Big Flat Campground
03 reviewsnull
Big Flat Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Fees vary by location and activity. Example fees include $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Big Flat Campground serves as your gateway to alpine adventure. This intimate campground features 9 secluded sites, each offering a perfect blend of wilderness solitude and essential amenities. While you'll find clean vault toilets and a charming small corral for equestrian adventurers, the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach—pack your own water and plan to carry out what you bring in. From here, the spectacular Caribou Lakes trail system beckons, promising crystal-clear alpine waters and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Big Flat Campground is primarily suited for tent and primitive camping, with no reservation system. It has minimal facilities, emphasizing its rustic and natural environment.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsBig Flat's mountain climate delivers dramatic seasonal transformations that seasoned campers cherish. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, while spring arrives with delightful unpredictability—one adventurous visitor discovered fresh snowfall as late as May 19th, 2021! Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for trail exploration, while autumn paints the wilderness in golden hues under crisp, cool skies. Most visitors find the sweet spot between late June and early October, when the high country sheds its snowy coat and reveals its full splendor.
ElevationPerched at significant elevation in the Trinity Alps, Big Flat's accessibility dances with the seasons. The campground's mountain location means snow levels dictate your arrival—typically welcoming visitors from late spring through fall, when the access road sheds its winter blanket and opens to adventure seekers.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, where towering conifers create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. The campground rests alongside a babbling mountain river, its gentle sounds providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Lucky visitors often spot graceful deer wandering through camp at dawn and dusk, while the surrounding peaks frame unforgettable sunrises and star-filled nights. This pristine alpine environment offers photographers, hikers, and nature lovers an authentic wilderness experience just steps from their tent.
Geological RegionBig Flat Campground sits within the dramatic Trinity Alps Wilderness, a rugged mountain landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity. Near the pristine Caribou Lakes, this geological wonderland showcases classic alpine terrain—granite peaks, glacial valleys, and crystal-clear mountain lakes that tell the story of millions of years of Earth's artistry. The wilderness terrain here represents some of Northern California's most spectacular and unspoiled mountain country.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySeasonal accessibility due to snow levels. No detailed information about other accessibility features.
Sites SizeNo explicit details about site sizes were provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is rarely crowded due to the remote and rough access road, offering natural privacy.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest ample shade as a benefit, which keeps parked cars cool. No specific site numbers are mentioned.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group sites are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonAccessibility is determined by snow levels. Some user reviews mention arriving in May and encountering snow, highlighting seasonal variability in access.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available. The campground operates on a walk-up basis.
Walk-in Availability'This campground is not reservable and operates on a walk-up basis.'
Cancellation Policy'A $10 cancellation fee applies if a reservation is cancelled after 12:00am local time on the day before the reservation start date. Late cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid.'
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Flat Campground provides access to outdoor activities primarily centered around hiking and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to the Trinity Alps Wilderness, including the Caribou Lakes trail, makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Hiking
The campground serves as a gateway to trails in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, including the Caribou Lakes. User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of trails and locations such as Josephine Lake, described as 'the most scenic place I can recall having visited inside the lower 48 states.' The trails are accessible directly from the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a significant activity at Big Flat Campground. User reviews mention encounters with deer and the natural beauty of the area.Winter Activities
Heavy snowfall (as noted in May 2021) suggests winter activities are limited, though snowshoeing or similar activities may be possible.Water Sports
No information on water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews report rough roads and seasonal snow hazards. Additionally, there is no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.9 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
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is provided. Users must pack out their trash, which contributes to the cleanliness of the area as observed in reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near a river and provides access to trails leading to Caribou Lakes and Josephine Lake.
Common complaintsRough road access: 'Rarely ever crowded due to the very long and rough road in from Highway 3.' Lack of potable water: 'Bring your own water because I did not see water available there.'
HostOne user review from fall mentions a campground host, but it is unclear if hosts are consistently present.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom I-5, take South Yreka exit. Go south on Hwy 3 for 63 miles to Coffee Creek Guard Station. Turn Right, and continue on Coffee Creek Rd for approx. 18 miles to campground.
Due to elevation, accessibility is determined by snow levels. User reviews indicate the road in is very long and rough: 'Rarely ever crowded due to the very long and rough road in from Highway 3.' Another camper noted, 'Plan for at least 2 hours.' It is slow but passable for cars.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Big Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally favorable, highlighting the scenic beauty, cleanliness, and rustic nature of Big Flat Campground. Its proximity to trails and natural landmarks, such as Josephine Lake, enhances its appeal.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the pristine condition of the campsite ('didn't see a single piece of trash'), the availability of shade, and the scenic drive to the campground. The vault toilets were described as...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent issue noted was the lack of potable water and garbage services, requiring campers to bring their own supplies and pack out their waste. The road leading to the campground was...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and supplies due to the lack of potable water and garbage services. Vehicles with higher clearance are recommended for the rough road leading to the...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Autumn reviews describe the campground as accessible even when officially closed, with fewer crowds and favorable camping conditions. Heavy snowfall in spring (May 2021) suggests limited...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Bring your own water because I did not see water available there.' - Troy Russell
2. 'Didn't see a single piece of trash on the ground, nice pit toilets, lots of deer.' - scrabbleking1965
3....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are sparse; users mentioned the availability of 'quite a few camp spots' and ample parking at the trailhead.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews addressing pet policies or features are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025