Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground sits within Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area off Highway 299, accessed by a gravel road that reviewers describe as manageable in a standard sedan but narrow enough to limit larger vehicles. The campground is drive-in only, with a 15-foot RV maximum, and reservations must be made in advance through recreation.gov since passes are not available on-site. The nine sites are spread well apart from one another, with sites 7, 8, and 9 positioned farthest from the entrance and offering more seclusion. Tree cover is dense, which means solar panels and satellite devices are unlikely to function reliably here.
The creek running alongside the sites is the campground's defining feature. Campers consistently mention falling asleep to the sound of moving water, and on hot days the river provides a way to cool off, though getting to the water from some sites requires navigating brush or a steep grade. Trails in the surrounding area pass through terrain marked by old fire damage, though the campground itself retains significant tree cover and shade. Nearby, Horse Camp Primitive Campground and Brandy Creek Primitive Campground give campers additional options within the same recreation area.
Pit toilets at the campground entrance are consistently noted as clean, and bear boxes are on-site. No running water is available. "Right next to a creek/river so great water sounds all night," notes Stephanie W., who also found ample downed branches for campfires. At $20 per night, this campground works well for tent campers and small vehicle travelers who want direct creek access and a forested setting within a national recreation area.
Description
Overview
This tent-only campground is located in the southeast corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13.5 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Clear Creek flows past the campground, making it a popular spot for fly fishing. The camp is shaded by alders and large canyon live oaks. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.
Recreation
During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.
Facilities
Peltier Bridge is a tent-only campground. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a large bear-resistant storage locker, a metal fire pit with a swing-arm barbecue grill, and a lamp pole. The campsites share two vault toilets. For campsites 1, 2 and 3, park and walk approximately 25-35 feet to your site. Drinking water and electricity are not available. Due to a small parking area, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. This includes vehicles towing trailers and fifth wheels and vehicles towing pop-up campers. Motorhomes are not allowed in this campground. No overflow parking is available.
Natural Features
Tall trees providing cooling shade make Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground a relaxing retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.
Nearby Attractions
Brandy Creek Beach is located three and a half miles from the campground and features sandy beaches, a large swimming area, picnicking and barbecuing facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddle boards and kayaks.
Reservation Info
In dry conditions, fire use/firepit use may be limited or restricted. Please check when you arrive.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPeltier Bridge Primitive Campground is located in California near Whiskeytown
Directions
From Redding, CA, drive 10 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Kennedy Memorial Drive and follow it for 1.6 miles to Paige Bar Road. Turn left onto Paige Bar Road at the dam and drive 1.2 miles to Peltier Valley Road. Turn right and follow Peltier Valley Road .7 mile to the campground.
Address
PO Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
Coordinates
40.5858333 N
122.5516667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/4/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
