Picnic Areas and Beaches

Brandy Creek Beach. A great place to picnic and swim.

NPS photo.

 

 

Swimming at Whiskeytown Lake

Whiskeytown Lake is the perfect spot to cool off with a refreshing swim, especially on a hot day. With 37 miles of shoreline, the lake offers plenty of space to enjoy its clear waters, which can reach surface temperatures of nearly 80°Fduring the summer.

Main Swim Beaches

There are three main swim beaches with amenities:

• Brandy Creek Beach
• Oak Bottom Beach
• East Beach

All of these beaches have roped-off swimming areas that are closed to boating, making them safe for families. Many visitors plan to spend most of their day at these beaches, so it’s recommended that you bring beach chairs, food, and plenty of water. Picnic tables and grills are available at all three locations. Please ensure that all food and beverages are attended or properly stored to avoid attracting wildlife.

Pets, smoking (including vaping and e-cigarettes), and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on these beaches.

Both Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom beaches have concession-operated stores during the summer, where you can purchase snacks and pay your park entry fee.

Additional Swimming Spots

For a more natural swimming experience, head to the Tower House Historic District, where you can splash around in Clear Creek and Willow Creek. These creeks offer cooler, fast-moving water, and most sections are only a few feet deep—perfect for a quick dip on a hot day.

Visitors also enjoy finding more secluded areas along the lakeshore. While these spots may be less accessible, they allow pets and responsible alcohol consumption. These areas are often found at small parking areas or roadside pullouts, though the shoreline can be steep due to the lake’s reservoir design. Please be aware that smoking is not allowed in any of these locations.

Open Water Swimming

For visitors interested in open water distance swimming, it is recommended that you use a high-visibility swim float to ensure boats can see you, helping to prevent accidents.

Wherever you choose to swim, you’re sure to find a fantastic spot at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area to relax and enjoy the refreshing waters.

 

Unwind in Whiskeytown’s Picnic Areas

Whiskeytown offers beautiful shaded picnic areas, complete with tables, fire grills, and restrooms—perfect for a peaceful day surrounded by nature. Popular picnic spots include:

• Brandy Creek
• Oak Bottom
• Whiskey Creek Boat Launch Area

For large gatherings, the Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (located across the lake from the boat launch ramp) is available by reservation. For a more scenic experience, visit the charming Crystal Creek Falls picnic site, featuring two tables and stunning views of the waterfall. This site is located about two miles south of Highway 299 on Crystal Creek Road.

Accessible Picnic Sites

Handicap-accessible picnic sites, fishing piers, and beach access are available at Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek. The Whiskey Creek area also offers an accessible fishing pier.

Wildlife Safety & Food Storage

It's essential to follow wildlife guidelines when picnicking at Whiskeytown. Feeding wildlife is prohibited and may result in fines or citations. To prevent wildlife disturbances:

• Do not leave food unattended.
• Store all food and scented items (even clean cookware and trash) in a secured vehicle when not in use.
• Remember that anything with a scent—food, drinks, condiments, trash, and utensils—can attract wildlife.

Prepare for a Safe Picnic Experience

Visitors have been helping to keep wildlife at bay by following these simple steps to maintain a clean and safe picnic site:

• Use Storage Tubs & Coolers: Pack your food, drinks, and cookware in sturdy containers with lids. These are easier to store in your vehicle and provide better protection from wildlife.
• Stay Close to Your Food: Keep all food and trash within arm’s reach to discourage wildlife from sneaking a snack.
• Store Scented Items in Your Vehicle: When you're not at your picnic site, store all food and scented belongings in your vehicle to avoid fines and confiscation.

Proper food storage and a clean picnic area will allow you to relax and enjoy your time at the park without any disruptions from wildlife.

 

Picnic and Beach Areas Infomation

Area	Status			Tables	Grills	Large Groups	Garbage	Recycling	Drinking Water	Restrooms	Notes
Brandy Creek Beach	Facilities are closed for the season			54	35	♦	♦	♦	♦	♦	Parking is limited to the gravel lot adjacent to JFK Memorial Drive. Access by foot is still available.
Brandy Creek Marina	Open			7	4		♦	♦	♦	♦
Whiskey Creek Marina	Open			16	9	♦	♦	♦		♦
Clear Creek Picnic Area	Open			6	5		♦	♦		♦
Crystal Creek Falls	Open			3	3		♦	♦		♦	* Picnic area is .25 miles/.4 km down a paved trail from parking lot and restroom.
Carr Powerhouse	Open			2	-	♦	♦	♦	♦	♦	* Large, open grassy area.
Oak Bottom Beach	Open			20	13	♦	♦	♦	♦	♦	* Beach store open in summer.
Oak Bottom Marina	Open			7	-		♦	♦	♦	♦
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (3 sites available by reservation only)	Boat in Access Only from 9am - 8pm No vehicle access No reservations until further notice			1: 7 2: 4 3: 3	1 1 1	♦	♦	♦		♦	* Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area is a day-use area available only by reservation, and is open during the summer season.