Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
6 campgrounds in the park · 218 nearby · 133 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo.
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationWood & Charcoal Burn BanTo protect park infrastructure and visitors during this hot, dry period of year, wood and charcoal/briquette burning is temporarily banned. Propane grills are still okay. Thank you for recreating responsibly in your national recreation area.
- InformationDon't Move a Mussel!Hey Boaters, please clean, drain, and dry your vessel completely before setting out on Whiskeytown Lake. Thank you for doing your part to keep the Golden Mussel, an aquatic invasive species, out of the reservoir. Learn more about preventative measures.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 6 campgroundsAll reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 218 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 133 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $55Whiskeytown only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 6
- National Park
Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
In the park · French Gulch, CA
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
DRY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND (Whiskeytown NRA)
In the park · Shasta, CA
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 218
- Aerial viewCampground
Sheep Creek Campground
1.0 mi · Shasta, CA
- Aerial viewCampground
Dry Creek Campground
1.2 mi · Shasta, CA
Free and dispersed nearby 133
See them on the map- Shasta Lake ShorelineShasta Lake, CA13 mi
- Trinity Lake ShorelineLewiston, CA17 mi
- Backbone RidgeLakehead, CA17 mi
- Miners Roost Boat-in CampgroundLewiston, CA18 mi
- Deer Lick Springs CampgroundHayfork, CA20 mi
- Buckeye CampTrinity Center, CA20 mi
Services nearby: 2 dump stations · 10 rest areas
About Whiskeytown
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure…
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!
Photos: Choose Redding. · NPS Photo.
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Car From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center. Plane…
Weather
Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Per person$15
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Private vehicle$25
- Whiskeytown annual pass$55
Hours
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.
Getting there
Car From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center. Plane Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles from Whiskeytown. Rental vehicles are available.
Weather
Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional thunderstorm. Winter brings snow to the upper elevations (only occasionally down to the lake level of 1,200'), and rain and ice. See the park weather page for the current weather.
Camped at Whiskeytown? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Crystal Creek Primitive Campground, DRY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND (Whiskeytown NRA) and Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground.