Big Flat Campground

Star4.43
9 reviews
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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,062 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Accessibility is det...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Flat Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by location and activity. Example fees include $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations.
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

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shade

Some mention

crowded

"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."

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Campground Map

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Big Flat Campground

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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.
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Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Big Flat Campground

Big 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Gateway to trails and alpine lakes; summer offers trail access and favorable conditions.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn reviews note accessibility with fewer crowds and favorable camping conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring is unpredictable; users reported snow in May and variable access conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter brings deep snow and access is snow-dependent; limited winter usability.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Accessibility is determined by snow levels. Some user reviews mention arriving in May and encountering snow, highlighting seasonal variability in access.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Big Flat 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.
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Reserving a campsite

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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.
HikingThe 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 viewingWildlife viewing is a significant activity at Big Flat Campground. User reviews mention encounters with deer and the natural beauty of the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews report rough roads and seasonal snow hazards. Additionally, there is no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Flat Campground

Reviews

4.4
9 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 9 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...
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Based on 9 reviews

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...
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Based on 9 reviews

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...
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Based on 9 reviews

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...
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Based on 9 reviews

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....
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Based on 9 reviews

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 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are provided.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews addressing pet policies or features are provided.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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