Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!
Photo: NPS Photo.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more.
- LocationWhiskeytown, CA
- Entrance $25 private vehicle
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now57°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Astronomy
- Birds
- Birthplace
- Bridges
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
23 more topics
- Cats (wild)
- Dams
- Fire
- Fish
- Homesteading
- Lakes
- Night Sky
- Painting
- Photography
- River and Riparian
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- The Gold Rush
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Trails
- Transportation
- Waterfalls
- Watersheds
- Westward Expansion
- Wilderness
Alerts (1)
InformationDon't Move a Mussel! Hey Boaters, please clean, drain, and dry your vessel completely before setting out on Whiskeytown Lake. Thank you for d… Read more
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.
Things to Do
4 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Gold Panning at Whiskeytown NRA
Fee applies
Become a gold miner for a day! Gold pan along Clear Creek at the Clear Creek picnic area. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848 by Pierson B. Reading. The news of the discovery brought a…
Learn more about Gold Panning at Whiskeytown NRA on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike to Whiskeytown Falls
Whiskeytown Falls is a series of cascades which drop 220 feet as the east fork of Crystal Creek winds down the slope of Shasta Bally. The falls are accessed by the James K. Carr trail, a moderately…
Learn more about Hike to Whiskeytown Falls on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Paddling on Whiskeytown Lake
Reservation required
Whiskeytown Lake is one of the premier paddle-sport areas in northern California. With almost 40 miles of shoreline there are always new areas to explore. Ranger-led kayak tours are a great way to…
Learn more about Paddling on Whiskeytown Lake on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Swimming at Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake is a fantastic location to enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day. This lake has about 37 miles of shoreline. During the summer months surface water temperatures can reach nearly 80°F…
Learn more about Swimming at Whiskeytown Lake on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 4 of 4
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Swimming
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
Show 32 more activities
- Horse Trekking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Backcountry Camping
- Backcountry Hiking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Canoeing
- Car or Front Country Camping
- First Person Interpretation
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Freshwater Fishing
- Freshwater Swimming
- Front-Country Hiking
- Group Camping
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Hunting and Gathering
- Kayaking
- Living History
- Motorized Boating
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- RV Camping
- Sailing
- SCUBA Diving
- Shopping
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Water Skiing
Camping
9 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Brandy Creek Primitive Campground
Reservable Campground
This campground is located in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area,19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. You can hear the…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
Details
Overview
This campground is located in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area,19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. You can hear the waters of Brandy Creek from each campsite. Brandy Creek Trail passes nearby the campground and leads to a lovely series of waterfalls.
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
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. Each campsite has its own vault toilet. Drinking water and electricity are not available.
Brandy Creek is tent-on-the-ground camping only. No RVs, mobile homes, tent trailers, popup tents, cab-over campers, tent-car/truck hybrids allowed at this site. No overflow parking available.Since the Carr Fire there is no shade at these sites.
Natural Features
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 two miles south of 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. -
Brandy Creek RV Campground
Reservable Campground
This RV-only campground is located at the popular Brandy Creek Marina of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13.5 miles west of Redding, California, and 3.5 hours…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
Details
Overview
This RV-only campground is located at the popular Brandy Creek Marina of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13.5 miles west of Redding, California, and 3.5 hours north of Sacramento. The beach and the launch ramp are located .25 mile away from the campground, which is partially shaded by oaks and pines. The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. Ample opportunities fro hiking and mountain biking are offered by a network of trails.
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 picknicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed during the appropriate season.
Facilities
The campground is on asphalt but has some shade from nearby trees. There are no restrooms, tables, hookups or fire grates. Recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, pop-up tent trailers and fifth wheels must have fully self-contained toilet and wastewater devices to be allowed here.
Natural Features
Gentle breezes from the lake, cooling shade from oaks and pines, and the sound of children playing on nearby Brandy Creek Beach make Brandy Creek RV Campground a relaxing retreat. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, the Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a variety of wildlife and landscapes.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.Nearby Attractions
Brandy Creek Beach is located a half mile south of 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.
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Carr Powerhouse Picnic Shelter
Reservable Campground
Carr Powerhouse Picnic Area is located on the northern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 15 miles west of Redding, California. This…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Picnicking
- Birding
- Day Use Area
- Historic & Cultural Site
Details
Fees: This picnic shelter costs $50 per day to reserve. Entrance fees are required in addition for each vehicle. If you already have a valid Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or Whiskeytown Annual pass, please display this pass in a…
Overview
Carr Powerhouse Picnic Area is located on the northern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 15 miles west of Redding, California. This covered picnic area is a popular spot to celebrate birthdays, weddings, family reunions, work events and many other special occasions. There is a big open lawn area with additional picnic tables and benches.
