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Camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

464 Reviews

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has several good camping options throughout the park. You can stay at Hirz Bay Campground near Shasta Lake, where the sites give you plenty of room and trees for shade between neighbors. If you want to be right on the water, Beehive Point Shoreline Campground puts you close to the lake for swimming and boating. You can drive to most campgrounds on regular roads, but you might need a truck or SUV with better clearance for some spots, especially if it's been raining. Spring and fall are really the sweet spots for camping here - not too hot or cold. Summer gets pretty hot, which is fine if you're planning to spend most of your time in the water. Some campgrounds close during winter, so check before you go. Don't expect fancy facilities - you'll find basic stuff like bathrooms and picnic tables at most sites, but bring your own water and supplies since they're not always available. There are good hiking trails all around, and you'll probably see some wildlife while you're out. Whiskeytown works well for both weekend trips and longer stays, depending on what kind of camping you like to do.

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464 Reviews of 216 Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Guide to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Water activities: Enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking at nearby lakes. One camper mentioned, "We had so much fun walking down to the lake fishing, swimming and playing with the dogs" at Hirz Bay Campground.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. A visitor at Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground noted, "Even as close to Redding as this was, there were no highway or 'civilization' sounds at night which was awesome."
  • Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Hirz Bay Campground shared a thrilling experience: "Around 4am a black bear came through our site... it definitely smelled us and knew exactly where we were."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites available. A review for Hayward Flat mentioned, "The sites are varied here. You have tent sites and RV sites and all are spacious."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Mountain Gate RV Park said, "It’s probably one of the cleanest campgrounds and facilities I’ve ever been to."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort noted, "The host is very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Beehive Point Shoreline Campground, lack basic amenities like drinking water and showers. A camper warned, "No drinking water, no electric hookups."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Hirz Bay Campground recounted, "We ended up going home later that day, just wanna be safe than sorry."
  • Seasonal access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Trinity Lake KOA Holiday operates from May 9 to October 13.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A review for Red Bluff KOA Journey mentioned, "Great for families with young children and those hoping for entertainment for kids."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A camper at Trinity Lake KOA Holiday suggested, "There are plenty of games like bocci and ladder ball."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campers noted that quiet hours aren't always enforced. A family at Hayward Flat said, "We were woken up by loud partying well after 2 am."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A review for Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort mentioned, "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30-foot trailer."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Mountain Gate RV Park appreciated, "The RV spots are full hook up with nice green grass."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Hirz Bay Campground noted, "The campground was basically empty, but the highway noise was noticeable."

Camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California, offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Just be prepared for the quirks of each campground, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the designated campgrounds in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers several designated campgrounds for visitors. Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is a popular option located near the lake with tent sites that can get crowded during peak season but offer more space during shoulder seasons like October. Brandy Creek Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is another designated option for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. Additional campgrounds include Horse Camp Primitive Campground, Brandy Creek RV Campground, and Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground - all offering different amenities and settings within the recreation area.

Is Whiskeytown Lake part of Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

Whiskeytown Lake is part of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, which is managed separately from Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, though they're often mentioned together. The full administrative name is Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, which encompasses three distinct areas: Whiskeytown, Shasta, and Trinity. Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is within the Whiskeytown unit, while Trinity River (Ca) — Shasta Trinity National Forest is part of the larger forest system that includes the Trinity unit. Each area has its own recreational opportunities and management practices.

Can you RV camp at Whiskeytown Lake?

Yes, RV camping is available at Whiskeytown Lake. Brandy Creek RV Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is specifically designed to accommodate RVs with features like water hookups. For those wanting alternatives near the area, Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort is about 30 minutes from Redding with well-maintained roads suitable for RVs, including those towing travel trailers. Remember to purchase your recreation area pass online before arrival. Most RV sites in the region offer standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though full hookups may be limited at the primitive campgrounds within the recreation area itself.

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