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.

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.

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

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Whiskeytown, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Whiskeytown, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

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The Best Camping Near Whiskeytown, California

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!

Great for Shoulder Season

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.

Can I just live here?

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. 

Easy. Convenient. Potentially crowded during the high season  

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. 

Shoreline site is the way to go.

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. 

Nice shoreline campsite

Paying for sites could be better, and I think it's unfair that year after year the same people get the good spots like waterfront areas. 

Disappointed

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. They provide a wheelbarrow for hauling your stuff but it was pretty rough we missed that key point in our planning. We ended up staying for the lake floating and views on our way to Trinity Alps. 

No car camping

I was skeptical at first but the staff were awesome and Friendly and helpful. The Lake was Beautiful &amp; watching all the different types of boats 🚢 launch and swimming at the shore was packed on the weekend. 

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

Real photos from real campers