This is a day use area only. The hours are 9 am to 9 pm for reservation holders.
Recreation
This area offers plenty of beuaitful views of Whiskeytown Lake. It is a big open grass area with benches, picnic tables, cornhole cement boards, and BBQ grills. Although swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing are popular activities in the Whiskeytown Lake National Recreation Area in the summer, this particular spot is not an area to do any of those due to strong water currents generated from the Carr Powerhouse.
Swimming, kayaing, wading, etc, can be done in the water at nearby Oak Bottom (2 miles east) and Whiskey Creek (4.5 miles east).
Hiking trails nearby include the Boulder Creek Falls and Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail. Both trails accessible by driving a short distance to the trailheads. Crystal Creek Road is less than 1 mile away which leads to hikes such as Crystal Creek and Whiskeytown Falls.
Facilities
The Carr Powerhouse Picnic Area contains one large covered pavilion area with seven concrete round tables, two large charcoal barbecue grills (each have 3 sections to grill on), electricity is available to the site, cement boards for game of cornhole (bags not provided), flushable toilets, and garbage and recycleable bins.
Natural Features
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is situated where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
Nearby Attractions
The Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp is located 2.0 miles from this area.
Boats are available for rent at Oak Bottom Marina, located 2 miles from this parking lot.
Swimming, kayaing, wading, etc, can be done in the water at nearby Oak Bottom (2 miles east) and Whiskey Creek (4.5 miles east).
Hiking trails nearby include the Boulder Creek Falls and Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail. Both trails accessible by driving a short distance to the trailheads. Crystal Creek Road is less than 1 mile away which leads to hikes such as Crystal Creek and Whiskeytown Falls.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.Charges & Cancellations
$10 Cancellation fee applies if cancelled prior to 14 days before arrival date. Late cancellation fees apply if cancelled less than 14 days before arrival date.
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Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
Reservable Campground
This tent-only campground is located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
Details
Overview
This tent-only campground is located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Crystal Creek flows alongside each campsite. The campground stays relatively cool due to the creek and to the shade given by a canopy of fir, maple and pine. Three nearby trails lead to lovely waterfalls.
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
Crystal Creek is a tent-on-the-ground 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 campground has two campsites both of which share one vault toilet. Drinking water and electricity are not available.
Due to a steep unpaved entrance road, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. The following are prohibited: all trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, cab-over campers and motorhomes. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. No overflow parking available.Natural Features
The heavy forest canopy and burbling year-round creek make Crystal Creek Primitive Campground an ideal location for a peaceful 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
The Tower House Historic District is located within the recreation area less than five miles from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground. Learn about the California Gold Rush history of the area by strolling among the historic buildings, water ditches, and a former gold mine, or by panning for gold or attending an interpretive program at the site.
Oak Bottom is located eight miles from the campground and features beaches, lakeside picnicking, and a full-service marina with boat rentals.
Show 5 more campgrounds
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DRY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND (Whiskeytown NRA)
Reservable Campground
This tent-only group campground is located on the southern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 14 miles west of Redding, California and…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Details
Overview
This tent-only group campground is located on the southern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 14 miles west of Redding, California and three hours north of Sacramento. 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 picknicking attract visitors. Boats may be launched at nearby Brandy Creek Marina and moored at the campground.Facilities
There are two spacious tent-only sites available at Dry Creek. Each site contains two large serving tables, numerous picnic tables, small and large charcoal barbecue grills, a cleared fire pit area, bear-proof storage lockers, vault toilets and drinking water.Natural Features
Dry Creek Group Campground affords beautiful lake-side views and a canopy of conifer, oak and maple trees, which offer pleasant shade for campers. Whiskeytown Lake 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 one mile from the campground and features sandy beaches and a large swimming area. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddleboards and kayaks. The trailhead for Brandy Creek Falls is located four miles away. -
Horse Camp Primitive Campground
Reservable Campground
This campground is located in the southeast corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 15 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Gold Panning
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
Details
Overview
This campground is located in the southeast corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 15 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. This is the only campground in the park that can accommodate camping with horses, but horseback riders must share the campground with visitors who may not have horses.
The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for horseback riding, 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
Horse Camp can accommodate any vehicle or combination of vehicles, including trailers, RVs and RVs pulling other vehicles. Overflow parking is available. Each campsite is equipped with two picnic tables, two large bear-resistant storage lockers, a metal fire pit with a swing-arm barbecue grill and a lamp pole. The two campsites share a vault toilet. A hand pump provides potable water when available. There is no electricity at the site.
