Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located in Northern California, approximately 8 miles west of the city of Redding. It covers an area of over 42,000 acres and is situated at the juncture of the Klamath Mountain Range and the Cascade Range.
The area that is now Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has a rich historical background. Native American tribes, including the Wintu and Yana, inhabited the region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The area was later explored by trappers, followed by the Gold Rush that brought a significant influx of people.
In the mid-19th century, gold miners established settlements in the area, and remnants of their endeavors can still be seen today. The California Gold Rush left an indelible mark on the landscape, and visitors can explore historical sites such as the Camden House, Tower House Historic District, and the Anderson Cemetery.
One of the main attractions at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is Whiskeytown Lake, a 3,200-acre reservoir created by the construction of the Whiskeytown Dam. The lake offers various recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. Visitors can also take scenic cruises across the lake to admire the surrounding beauty.
The park boasts more than 70 miles of diverse trails, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Some popular hiking trails include the James K. Carr Trail, Brandy Creek Falls Trail, and Crystal Creek Falls Trail, leading to breathtaking waterfalls and stunning vistas.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the abundance of wildlife and marvel at the diverse plant species that thrive in the park. The Whiskeytown area is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with over 50 species of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer, and numerous bird species.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is also home to historical exhibitions, including the visitor center, which provides valuable insights into the area's cultural and natural history. Educational programs and ranger-led activities are offered for both children and adults.
The recreation area is conveniently located near numerous attractions and landmarks. Lassen Volcanic National Park is approximately 50 miles east and offers stunning volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and an impressive peak. Shasta Lake, with its ample water activities and houseboat rentals, lies about 30 miles north of Whiskeytown.
In summary, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area presents an ideal combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities. From its historic gold rush sites to its crystal-clear lake, diverse wildlife, and extensive trail system, it offers something for every visitor seeking to immerse themselves in California's rugged landscapes and cultural heritage.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located in the northern part of California, nestled among the picturesque Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Cascade Mountains. Situated approximately 8 miles west of the city of Redding, the recreation area encompasses over 39,000 acres of scenic beauty. It is blessed with diverse geographical features, including towering granite peaks, serene mountain lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The park's centerpiece is Whiskeytown Lake, a vast reservoir formed by the construction of the Whiskeytown Dam on the Trinity River. This stunning location offers visitors a breathtaking blend of natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is truly an oasis of tranquility and natural wonder within the heart of California.
14412 Kennedy Memorial DriveWhiskeytown, CA 96095Driving DirectionsPhone: 5302423400Web: Link
The best time to visit Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is in May or June. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is low, with values ranging from 0.9 inches to 2.6 inches, allowing for a pleasant experience. These months also have a moderate number of visitors, ensuring you can enjoy the park without large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Fishing Backcountry Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Swimming First Person Interpretation Mountain Biking Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Sailing Horse Camping (see also camping) Stand Up Paddleboarding SCUBA Diving Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing
Learn about these topics at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: Birthplace Animals Birds Night Sky Architecture and Building Arts Transportation Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles Fire River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Wilderness The Gold Rush Watersheds Painting Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Lakes Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Roads, Routes and Highways Bridges Homesteading Dams
The Visitor Center is a great place to start when you arrive in the park. Knowledgeable staff can help you maximize your visit. The Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Kennedy Memorial Drive and Highway 299. You can purchase a variety of Interagency and park-specific entrance passes as well as books, maps, and souvenir items. Exhibits outside the building introduce you to the natural and cultural history of the park. A small native plant garden is located behind the Visitor Center.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Whiskeytown Visitor Center.
This two site campground is found just off Brandy Creek Road, with Brandy Creek accessible a short walk away. The Brandy Creek trail, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, runs next to the campground. This campsite is closed during the winter. Both sites are in partial shade and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and an ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Brandy Creek campground fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
A secluded hilltop RV site close to Brandy Creek Marina and within walking distance of Brandy Creek Beach, the Brandy Creek trail and the Davis Gulch trail. Campground is an asphalt parking lot with 15 parking sites. Only for self-contained units that have their own toilets, such as recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, pop-up tent trailers, and fifth wheels. There is no bathroom and no hookups at this campground. One main water and dump station shared by all campers.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (RV camping fee)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round
The Crystal Creek campground offers two secluded sites along Crystal Creek and is a short drive away from both Crystal Creek falls and the James K. Carr trail to Whiskeytown Falls. This campsite is closed during the winter. A fairly steep dirt road accesses the campsites. Both sites are well shaded and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, with a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Crystal Creek camping fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
Dry Creek Group Campground includes two large campsites. Each site is primitive and may be reserved for groups of up to 50 people (20 people minimum). The campsites are located within oak woodland on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by Whiskeytown Lake. The primitive campground is located near Brandy Creek Marina.
