Horse Camp may accommodate any tent, vehicle or combination of vehicles, including trailers, RVs, and RVs pulling other vehicles. There is no length restriction. Sleeping in vehicles is permitted here. Horse Camp has drinking water available from a hand pump.
Peltier Bridge is for tent camping only. There is no drinking water. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. All sites contain a picnic table, a bear-proof storage locker, a fire pit with a swing-arm BBQ grill, and a pole for hanging your lantern. The sites share a vault toilet.
Fees
The primitive camping fee is $20.00 per night year-round. The following will be honored for a 50% discount: the Interagency Senior and Access Passes.
How to Pay for and Reserve Your Site
Pay for your site online atwww.recreation.gov or call toll free 1-877-833-6777. This is the only way to pay for or reserve a site at the campground. We no longer accept payment at the Whiskeytown visitor center. You can make reservations for the campground up to six months in advance.
In addition to the campground fee, an entrance pass must be purchased for the use of the recreation area. Entrance passes can be purchased at the visitor center or online at www.YourPassNow.com or www.recreation.gov.
Primitive Campground Regulations
Download your proof of payment from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
Only six people may stay in one site at Peltier Bridge and only two tents may be erected per site. At Horse Camp, 10 people are allowed per site with up to three tents and three vehicles. Any visitors to your site must leave by the 10 PM quiet time.
Check-out time is noon and check-in time is 1:00 pm.
Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM. Loud voices and music are prohibited after 10 PM.
Pets must be kept in a cage or on a leash no more than six feet in length at all times. Unattended pets are subject to impoundment and the owners may be issued a notice of violation. Dispose of pet waste in trash cans.
Protect our natural resources. Gather only dead and down wood for firewood. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation.
Do not leave campfires unattended. Always make sure that your fire is completely extinguished before you leave your campsite or before you go to sleep for the night.
You may stay a total of 14 days from May 15 through September 15 or a total of 30 days during the entire calendar year.
Portable showers are not allowed. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, free cold showers or hot showers for a small fee are available at Oak Bottom Beach.
Generators are not allowed.
Whiskeytown is black bear country. All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your bear-proof storage locker or in your vehicle out of sight and odor-free unless they are in immediate use. Never store these items in your tent.
Oak Bottom Tent & RV Campground General Information
Oak Bottom Campground is the only campground located on the shores of Whiskeytown Lake. The campground is operated by a concessioner and is open year-round.
Campground vegetation was moderately to severely burned during the Carr Fire of July 2018 and we recommend bringing a shade structure for your site. Some sections of the campground remain closed due to the fire.
Each tent campsite has a table, fire grate, and bear-proof storage locker. There is one restroom with flush toilets. All sites are walk-in; the distance from the parking area to your campsite may be anywhere from 10 to 500 feet. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in the tent area.
The RV campgroundcontains 22 sites and is located in the large parking area near the launch ramp. The campground is on the asphalt and has no shade. The sites do not have tables, hookups, or fire grates. Water is available nearby. A dump station is nearby. No tents are allowed in the RV area. The RV campground is a short walk from the tent campground.
Reservations
Site-specific reservations can be made by calling the campground store at (530) 359-2269.
Senior, Access, Golden Age and Golden Access cardholders:
All sites will receive a 50% discount. The cardholder must be present upon check-in.
Value Season Rates: October 16 to April 14
Shoreline tent, regular tent sites and RV sites are all $20 per night during the value season.
For Senior, Access, Golden Age and Golden Access cardholders, all sites will receive a 50% discount. The cardholder must be present upon check-in.
Camping Limits
During the summer season, April 15 through October 15, the camping limit is 14 days.
During the winter season, October 16 through April 14, the camping limit is 30 days, which is also the total for the entire year.
Entrance Pass
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee in addition to your camping fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Oak Bottom Campground Store, the Whiskeytown visitor center, or online by using your smart phone, tablet, or computer at:www.YourPassNow.com.
You may display a Military Annual Pass, a Golden Age or Access Passport, an Interagency Annual Pass or a Senior or Access Pass in lieu of the Whiskeytown entrance pass.
Contact Information
Oak Bottom Campground Store (530) 359-2269
Whiskeytown Visitor Center (530) 246-1225
Facilities and Activities
Small stores are located at the campground and the marina. They carry basic supplies.
Showers are available during the summer season at the beach restrooms. There is a small fee for hot showers.
Firewood is limited and you should plan to bring your own. You may also purchase firewood at the campground store.
