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Water
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Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

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Oak Bottom Tent Campground, near French Gulch, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lakeside view. This campground is part of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, offering a perfect blend of nature and recreation.

The campground features spacious sites, many of which are right by the shoreline, allowing for easy access to swimming and kayaking. Visitors have noted that while some sites can be a bit sloped, they appreciate the privacy and the stunning views of the lake. As one camper put it, “Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites,” making it a great choice for those seeking a bit of solitude.

Amenities include clean restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, which make for a comfortable stay. Campers have enjoyed the convenience of having firewood available for purchase, although there can be some confusion about fire regulations. The area is also home to wildlife, with some guests spotting curious foxes during their stay.

For those who love water activities, the campground is a prime location for kayaking and fishing. Just keep in mind that it can get crowded during peak season, so planning ahead is wise. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer retreat, Oak Bottom offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

Description

National Park Service

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Oak Bottom Campground is the only campground within the boundaries of Whiskeytown NRA that are located on the shores of Whiskeytown Lake. The campground is operated by a concessionaire and is open year-round. 92 sites available, there is one ADA accessible site. Seasonal coin operated showers are available within walking distance at Oak Bottom Beach.

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Location

Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From jct I-5 & Hwy 299: Go 15 mi NW on Hwy 299.

Address

14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive
French Gulch, CA 96033

Coordinates

40.64920023 N
122.59052475 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2024

Nice shoreline campsite

Large site next to the shore. Short walk to swimming beach and showers. Kids loved it. Downside was having to haul our gear down a trail to get to our spot.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Karen O., April 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Karen O., April 26, 2024
Reviewed May. 5, 2023

Shoreline site is the way to go.

Very glad I got the site I did(SC10). The shoreline sites allow you your own little spot on the lake, although some seemed better then others. Site was sloped and uneven but did have a couple flat spots for tents. Not a ton of shade but what little shade it did have was next to tent flats. Table, fire and bear box were in full sun all day which makes afternoon food prep on a hot day a bit brutal. You do get some noise from the 299 at night. The walk in and out to the parking is a bit steep and further then other sites but it does mean you get a little more privacy. I was there to kayak fish for the weekend and the site was perfect for that. My guess is the place becomes a madhouse in the summertime and the non shoreline sites are pretty close together. I personally wouldn’t stay in a non shoreline site here, but that’s me. The lake is beautiful and there’s a beach at the campground, though really hot in the summer. I would give site SC10 4-stars but the campground overall 3-stars.

SiteSC10
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Dan G., May 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Dan G., May 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Dan G., May 5, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2022

Easy. Convenient. Potentially crowded during the high season

Pretty awesome views and very clean. Also super easy to get to from Redding. We had an inquisitive fox which was cool and there were a few feral cats which was not cool. Only one other group while we were there.

Only gripe was the no fires sign posted which was a little confusing considering they sold firewood and charcoal at the camp store.

SiteC2
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Glyn P., November 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Glyn P., November 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Glyn P., November 26, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Can I just live here?

Crowded, but secluded. Our site had private water access and was a good distance from adjacent sites. I really can't say enough good things about my time here. Would've stayed longer if I didn't have to get back to the real world. This place has bear boxes and trash/recycling bins, showers, restrooms, a marina with rentals, a store, and they even had a movie night. But from our campsite, we sometimes feel like we were the only ones there. Absolutely loved it. Hot during the day, a little windy at night, make sure your tent is properly staked if it's close to the water.

SiteSB2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Matt T., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Matt T., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Matt T., June 14, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2017

Great for Shoulder Season

We camped in Oak Bottom in October when the days were hot and the evenings were cool. Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites. However, if you are there during the high season, you will be crammed on top of one another. The only reason to tolerate that would be the close access to water. Again, because we were there during the late season, the water was low enough that it took some strategizing to get down there to get our SUPs in the water. Once we were in, it was perfect... cold and plenty deep. Oak Bottom is a tent only site, which is also a positive in my book. No generators or other vehicle sounds. The others in our area were also very quiet... no annoying music or loud voices during quiet hours. But, of course, that can't be guaranteed and I'm sure is different when the sites are filled since they are so VERY close together. Overall, I would recommend camping at Oak Bottom. If you're going during the busy season and you can afford it, reserve two spots!

SiteC20
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area by Chloe T., November 4, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

    Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Oak Bottom Tent Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area?

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