Fees (US$): 80.00 (Dry Creek Group Camp fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal
Horse Camp is specifically for camping with horses. The open area allow ease of parking for horse trailers. Several trails are accessible from this campground. Both sites are in partial shade and feature bear-proof storage lockers, picnic tables, a lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of 10 people and 3 vehicles. Potable water available from a spigot most the year. No corrals, tie posts/rails, or water troughs onsite.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Horse Camp camping fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round
Sited along Clear Creek, the Peltier Bridge campground offers 9 sites and access to numerous trails. All sites offer a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and shared access to two ADA-accessible vault toilets.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Peltier Bridge camping fee)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
Sheep Camp is nestled in the mixed oak/pine/fir woodlands with nearby access to numerous trails and is a great launching point for treks up the 6,199' Shasta Bally, the highest point in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This campsite is closed during the winter. All sites are in partial shade and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, with a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Sheep Camp camping fee)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
With a stay at Rodeway Inn North Redding in Redding (Benton Tract), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Waterworks Park and Redding Civic Auditorium. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 532 N Market St, Redding, California 96003
Web: Link
With a stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Redding CA in Redding (Benton Tract), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Waterworks Park and Lake Redding Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 540 N Market St, Redding, California 96003
Web: Link
A stay at Thunderbird Lodge places you in the heart of Redding, within a 5-minute drive of Redding Civic Auditorium and Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 1350 Pine St, Redding, California 96001
Web: Link
With a stay at Stardust Motel Redding in Redding (Downtown Redding), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Lake Redding Park and Redding Civic Auditorium. Featured amenities include a business center and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1200 Pine St, Redding, California 96001
Web: Link
Located in Redding (Benton Tract), Turtle Bay Lodge is within a 5-minute drive of Waterworks Park and Lake Redding Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 525 North Market Street, Redding, California 96003
Web: Link
Located in Redding (Downtown Redding), Deluxe Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Lake Redding Park and Redding Civic Auditorium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1135 Market Street, Redding, California 96001
Web: Link
With a stay at Travel Inn in Redding (Downtown Redding), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Lake Redding Park and Redding Civic Auditorium. Featured amenities include express check-out and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1040 Market Street, Redding, California 96001-05
Web: Link
A stay at Sundial Lodge places you in the heart of Redding, within a 5-minute drive of Lake Redding Park and Redding Civic Auditorium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1055 N Market Street, Redding, California 96001
Web: Link
With a stay at Americana Modern Hotel in Redding (Downtown Redding), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Lake Redding Park and Vibra Hospital of Northern California. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1241 Market St, Redding, California 96001
Web: Link
With a stay at this vacation home in Redding, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Vibra Hospital of Northern California and Mercy Medical Center Redding. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2385 Dream St, Redding, California 96001
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-02-05 | National Park Service to Authorize Nearly 80 Miles of Trails for Bicycles at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California will soon be authorized to designate nearly 80 miles of trails for bicycle and e-bike use under a new National Park Service rule that expands responsible recreation access. More |
| 2026-01-22 | National Park Service seeks to rebuild Whiskeytown Environmental School with fire resilience and sustainability in mind Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is seeking public comments on its vision for rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School after the devastating megafire of 2018 and subsequent burn scar flooding. More |
| 2026-01-13 | Visitor Center open 8:30am to 4:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday. To complete an interior renovation construction project, the Visitor Center has been temporarily moved to the opposite end of the Visitor Center parking lot. The temporary Visitor Center is in a wheelchair accessible trailer. Please also note that the lake webcam is offline until construction is completed. Thank you for your patience. |
| 2025-06-05 | Don't Move a Mussel! Hey Boaters, please clean, drain, and dry your vessel completely before setting out on Whiskeytown Lake. Thank you for doing your part to keep the Golden Mussel, an aquatic invasive species, out of the reservoir. Learn more about preventative measures. More |
| 2024-10-24 | Prescribed Burn to occur near the Visitor Center and East Beach on Saturday Whiskeytown fire management staff are planning a 225-acre prescribed burn for Saturday, October 26. More |
| 2024-10-17 | Nature Hikes, Cemetery Tour, BARK in the Park Hike, and more... Whiskeytown, CA - Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is delighted to invite the public to the following ranger-led interpretive programs scheduled for this month and next... More |