Popular activities at Oak Bottom include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.
A boat launch ramp is located adjacent to the RV Campground. It is open during the summer season but closed during the winter.
A variety of boats can be rented at the marina during the summer season. Jet skis and similar brands of personal watercraft are banned on Whiskeytown Lake.
A swim beach with a large picnic area and restrooms with flush toilets are nearby. There are no lifeguards at this beach. Alcohol, smoking and pets are prohibited at the beach and picnic area.
Free hiking guides and maps are available at the visitor center.
Educational programs are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day by National Park Service rangers. Junior Ranger and Junior Firefighter patches may be earned by children 7 to 12 years old.
A handicapped accessible fishing pier is located at the marina and can be used year round.
Dogs are permitted in the campground, provided they are on leash, but they are not allowed on the swim beach. They may not be left unattended at any time. There is a $2.00 fee per night per pet.
Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail follows the lakeshore and is a good place for birding.
Brandy Creek RV Campground.
Brandy Creek Recreational Vehicle Campground
General Information
Brandy Creek RV Campground is a primitive campground located near the south shore of Whiskeytown Lake. To reach the campground from Highway 299, turn onto Kennedy Memorial Drive at the Visitor Center. Follow this road six miles to the Brandy Creek Marina turnoff. The campground is on the right ¼ mile from the turnoff.
Self-contained units that are allowed here include recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, pop-up tent trailers, and fifth wheels. All units must have fully self-contained toilet and wastewater devices, defined as apparatus permanently constructed within a motor vehicle for the purpose of collecting and storing human waste and wastewater for later disposal in a dump station or other device. There are no restrooms in the campground.
The maximum length allowed is 35 feet. No tents are allowed in the RV area. The campground is on the asphalt and has some shade. There are 15 sites and each one has an accessible concrete picnic table. There are no hookups or fire grates. The campground has a dump station and a water source. Pets are permitted in the campground, provided they are on leash, but they are not allowed on the swim beach.
A boat launch ramp is located near the RV campground. Jet skis and similar brands of personal watercraft are banned on Whiskeytown Lake. A swim beach with a large picnic area, restrooms, and cold showers is nearby. The showers are only available in the summer.
Camping Fees
The fee is $20.00 per night year-round. If you have a Golden Age or Access Passport or an Interagency Senior or Access Pass, you will receive a 50% discount on these rates, making the fee $10.00 per night. The fee is $20 per night year-round. If you have an Interagency Senior or Access Pass, you will receive a 50% discount on these rates, making the fee $10.00 per night.
How to Pay for Your Site
All reservations or payments must be made online at www.recreation.govor by calling toll free 1-877-833-6777. This is the only way to pay for or reserve a site at the campground. We no longer accept payment at the Whiskeytown visitor center. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
Entrance Pass
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee in addition to your camping fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Whiskeytown visitor center or online by using your smart phone, tablet, or computer at www.recreation.gov. You may display a Military Annual Pass, a Golden Age or Access Passport, an Interagency Annual Pass or a Senior or Access Pass in lieu of a Whiskeytown entrance pass.
Important Phone Numbers
This area is managed by the National Park Service. If you have any questions, call the Fee Program Office at (530) 242-3412. Whiskeytown law enforcement can be reached at (530) 242-3431 at all times. In case of an emergency, call 911. A pay phone is located at the Visitor Center.
Regulations
Download your proof of payment from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
If you take up more than one space with your RV or trailer, boat, and vehicles, you must pay the full rate for the second space that you use.
The camping limit is no more than 14 days from May 15 to September 15. The total limit is 30 days for the calendar year.
No more than 6 people are allowed per site.
Check out time is noon.
Boats and trailers cannot be left unattended at the marina overnight. Park them as close to your recreational vehicle as possible.
Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am. No generators may be used during this time. Other noises, such as loud voices or music, are also prohibited after 10 PM.
Pets must be kept in a cage or on a leash no more than 6 feet in length at all times. You may not leave pets unattended.
Sleeping is allowed only in self-contained vehicles. You may not sleep in a car, boat, or other vehicle that is not self-contained.
Tents are not allowed.
Do not drain or dump waste material on the ground. A sanitary dump station is available.
No ground fires are allowed in this campground. Fires are not allowed in portable metal fire pits or ceramic “chimeneas.”
Whiskeytown is black bear country. All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your vehicle unless they are in immediate use. Store these items out of sight and odor-free, preferably in your RV. If you do not store your food properly, you may receive a citation from a park ranger.
