Camping near 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!