Redding sits at the northern end of California's Sacramento Valley, where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges converge. Most campsites near Redding, California range between 500-1,100 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically highest from July through September. Winter camping remains viable with mild temperatures compared to higher-elevation locations, though seasonal facility closures affect availability at certain campgrounds.
What to do
Lakeside activities at Whiskeytown Lake: Oak Bottom Tent Campground provides direct access to swimming, fishing, and boating on Whiskeytown Lake. "Large site next to the shore. Short walk to swimming beach and showers. Kids loved it," notes Karen O., though she mentions the downside of "having to haul our gear down a trail to get to our spot."
Riverside relaxation: JGW RV Park features riverside sites with full hookups along the Sacramento River. "We have a 24' motorhome and get spots on the river. It's very nice to sit and look at river. Big grassy area to walk dog and enjoy river under shade," writes Paula B.
Explore creek ecosystems: Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground offers access to creek exploration with nine well-spaced sites. "So far my experience has been great we're camping out for 3 Days got campsite 6, nice little spot next to the water," reports Tessa F., who adds that "sites four and five are directly next to each other six is separate 7 8 and 9 are a little more secluded in the back."
What campers like
Secluded shoreline spots: Beehive Point Shoreline Campground provides dispersed camping along the lake with minimal development. "We stayed on a Thursday night until Friday morning and there were only a few other people there, we couldn't see any of them from our spot so we felt totally isolated," explains Mandi W.
Clean facilities: Mountain Gate RV Park maintains exceptionally clean grounds and amenities. "We loved our stay. We felt safe and it's probably one of the most cleanest campground and facilities I've ever been to. Clean bathrooms, showers, zero trash around," shares Jill P.
Seasonal advantages: Camping outside peak summer months offers significantly more solitude. Laura M. reports about Beehive Point: "We stayed here for 4 nights mid week in early May and mostly had the whole place to ourselves. There were a few day use visitors, and 2 neighbors who stayed one night each."
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake and river levels can vary dramatically by season. "The water is really, really low at this time. It is possible to climb down to the water, and there is a boat ramp a bit further up, so there were boats in the water when we were here," notes Laura M. about Beehive Point in May.
Primitive camping logistics: Some campgrounds lack amenities most urban campers expect. Lily S. advises about Peltier Bridge: "You can only buy the pass online so make sure you get it ahead of time." She adds that despite being close to Redding, there were "no highway or 'civilization' sounds at night."
Fire restrictions: Boulder Creek RV Redding and several other campgrounds prohibit campfires. "Mid-July, 114 degrees and their pool is closed!!! At $90+ per night expect better," warns Lisa L., highlighting the importance of confirming which amenities will be available during extreme heat periods.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access limitations: Several RV parks with pools have seasonal or unexpected closures. John R. notes about Boulder Creek: "Excellent Verizon signal. Very clean. The only negative was it appeared to be many long term residents. Also the water park next to the campground was closed."
Hidden tent camping options: Oak Bottom requires campers to transport gear to sites without vehicle access. One camper reports: "Oopsies. Did NOT know this was walk in only campground. We camp out of our 4Runner and ended up having to buy a tent and haul everything into our site."
Best spots for kids: Look for shoreline sites with shallow water access. At Peltier Bridge, Stacy L. recommends: "There's like 9 or so sites all pretty far apart. The creek is super beautiful. It was really hot during the day like 90s but site #9 is shady and the river is freezing so it's easy to stay cool."
Tips from RVers
Highway noise considerations: Many Redding area campgrounds experience highway noise due to proximity to I-5. Rich J. notes about Sacramento River RV Park: "Easy to make a reservation, pool and exercise room, clean and updated bathrooms. Biggest downfall is the freeway is close by and it is therefore a little noisy."
Water quality issues: Test water before connecting to RV systems. Paula B. warns about JGW RV Park: "Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice."
After-hours check-in: For late arrivals, several parks offer self-check-in options. Sue L. shares about Sacramento River RV Park: "We stopped here well after they had closed. The late night check in was easy. The map they provided to pick out a spot was easy to read, the instruction were clear and concise."
