Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has 5 different primitive camp sites with varying accommodations. Please see individual information on the sites below to find the right campsite for your visit.
To Reserve a site Pay for your site online atwww.recreation.gov. You can make reservations for the campground up to six months in advance.
Fees The primitive camping fee is $20.00 per night year-round. The following will be honored for a 50% discount: the Interagency Senior and Access Passes.
In addition to the campground fee, an entrance pass must be purchased for the use of the recreation area. Entrance passes can be purchased at the visitor center or online atwww.recreation.gov.
Primitive Campgrounds and Regulations
Horse Camp Primitive Campground may accommodate any tent, vehicle or combination of vehicles, including trailers, RVs, and RVs pulling other vehicles.There is no length restriction, and sleeping in vehicles is permitted here.
Horse Camp has drinking water available from a hand pump.
Please read our Primitive Campground Regulations before reserving. To reserve visit recreation.gov.
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground is for tent camping only. Use of RV's, trailers, or sleeping in your vehicle is not allowed.
There is no shade (Since 2018 CARR Fire), be sure to be prepared with popup or other shade structures.
Amenities:
a picnic table
a bear-proof storage locker
a fire pit with a swing-arm BBQ grill
a pole for hanging your lantern
Shared vault toilet
There is no shade (Since 2018 CARR Fire), be sure to be prepared with popup or other shade structures. There is no drinking water, be sure to come prepared.
Please read our Primitive Campground Regulations before reserving. To reserve visit recreation.gov.
Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground is for tent camping only. Use of RV's, trailers, or sleeping in your vehicle is not allowed.
Amenities:
a picnic table
a bear-proof storage locker
a fire pit with a swing-arm BBQ grill
a pole for hanging your lantern
Shared vault toilet
There is no drinking water, be sure to come prepared.
Please read our Primitive Campground Regulations before reserving. To reserve visit recreation.gov.
Crystal Creek Primitive Campground is for tent camping only. Use of RV's, trailers, or sleeping in your vehicle is not allowed.
Amenities:
a picnic table
a bear-proof storage locker
a fire pit with a swing-arm BBQ grill
a pole for hanging your lantern
Shared vault toilet
There is no drinking water, be sure to come prepared.
Please read Primitive Campground Regulations before reserving. To reserve visit recreation.gov.
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground is for tent camping only. Use of RV's, trailers, or sleeping in your vehicle is not allowed.
Amenities:
a picnic table
a bear-proof storage locker
a fire pit with a swing-arm BBQ grill
a pole for hanging your lantern
Shared vault toilet
There is no drinking water, be sure to come prepared.
Please read our Primitive Campground Regulations before reserving. To reserve visit recreation.gov.
Rules and Regulations:
Download your proof of payment from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
Only six people may stay in one site and only two tents are allowed at all primitive campgrounds except for Horse Camp. At Horse Camp, 10 people are allowed per site with up to three tents and three vehicles. Any visitors to your site must leave by the 10:00 pm quiet time.
Check-out time is 12:00 pm and check-in time is 1:00 pm.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Loud voices and music are prohibited after 10:00 pm.
Pets must be kept in a cage or on a leash no more than six feet in length at all times. Unattended pets are subject to impoundment and the owners may be issued a notice of violation. Dispose of pet waste in trash cans.
Protect our natural resources. Gather only dead and down wood for firewood. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation.
Do not leave campfires unattended. Always make sure that your fire is completely extinguished before you leave your campsite or before you go to sleep for the night.
You may stay a total of 14 days from May 15 through September 15 or a total of 30 days during the entire calendar year.
Portable showers are not allowed. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, free cold showers or hot showers for a small fee are available at Oak Bottom Beach.
Generators are not allowed.
Whiskeytown is black bear country. All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your bear-proof storage locker or in your vehicle unless they are in immediate use. Never store these items in your tent.
A campsite at Oak Bottom Tent Campground.
Oak Bottom Tent & RV Campground
Oak Bottom Campground is the only campground located on the shores of Whiskeytown Lake. The campground is operated by a concessionaire and is open year-round.
Campground vegetation was moderately to severely burned during the Carr Fire of July 2018 and we recommend bringing a shade structure for your site. Some sections of the campground remain closed due to the fire.
Contact Information
Oak Bottom Campground Store (530) 359-2269
Whiskeytown Visitor Center (530) 246-1225
Oak Bottom Tent & RV Campground
Site Fees
Tent Site: $30.00 per night
Shoreline Tent Site: $35.00 per night
RV Site: $30.00 per night
Entrance Passes
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee in addition to your camping fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Oak Bottom Campground Store, the Whiskeytown visitor center, or online at recreation.gov.
Senior, Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access cardholder will receieve a 50% discount at all campground sites. The cardholder must be present upon check-in.
Reservations
Site-specific reservations can be made online or by calling the campground store at (530) 359-2269.
Tent Campsites
94 walk-in tent sites available
Designated parking for vehivles, sleeping in vehicles is not allowed
a picnic table and fire pit at each site
Bear-proof food locker at each site
potable water at designated locations
RV Campsites
22 Dry RV Spaces available
Picnic Table at each sites
Potable Water is available and Free Pump out for RV guests
Available restrooms
All Sites
Free beach showers and quarter operated hot showes
Convenient location for accessing Oak Bottom Marina and Oak Bottom Beach
Whiskeytown Marinas store has ice, firewood, snacks, and apparel
Please read and consider all regulations before reserving a site:
No tent camping allowed in the RV sites. Maximum length 33' (includes vehicle).
RV sites are dry, no hookups, no electricity, water or sewer.
RV campground is on asphalt, and there is no shade.
No RV's are allowed on tent sites. Only one vehicle is allowed per tent site, space permitting. Additional vehicles will park in the overflow parking.
Download your proof of payment from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
Check-in is at 2:00 pm and checkout is at 12:00 pm. If you are planning on checking in after office hours, contact the reservation desk at (530) 359-2671. Whiskeytown Marinas will attempt to call you before closing of business to set up your late check-in.
You may stay a total of 14 days from May 15 through September 15 or a total of 30 days during the entire calendar year.
Dogs are permitted in the campground, provided they are on leash, but they are not allowed on the swim beach. They may not be left unattended at any time. There is a $2.00 fee per night per pet.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Loud voices and music are prohibited after 10:00 pm.
Protect our natural resources. Gather only dead and down wood for firewood. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation.
Alcohol, smoking and pets are prohibited at the beach and picnic area.
Whiskeytown is black bear country. All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your bear-proof storage locker or in your vehicle unless they are in immediate use. Never store these items in your tent.
Brandy Creek RV Campground.
Brandy Creek RV Campground
Brandy Creek RV Campground is a primitive campground located near the south shore of Whiskeytown Lake.
This campground is for self-contained recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, pop-up tent trailers, and fifth wheels. All units must have fully self-contained toilet and wastewater devices, defined as apparatus permanently constructed within a motor vehicle for the purpose of collecting and storing human waste and wastewater for later disposal in a dump station or other device.
Contact Information
Whiskeytown Visitor Center (530) 246-1225
Brandy Creek RV Campground
Site Fees
$20.00 per night year-round
Entrance Passes
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee in addition to your camping fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Oak Bottom Campground Store, the Whiskeytown visitor center, or online at recreation.gov.
Senior, Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access cardholder will receieve a 50% discount at all campground sites. The cardholder must be present upon check-in.
Reservations
All reservations and payments must be made online at www.recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
Brandy Creek RV Campground Amenities:
15 Dry RV Spaces available
Picnic Table at each sites
The campground has a dump station and a water source
Brandy Creek Beach is located a half mile south of the campground and features sandy beaches, a large swimming area, picnicking and barbecuing facilities
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddle boards and kayaks
Campground is located near the Brandy Creek Marina boat launch
Please read and consider all regulations before reserving a site:
Download your proof of payment from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
The maximum length allowed is 35 feet. If you take up more than one space with your RV or trailer, boat, and vehicles, you must pay the full rate for the second space that you use.
Sleeping is allowed only in self-contained vehicles. You may not sleep in a car, boat, or other vehicle that is not self-contained. Tents are not allowed.
RV sites are dry, no hookups, no electricity, water or sewer. There are no restrooms in the campground.
The campground is on the asphalt and has some shade.
No more than 6 people are allowed per site.
Check-out time is 12:00 pm and check-in time is 1:00 pm.
