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Established Camping

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground is located near Whiskeytown in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. The terrain consists of forested areas and nearby water bodies. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Visitors can explore Whiskeytown Lake and the surrounding hiking trails.

Description

National Park Service

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

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

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.

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.

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Location

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed May. 30, 2024

Exactly what I was looking for

Your mileage may vary. I was looking for a primitive campsite that was quiet and secluded. This fit the bill 100%. I hammock camp, using a stand when trees aren't available, and I am completely self contained. That being said, these sites are equipped with a pit toilet, fire rings, picnic tables, and a food locker to deter the bears. I put my food in the locker, and I'm very glad I did. About 3am something woke me up sniffing around my hammock. I was not able to see it without moving, but it bumped me and was large enough to make the hammock sway. So, be prepared there is wildlife out there.

Site1
Month of VisitMay
  • The creek next to the campsite.
  • Review photo of Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Rick A., May 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Rick A., May 30, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

    Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Does Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

    There are 2 campsites at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts