ability to regenerate.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect Sierra Nevada climate where crisp mountain mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons. During peak season, daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 76°F before cooling to refreshing 54°F evenings—ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. The area's notably dry conditions mean you'll enjoy abundant sunshine and crystal-clear visibility, though smart campers always pack layers for those cool mountain nights.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Coy Flat offers the perfect mountain refuge from scorching valley temperatures. This sweet-spot elevation delivers all the benefits of mountain camping—cooler temperatures, cleaner air, and proximity to high-country adventures—while remaining accessible year-round. Here, you'll breathe easier and sleep better, wrapped in the crisp mountain air that makes Sierra camping legendary.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient sequoia monarchs tower overhead, their massive trunks creating cathedral-like groves that filter golden sunlight onto the forest floor. The surrounding wilderness reveals dramatic contrasts—from peaceful forested glades to precipitous canyon walls carved by time. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, while ambitious hikers can tackle the nearby Bear Creek Trail, which climbs dramatically to 9,000 feet, rewarding determined adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views.
Geological RegionCoy Flat sits within the geological wonderland of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, anchored at the southern terminus of the mighty Sierra Nevada range. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistic prowess through soaring sequoia groves, dramatic canyon systems, and cascading mountain streams. Adventure seekers can explore nearby natural spectacles including the thundering Salmon Creek Falls and the misty cascade of Grizzly Falls, each telling their own story of the powerful forces that shaped this extraordinary mountain wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeMost campsites are small to medium in size. A reviewer noted that site #17 was "super small," while site #16 seemed "very large."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at the sites varies. Some sites, like #18, are more secluded, while others are close together, as noted in multiple reviews. "Campsites are kind of close to each other," one user remarked.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 18 is praised for its privacy and scenic views, while site 10 is noted as a great spot for its layout. Avoid sites near restrooms for unpleasant odors.
Best CampsitesSites 18, 20, and maybe 17 are recommended for privacy and views: "Book site 18 if you can!"
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit, or 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single sites accommodate up to 6 guests
- the double site allows up to 12 guests.
Groups
Coy Flat has one double site that can accommodate up to 12 people, but it is not classified as a dedicated group site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 19 single sites and one double site, with uneven terrain in some areas. Sites are generally close together, but a few offer more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from April 25, 2025, through October 25, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly available; reservations can be made in advance through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival but incur a $10 cancellation fee and lose the first night's use fee for late cancellations. Changes carry a $10 fee for new dates outside the original reservation period.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Coy Flat offers a range of outdoor activities, making it popular among hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts. Hiking opportunities include the nearby Bear Creek Trail, which ascends to 9,000 feet. Trout fishing is available in local creeks, although swimming is off-site and requires travel.
Hiking
Visitors can explore the Bear Creek Trail, which ascends to 9,000 feet, offering diverse terrain and scenic views. A user recommended the "Nelson Trail" as highly enjoyable.Fishing
Excellent trout fishing opportunities are available in creeks near the campground. One review noted children fishing in Bear Creek, though the trout were small.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in and around the campground includes deer and rattlesnakes. "We saw a deer when we first arrived," one user noted, while another reported the presence of a bear and a rattlesnake in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted. The campground operates seasonally, typically closing by late October.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No campfires allowed due to restrictions; stoves and propane tanks require permits.
- Quiet hours are Noise typically subsides by 11 PM to 12 AM, although reviews mention occasional loud groups.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent due to nearby standing water. Wildlife like bears and rattlesnakes has been reported in user reviews: "There wasn't too much wildlife, just a rattlesnake and a bear in the campsite."
Active alertsFire restrictions are in effect, and water spouts are non-functional as per multiple reviews.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
A fire station is located north of the campground, and the nearest town with comprehensive emergency services is Springville, CA, approximately 16 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited, and one review mentioned, "The only time we saw a Forest Service representative was as we were preparing to leave, and they quickly picked up the contents of the trash bins." Recycling is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Bear Creek is accessible for fishing and swimming, although it requires about a 1-mile hike.
Common complaintsUsers frequently mention mosquitoes, non-functional water spouts, dirty bathrooms, and cramped sites. "Fly-infested restrooms! Not to mention the mosquitoes! Even with repellent."
HostCamp Host Dan is frequently mentioned in positive reviews for being attentive and friendly, although a host is not always present at the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Highway 99 go east on 190 to Springville, California. On 190 travel 15 miles to Nelson Drive. From Nelson Drive exit on Coy Flat and drive 1.5 miles to campground.
Coy Flat Campground is accessible via paved roads, though some user reviews note challenges in navigation—"Google maps will tell you to continue past the entrance towards a narrow road with no entrance to the campground and it's not easy to make a u-turn."Nearby places
Camp Nelson - 1 mile
Pierpoint Springs Resort - 2 miles
Springville - approximately 16 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery and camping supplies are at general stores in Camp Nelson (1 mile) and Pierpoint Springs Resort (2 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.0
34 reviews
Coy Flat has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Coy Flat receives mixed reviews. Some campers enjoy its seclusion and natural beauty, while others criticize the lack of water, subpar restroom conditions, and crowding at certain sites. Mosquitoes and fire restrictions are recurring complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers praised the secluded and scenic setting. "The drive up to the campsite was so lush and green!" Other highlights include the proximity to hiking trails and the helpfulness of some camp...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the absence of running water, "fly-infested restrooms," and campsites that are "kinda close to each other." Mosquitoes were a significant issue for many visitors, especially near...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water and bug spray. Avoid sites near the restroom due to odor issues. Site #18 is recommended for privacy and scenic views. A user suggested checking with rangers about trail...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight mosquito problems and fire restrictions. Mid-August reviews often mention hot weather and lack of shade at certain sites.
Based on 34 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were okay at times but there are lots of flies and toilet paper finishes quickly." "Bring lots of bug spray! Some campsites were not very level." "The campground was pretty, but the lack...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #18 is highly praised for privacy and scenic views. Site #12 was described as "in full sun," while site #17 was noted as "super small." Site #1 is close to the restroom and has odor issues. Site...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features.
Based on 34 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discussed experiences related to pets.
Based on 34 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025