Boats and trailers cannot be left unattended at the marina overnight. Park them as close to your recreational vehicle as possible.
You may stay a total of 14 days from May 15 through September 15 or a total of 30 days during the entire calendar year.
Dogs are permitted in the campground, provided they are on leash, but they are not allowed on the swim beach. They may not be left unattended at any time.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Loud voices and music are prohibited after 10:00 pm.
Protect our natural resources. Gather only dead and down wood for firewood. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation.
Do not leave campfires unattended. Always make sure that your fire is completely extinguished before you leave your campsite or before you go to sleep for the night. Check current conditions and fire bans before starting a campfire.
Do not drain or dump waste material on the ground. A sanitary dump station is available.
Alcohol, smoking and pets are prohibited at the beach and picnic area.
Whiskeytown is black bear country. All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your bear-proof storage locker or in your vehicle unless they are in immediate use. Never store these items in your tent.
Dry Creek Group Campground.
Dry Creek Group Campground
There are two designated group sites in this tent campground, which is located just beyond the Brandy Creek developed area. Each site contains two large serving tables, numerous picnic tables, small and large charcoal barbecue grills, a cleared fire pit area, vault toilets, bear-proof storage lockers, and drinking water. Boats may be launched at Brandy Creek Marina and moored alongside your site at Dry Creek.
The campground is open from April 1st until October 31st.
Contact Information
Whiskeytown Visitor Center (530) 246-1225
Dry Creek Group Campground
Site Fees and Information
$80 per night
Minimum campers: 20
Maximum campers: 50
Site is available from April 1st through October 1st each year.
Large groups may reserve both sites for a total of 100 campers
Entrance Passes
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee in addition to your camping fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Oak Bottom Campground Store, the Whiskeytown visitor center, or online at recreation.gov.
Senior, Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access cardholder will receieve a 50% discount at all campground sites. The cardholder must be present upon check-in.
Reservations
Site-specific reservations can be made at recreation.gov.
Dry Creek Group Campgroun Amenities:
Two group tent campgrounds that can each accommodate a maximum of 50 campers
Please read and consider all regulations before reserving a site:
This area is designated for tent camping only. Self-contained units (recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, trailers, etc.) are not allowed and must use the nearby Brandy Creek RV Camp for an additional fee.
Download your proof of payment from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
Check-in time is 1:00 pm and check-out time is noon.
You may stay a total of 14 days from May 15 through September 15 or a total of 30 days during the entire calendar year.
Portable showers are prohibited. Cold outdoor showers are available at Brandy Creek Beach.
Dogs are permitted in the campground, provided they are on leash, but they are not allowed on the swim beach. They may not be left unattended at any time. There is a $2.00 fee per night per pet.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Loud voices and music are prohibited after 10:00 pm. Visitors who are not registered at the campsite must leave by 10:00 pm.
Protect our natural resources. Gather only dead and down wood for firewood. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation.
Generators are not allowed.
Do not leave campfires unattended. Always make sure that your fire is completely extinguished before you leave your campsite or before you go to sleep for the night. Check current conditions and fire bans before starting a campfire.
The gate will be unlocked upon your arrival. Do not lock the gate, as only a park employee can open it. This area is for registered campers only. If there are people using the area who are not registered campers, call park law enforcement at (530) 242-3431.
Whiskeytown is black bear country. All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your bear-proof storage locker or in your vehicle unless they are in immediate use. Never store these items in your tent.
A backcountry camper and her dog at Whiskeytown.
Backcountry Camping
For some, backpacking in the park's primitive areas can be a meaningful, wonderful experience. It is important to prepare appropriately, so please fully read and consider the regulations listed before decided to backcountry camp.
Campers interested in backcountry camping must obtain a free Backcountry Camping Permit at the Visitor Center. Check here for current Visitor Center hours. The Whiskeytown Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Contact Information
Whiskeytown Visitor Center (530) 246-1225
Backcountry Camping
Permits
Visitors backpacking overnight at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area must obtain a free Backcountry Camping Permit at the Visitor Center. Check here for current Visitor Center hours. The Whiskeytown Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Entrance Passes
Whiskeytown is a National Park System site and requires a vehicle entrance fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Visitor Center, or online by using your smart phone, tablet, or computer by going to the recreation.gov. If you already have a valid Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or Whiskeytown Annual pass, please display this pass in a hangtag or place it on the dashboard of your vehicle. Annual passes from Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lava Beds National Monument are also valid here at Whiskeytown.