There are no corrals, hitching posts or troughs at the site. Horses must be high-lined or tethered to trailer.Natural Features
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. Foothill pines lightly shade Horse Camp.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.Nearby Attractions
Brandy Creek Beach is located five 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. -
Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground
Reservable Campground
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…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
Details
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. -
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Reservable Campground
This tent-only campground is located in the center of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 17 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Biking
Details
Overview
This tent-only campground is located in the center of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 17 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Ponderosa pines and fir shade the campsites which have cliffside views of Brandy Creek. Nearby trails lead to a series of lovely waterfalls or into old-growth forest high on Shasta Bally Mountain.
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
Sheep Camp 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. Drinking water and electricity are not available. The campground has four campsites which share one vault toilet. To access these tent-only sites, walk approximately 25 feet from the parking area.
Due to a small parking area, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. The following are prohibited: all trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, cab-over campers and motorhomes. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. No overflow parking is available.Natural Features
Tall pine and fir trees providing cooling shade make Sheep Camp 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 south of 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. -
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (Whiskeytown NRA)
Reservable Campground
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area is located on the northern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13 miles west of Redding, California. The…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Canoeing
Details
Overview
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area is located on the northern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 13 miles west of Redding, California. The Group Picnic Area is a popular spot to celebrate birthdays, family reunions, work events and many other special occasions with a day of waterside fun. This is a day use area only. The hours are 9 am to 9 pm for reservation holders. Alcohol, smoking, and pets are prohibited.Recreation
During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing are popular activities in the Whiskey Creek arm of the lake. Boats may be launched at nearby Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp and moored along the shore of the Group Picnic Area.Facilities
The Group Picnic Area contains one large site and two small sites with dirt surfaces, each with two large serving tables, numerous picnic tables and a large charcoal barbecue grill. We recommend that you bring your own portable shade structures as there are no permanent ones at the site. These sites do not provide electric or water hookups. Two vault toilets service all sites.Natural Features
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is situated where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes. The Group Picnic Area features a protected cove for swimmers.Nearby Attractions
The Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp is located 1.6 miles from the Group Picnic Area. Boats may be launched from there and moored at the Group Picnic Area. Boats are available for rent at Oak Bottom Marina, located 5.5 miles from the Group Picnic Area. Call (530) 359-2671.
Facilities & Services
Find passes, tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Permits & Passes
Tours & Tickets
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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Ranger-Guided Kayak and Paddle Board Tours
Ticket Facility
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, located in northern California, is a unit of the National Park Service. The 42,000-acre park is situated eight miles west of…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 530-246-1225 Directions
Details
Overview:
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, located in northern California, is a unit of the National Park Service. The 42,000-acre park is situated eight miles west of Redding at the northern edge of the Sacramento river valley, in the foothills of the Klamath Mountains. The park was established in 1965 as part of the Central Valley project. Whiskeytown Lake provides a dependable water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power, and numerous recreational opportunities. Each year, approximately 800 thousand visitors come to enjoy the unique experiences that only can be had at Whiskeytown.
We invite you to explore the park's natural beauty, majestic views, and abundant wildlife via kayak or paddle board while participating in a ranger-guided tour.
Other Visitor Services
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Coggins Park
Facility
Coggins Park is a single site campground in a remote and isolated section of old-growth forest on the western edge of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This campsite…
Whiskeytown, CA (530) 246-1225
Details
Coggins Park is a single site campground in a remote and isolated section of old-growth forest on the western edge of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This campsite is closed during the winter. The site is full shaded and features a bear-proof storage locker and picnic table. No water, waste or toilet facilities - all wastes must be buried or hauled out. Both roads leading to Coggins Park are rough dirt roads which are not regularly maintained - high clearance vehicles strongly recommended. -
Whiskeytown Visitor Center
Facility
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…
14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA (530) 246-1225 Directions
Details
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.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Hours details
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Whiskeytown National Recreation AreaOpen 24 hours, daily
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.
Entrance fees
- $25Private Vehicle
- $20Motorcycle
- $15Per Person
Fee details
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Per Person$15
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
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Motorcycle$20
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
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Private Vehicle$25
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area only. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
Passes
- $55Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Valid at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to all four parks. It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and 3 others when entry is by other means (bicycle and foot). This pass covers entrance fees only and is not refundable and/or transferable.
Address
14412 Kennedy Memorial DriveWhiskeytown, CA 96095
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
57°F
Sunny · feels like 50°
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Today
67° 35°
Sunny1% rain
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Tomorrow
75° 39°
Sunny1% rain
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Wednesday
83° 47°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional thunderstorm. Winter brings snow to the upper elevations (only occasionally down to the lake level of 1,200'), and rain and ice. See the park weather page for the current weather.
Photos
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Explore the Tower House Historic District to learn about park history including the Camden Family who lived in this house for over a century. — NPS Photo. -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
Car From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center.
Full directions
Plane Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles from Whiskeytown. Rental vehicles are available.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095
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