Robinson Flat Campground
4.4510 reviews27 miles Northeast of Foresthill on Foresthill divide Road
Robinson Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required for this site. Camping is free.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the High Sierra, Robinson Flat Campground beckons adventurers to experience camping at its most authentic. This hidden gem features 14 thoughtfully arranged sites—7 for families seeking mountain solitude and 7 specially designed for equestrian enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. Situated along the legendary Western States Trail, the campground serves as a gateway to backcountry exploration, including the scenic Little Bald Mountain Trail. While modern amenities are limited to vault toilets and a hand-pump well, this rustic simplicity allows visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. Pack in your water and pack out your trash—Mother Nature will thank you for leaving no trace in this pristine environment.
The campground offers free, first-come, first-served access to 14 sites, including 7 family campsites, 7 equestrian sites, and no RV-specific or tent-only sites. There are no group sites or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living timeline at Robinson Flat, where centuries of human history blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. The central meadow has witnessed countless seasons of Native American gatherings, serving as a vital meeting ground for hundreds of years before the first wagon wheels carved paths through these mountains. Adding to this rich tapestry, a weathered Ranger District Office from 1911 stands as a testament to early conservation efforts, its preserved walls holding stories of the dedicated individuals who first protected these lands. Today's visitors camp quite literally in the footsteps of history, connecting with generations of mountain travelers who found respite in this special place.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through November, Robinson Flat transforms with the seasons, offering a different character with each passing month. Early season visitors in May might wake to frost-kissed mornings and discover pockets of snow tucked in shaded hollows—a reminder of winter's lingering embrace. As summer unfolds, the High Sierra climate delivers crisp, star-filled nights and pleasantly warm days that never quite shake off the mountain's natural air conditioning. The campground's availability dances with nature's whims, opening and closing based on snowpack, making each season's debut a celebrated event among returning campers.
ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet above sea level, Robinson Flat offers a true High Sierra experience where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This elevation gifts campers with naturally cool temperatures that provide sweet relief from valley heat, while serving up panoramic vistas that stretch across forested ridgelines and distant peaks. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where afternoon thunderheads build dramatically against azure skies, and morning mists cling to the meadow before surrendering to the climbing sun.
Natural Features and SceneryRobinson Flat unfolds like a natural amphitheater, with towering fir trees forming protective walls around a serene central meadow that seems painted by an artist's brush. These ancient conifers—some standing sentinel for centuries—create a cathedral-like atmosphere where shafts of sunlight filter through the canopy, illuminating the forest floor in golden patches. The meadow itself transforms throughout the camping season, from spring's tender green carpet dotted with wildflowers to autumn's golden tapestry. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, with black bears frequently making appearances (proper food storage is essential), while deer browse the meadow edges at dawn and dusk. Lucky visitors might spot everything from chattering squirrels to soaring hawks, making each day a potential wildlife documentary.
Geological RegionThe High Sierra landscape surrounding Robinson Flat tells a dramatic geological story written in granite and shaped by ice. This region showcases the raw power of ancient glaciers that carved valleys and polished stone, leaving behind a terrain where meadows nestle between forested ridges like nature's own rock gardens. Dense fir forests dominate the landscape, their roots anchored in soil built over millennia atop granite foundations. The interplay between historical human use and geological time creates a unique sense of place—where a morning's hike might take you from a Native American gathering meadow across glacier-scoured granite to a century-old ranger station, all within the embrace of the enduring Sierra Nevada.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-friendly vault toilets, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeFamily section parking aprons are approximately 16' x 34'. Equestrian section parking aprons are larger, averaging 17' x 52'.
Sites PrivacyFamily campsites are nestled in dense groves of fir trees, while equestrian sites are more open to accommodate portable corrals.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay permitted: 14 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe family camping area is one loop and spur in dense fir trees, while the equestrian site stretches up an incline. The campground features 14 campsites in total, split evenly between family and equestrian sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May through November (weather dependent). Closed during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsNot available. No reservations required.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Robinson Flat Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic viewing, and interpretive experiences. Fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities are not available.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Western States Trail (100 miles, multi-use), the Meadow Loop Trail (0.5 miles, foot & horse), and the Little Bald Mountain Trail (4.5 miles, loop, foot & horse).Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the Western States Trail, offering long and diverse trails suitable for experienced riders.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife including bears has been noted in the area. Campers are advised to use food lockers for safety.Cultural and Educational Programs
The site is near historic and archaeological areas, including a meadow used by Native Americans and a preserved Ranger District Office built in 1911.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities have been described.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is bear country, requiring campers to utilize food lockers. The campground is also prone to insects, as noted in user reviews.
Active alertsSome reviews mention that the campground may have been closed due to hazardous tree conditions in the past. Check current status with Tahoe National Forest.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash removal service is available. Campers must pack out all trash they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near a small stream and meadow. No swimming, boating, or fishing facilities are available in the area.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted issues with insects as a downside of the campground experience.
Campground Map
27 miles Northeast of Foresthill on Foresthill divide Road
Driving directionsFrom I-80: Take Foresthill Exit and drive on Foresthill Road for 15 miles to the Forest Service Ranger Station just before the town of Foresthill. Continue on Foresthill Road for 27 miles to the pavement's end at Robinson Flat.
The road to the campground is narrow and winding; trailers are not recommended. Last 10 miles have some narrow two-lane stretches.Nearby places
Foresthill: 27 miles northeast.
Camper Reviews
4.5
10 reviews
Robinson Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Robinson Flat Campground highlight its serene atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and lack of crowds. However, some users note issues like dust on the roads, an abundance of bugs, and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include the scenic beauty, quiet environment, and the spacious campsites surrounded by large trees. Users also appreciate the historical significance and wildlife presence.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reported issues include poor road conditions leading to the campground, the prevalence of bugs, and the lack of potable water and trash removal services. Some users also noted the limited cell phone...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own water and trash bags and prepare for bear encounters by using lockers on-site. Bug spray is a must due to the high number of insects.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from May through November, weather permitting. Summer reviews note an increase in bugs and dusty conditions, while off-season visits experience fewer visitors.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "This campground is very clean and quiet. Beautiful sunset's and sunrise's." - Mitch Honsvick
2. "Nice place, very light use. We were the only ones there the whole 3 nights we stayed." - Quest...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The family section is described as being more secluded within dense fir trees, while equestrian sites are more open and large, suitable for portable corrals.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025