Fishing and wildlife watching draw campers to this drive-in site along Crystal Creek, set within Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service. Sites include pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. Use the bear box. A visitor in 2024 reported a large animal bumping their hammock at 3am, so wildlife activity here is real and documented. RVs are limited to 20 feet, and the $20 nightly fee applies year-round. Reservations are available, which is worth considering given the limited number of sites.
Description
Overview
This tent-only campground is located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Crystal Creek flows alongside each campsite. The campground stays relatively cool due to the creek and to the shade given by a canopy of fir, maple and pine. Three nearby trails lead to lovely waterfalls. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.
Recreation
During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.
Facilities
Crystal Creek is a tent-on-the-ground only campground. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a large bear-resistant storage locker, a metal fire pit with a swing-arm barbecue grill and a lamp pole. The campground has two campsites both of which share one vault toilet. Drinking water and electricity are not available.Due to a steep unpaved entrance road, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. The following are prohibited: all trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, cab-over campers and motorhomes. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. No overflow parking available.
Natural Features
The heavy forest canopy and burbling year-round creek make Crystal Creek Primitive Campground an ideal location for a peaceful retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
Nearby Attractions
The Tower House Historic District is located within the recreation area less than five miles from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground. Learn about the California Gold Rush history of the area by strolling among the historic buildings, water ditches, and a former gold mine, or by panning for gold or attending an interpretive program at the site. Oak Bottom is located eight miles from the campground and features beaches, lakeside picnicking, and a full-service marina with boat rentals.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves and campfires, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCrystal Creek Primitive Campground is located in California near French Gulch
Directions
From Redding, CA, drive 19 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Crystal Creek Road and follow it for 3.5 miles to the campground. The campground will be on the left-hand side of the road down an unpaved driveway.
Address
PO Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
Coordinates
40.6422222 N
122.6708333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/16/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/16/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