Backcountry camping requires lots of preperation as there is not access to the same amenities as staying on a campground. Please consider the length of your stay and how far away from things like restrooms and potable water you will be.
Drinking Water
Potable water is available at the visitor center and at various locations throughout the park. Inquire at the Visitor Center for a map of the water filling stations in the park. Purify stream water by boiling it for 3 to 5 minutes, or by using a giardia-rated filter or iodine-based chemical filter.
Information and Assistance
Emergency: Dial 911 Visitor Center: (530)246-1225 Call for hours of operation. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Whiskeytown Dispatch: (530)242-3431, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Familiarize yourself with the regulations below before embarking on your backcountry adventure:
Camp in designated overnight backpacking area. The included Whiskeytown NRA exclusion map (Appendix K) outlines in pink where overnight backpacking is prohibited. This map can be located below.
Areas within the developed property at the summit of Shasta Bally, for use as a tele-communications facility are prohibited for overnight backpacking camping.
Camp at least 400 feet from roads, and 100 feet from trails and streams. Camp away from fragile, untrampled vegetation.
Campfires are prohibited in the backcountry.
Fuel stoves and lanterns may be used for camping purposes but should only be lit on bare ground away from all vegetation.
Bury human waste 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water sources, camp areas, or trails.
Do not construct campsite “improvements,” such as shelters, drainage ditches around tents, rock walls, or bough beds.
Pack out all trash and toilet paper. Don’t bury or burn it.
Keep wash water, soaps, detergents, fish entrails and other waste out of streams. Even “biodegradable” soap pollutes.
Do not feed wildlife. Keep a clean camp and store food properly. Read the next page for important bear information.
Travel on well-established trials as much as possible for safety and to prevent erosion. If you must leave the trail do not cut through switchbacks or take shortcuts through wet trails as this can cause hazardous conditions and trail destruction.
Leave rocks, plants, and other natural and cultural objects as you find them. Do not build rock cairns. If placed incorrectly, they can mislead visitors, cause unnecessary damage, and lead to potential injuries.
Know the weather and check the forecast before starting your trip. Due to effects of the 2018 Carr Fire, sudden storm activity could lead to evacuation and closure of the backcountry on short notice. This is a public safety measure to protect visitors from potential falling trees/limbs, flash flooding/debris flows, or loose falling rocks. Please stay aware of any change in weather conditions and observe posted warning signs.
Disturbing, digging, or removal of cultural features or artifacts is prohibited.
Historic abandoned mine shafts, adits, and other features are present throughout the park. Please use caution when traveling overland. Shafts or other features are not always immediately visible. Never enter an abandoned mine, unknown hazards may include flooded passages, toxic air, wildlife, and collapsing walls. Stay Out, Stay Alive.
When you are out safely and out of the park, call Whiskeytown Dispatch, so the park is aware at 530-242-3431.
Whiskeytown is Bear Country
There are black bears in Whiskeytown, and they are clever and persistent. Take the time to set up your camp properly and keep your tent area clean. Careless camping and lazy or improper food storage often result in nuisance bears which may have to be killed if they become dangerous.
Do Not Store Food in Tents
Store any food or scented items, including toothpaste, cosmetics, soap and garbage in a bear canister or a bear hang. All items hung in a bear hang must be 10 feet from the tree trunk and 15 feet from the ground. Bear cans and bear hangs should be 200 to 300 feet from your campsite.
If Bears approach your food storage or campsite, scare them away immediately. Black Bears may be timid but can be aggressive to acquire food. To scare bears away at Whiskeytown, shout loudly, make yourself appear big and throw rocks and sticks at them. Always maintain a safe distance of 50 yards/150 feet or more. This applies to any wildlife.
If a black bear attacks, fight back. For the bears safety never try to distract it with food. For your safety, never try to retrieve stolen food or equipment unless the bear has abandoned it. More information on black bears can be found on our Safety Page.
Help Save a Bear's Life
Bears that obtain human food or trash may become aggressive and dangerous and then must be killed. You can prevent this by properly storing your food and garbage while camping. Please report all bear incidents at the Visitor Center.
