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Camping near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

467 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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Best Camping Sites Near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (217)

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Recent Camping Photos near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

133 Photos of 217 Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

467 Reviews of 217 Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

    Nice but crazy smokey from campfires

    Checked in on a saturday night and got an RV campsite. The map showed the aote as being close to the water but uou ate actually quite a ways and cant even really see it.

    Site included a table and fire ring. Relatively spacious. Bathrooms not far and clean.

    On a down side, campground was super smokey. Felt like we were in the middle of a fire. Ugh. Would have tried to move if we were not so tired.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    JGW RV Park

    On the river!!

    We like this place in Redding. 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. Reasonable price. Nice staff. Water does seem cloudy so be sure to run it before you hook up. I have had to clear out my faucet filter twice.

  • Kathleen M.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Castle Lake Campground

    Quiet and beautiful!

    I loved my 2 nights at Castle Lake Campground.  I was the only one in the 6 campsites until late the first night. When I left, 4 sites had been used. I went in off season so it was quiet. No water, bring your own. But the sites are large and private and the trees are beautiful. All the downed firewood has been picked, but if you go up to the overflow parking area at the lake, there is a lot of downed wood there.

    There is a small creek that runs behind the campground that you can hear quietly running.

    The lake is a short walk up the hill (or drive) and has a couple of short hikes and a longer hike. Very popular. The lake is crystal clear and very serene. 

    The pit toilets are clean and there are bear proof trash cans. Of my 3 campsites on this trip, this one was the best.

  • Marie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground was Railroad Park Resort

    Nice campground

    Easy access to the highway without the noise. There is a dining railcar restaurant, camp host is great. We came in on a Thursday no reservation and had no problem snagging a roomy spot for our 30' towing a Jeep. Great in the woods feel with full hookups. Highly recommended. Bears are common in this area.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Simple but clean and nice level sites with picnic tables

    Just staying one night on my way to Nevada but this is an easy location with decent cell service and a clean bathroom and garbage receptacles in a hiking and equestrian area

  • Bruce E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Post Creek Guard Station

    Labor Day seclusion

    Post creek guard station was awesome. The views were amazing, especially the star gazing. Took Tedoc rd going in. Long, dirt, rocky rd not recommended for passenger vehicles. Our transit connect was fine, but slow going, just enough clearance. The cabin was pretty clean. Someone left their garbage. It's a pack in 0ack out kinda place. Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water. (Non-potable) nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole. There are 2 new full size mattresses and a 2 burner Coleman stove. Recommend just bringing all your own gear and consider it like a camping trip, w/ bonus flush toilet. The drive out was smooth. Took service rd 30. Dirt for a short bit, then paved all the way to hwy 36. Definitely be going back, and hitting some of the hiking trails.

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Great spot for a short stop over

    This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off.

  • Diana R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Red Bluff KOA Journey

    Messed up reservations, staff rude.

    This campground has a lot of live ins: there animals are not well behaved, barked most of the night, stray cats wandering around bothering our animals.  We made reservations and reserved a campsite number, was not told we had to pay $25 more to reserve a site, they put us in the site I requested not to have, the excuse was the computer rearranged the campsite. Asked to speak to management who never appeared and lady at desk was rude.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Hayden Flat Campground

    Good for a quick stop

    Camped here on a Monday night and no one stopped in. Love it when that happens. Clean bathrooms and running water

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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