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Big Flat Campground
Area Status: Unreachable
Big Flat campground has 9 campsites, and access to many trails in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, including the Caribou Lakes. There is no potable water or garbage service provided, but there are vault toilets in the campground. There is also a small corral. Due to elevation, accessibility determined by snow levels.
**Effective October 23 - no water or trash service is available for the winter season.**
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 03/18/2025 Campground likely inaccessible due to snow. |
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| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | No fee |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Water and garbage services not provided. There is a creek running near the campground, so water can be filtered or boiled for drinking/ cooking. Please pack out all of your trash. Maximum RV size is 24 feet. Camping limit 14 days. |
| Water: | Horses Only, Not for Drinking |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: From 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.Activities
Campground Camping
Camping in the Trinity Alps with access to Caribou Lakes.| No. of Sites | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Reservation Info | Some |
| Fire Information | Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 4 |
RV Camping
Camping in the Trinity Alps with access to Caribou Lakes.General Info:
ParkingWatch overhead for low-hanging branches
| No. of Sites | 9 |
| Reservation Info | No reservations |
| Pavement Type for Parking | Gravel |
| Hookup - Water | No |
| Size Restrictions | 24' |
| Hookup - Sewer | No |
| Dump Stations | No |
| Hookups - Electric | No |
| Fire Information | Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
River and Stream Fishing
| Special Designations | Regulations for the Salmon, Scott and Klamath Rivers are published in May each year in "Freshwater & Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement" |
| Fish Species | Trout |
| Water Temperature | Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth. |
| Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
Day Hiking
Great opportunities for day hiking in the Trinity Alps with access to Caribou Lakes. Wilderness permits are required for overnight but not for day hikes in Trinity Alps Wilderness. Day hikers should always yield to horses and livestock on the trail. Speaking to horses in a quiet voice will help them stay calm as they pass you.| Fire Information | A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire outside the developed campground. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Backpacking
Great opportunities for backpacking in the Trinity Alps with access to Caribou Lakes. Wilderness permits are required for overnight but not for day hikes in Trinity Alps Wilderness. Backpackers should always yield to horses and livestock on the trail. Speaking to horses in a quiet voice will help them stay calm as they pass you.| Fire Information | A current California Campfire Permit is required to use a camp stove, barbecue or have a campfire. Local fire restrictions supersede the campfire permit. Inquire at the Ranger Station before having a fire. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Horse Camping
Camping in the Trinity Alps with access to Caribou Lakes. The Forest Service requests and recommends bringing certified weed free feed for horses entering the wilderness.
| No. of Sites | 9 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations not available. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Size Restrictions | Yes |
| Fire Information | Campfires in fire rings provided, subject to local restrictions. |
| Corrals | Yes |
| Loading Ramp | No |
| Watering Tank | Stock water only. |
| No. of Accessible sites | Some |
| Hitching Rails | Yes. Do not tie horses to trees living or dead. Do not tie to corral rails or posts. |
Horse Riding
Camping in the Trinity Alps with access to Caribou Lakes. There is overnight horse camping and day use parking for trailers. The Forest Service requests and recommends bringing certified weed free feed for horses entering the wilderness.| Size Restrictions | Yes |
| Corrals | Yes |
| Hitching Rails | Yes. Do not tie horses to trees living or dead. Do not tie to corral rails or posts. |
| Water Availability | Horse Water |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Viewing Wildlife
A good area for riparian wildlife along the river and forest birding. Some small mammals frequent the campsites.Swimming
Swimming, wading and water play off the gravel bar on the South Fork of the Salmon River.| Clothing Requirements | Swimming attire required. |
| Water Temperature | Water temperature fluctuates with seasons, flow level and water depth. |
| Water/Flow Level | Water flow in creeks and rivers fluctuate with seasons, rainfall and snow pack. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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