Dry Creek Group Campground.
Dry Creek Group Campground
There are two designated group sites in this tent campground, which is located just beyond the Brandy Creek developed area. Each site contains two large serving tables, numerous picnic tables, small and large charcoal barbecue grills, a cleared fire pit area, vault toilets, bear-proof storage lockers, and drinking water. Boats may be launched at Brandy Creek Marina and moored alongside your site at Dry Creek.
Reservations and Fees
Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. In 2021, the campground is open frok June 1st until October 31st.. The fee is $80.00 per site per night with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 50 campers per site. Larger groups may reserve both sites for a total of 100 campers.
Regulations
Check-in time is 1:00 pm and check-out time is noon.
Due to the effects of the Carr Fire, sudden storm activity could lead to evacuation and closure of the area on short notice. This is a public safety measure to protect visitors from potential debris flows.
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee in addition to your camping fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Whiskeytown visitor center or online by using your smart phone, tablet, or computer at: www.YourPassNow.com.
You may display a Lassen Volcanic-Whiskeytown Annual Pass, Military Annual Pass, Golden Age or Access Passport, an Interagency Annual Pass or a Senior or Access Pass in lieu of the Whiskeytown entrance pass.
This area is designated for tent camping only. Self-contained units (recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, trailers, etc.) are not allowed and must use the nearby Brandy Creek RV Camp for an additional fee.
Portable showers are prohibited. Cold outdoor showers are available at Brandy Creek Beach.
Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM. Noises, such as loud voices or music, are prohibited after 10 PM. Visitors who are not registered at the campsite must leave by 10 PM.
Vehicles are prohibited in the tent area except to load or unload equipment. All vehicles must be removed to the gravel parking lot.
Generators are not allowed.
Pets must be kept in a cage or on a leash no more than 6 feet in length at all times. Unattended pets are subject to impoundment and the owners may be issued a notice of violation.
The gate will be unlocked upon your arrival. Do not lock the gate, as only a park employee can open it. This area is for registered campers only. If there are people using the area who are not registered campers, call park law enforcement at (530) 242-3431.
Gather only dead and downed wood for firewood. Firewood is very limited due to the heavy use of the area. Fires are only allowed in the established metal fire rings.
Protect our natural resources. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation.
Whiskeytown is Bear Country!
Encounters with black bears at Whiskeytown are fairly frequent, especially at the campgrounds. Black bears eat many natural foods, including grasses, berries, insects, fish, and carrion. However, when bears find easily accessible human food at campgrounds and picnic sites, they may return again and again.
When Camping and Picnicking…
All food, pet food, beverage containers, cosmetics, toiletries, cooking utensils, dishes, and other items with food odor must be stored inside your bear-proof storage locker or in your vehicle unless they are in immediate use. Never store these items in your tent. Keep a clean camp or picnic site. Dispose of all trash inside bear-proof garbage cans and make sure that the lid is latched. If you store food in your vehicle, store it out of sight and odor free. Bears can break into cars, so take care to store food properly.
Help Save a Bear’s Life!
Bears that get human food sometimes become aggressive and dangerous and must be killed. You can prevent this by proper food storage. Please help keep all wildlife healthy and wild by not feeding them or allowing them to get into your food or trash. Report all bear incidents to the Visitor Center.
Citations
A law enforcement ranger may issue a citation for improper food properly or feeding wild animals.
Other Phone Numbers
For specific questions about the facilities at Dry Creek or about the park, call the Fee Program Office at (530) 242-3412. Reservations, however, are not made at this number. Whiskeytown law enforcement can be reached at (530) 242-3431 at all times. Dial 911 in case of an emergency. A pay phone is located at the Visitor Center on Kennedy Memorial Drive and Highway 299.
Backpacking
Note: due to post-Carr Fire environmental hazards and safety concerns, most backcountry trails in the park remain closed. Backpacking (backcountry camping) is not authorized at this time.
Backpacking Permit
For overnight backpacking trips at Whiskeytown, register at the visitor center. The camping permit for overnight backpacking in undeveloped areas is issued at no cost. For the current days and hours that the visitor center is openfollow this link.
Entrance Pass
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the visitor center, or online by using your smart phone, tablet, or computer at: www.YourPassNow.com.
You may display a Lassen Volcanic Annual Pass, a Senior or Access Pass, a Golden Age or Access Passport, a Military Annual Pass or an Interagency Annual Pass in lieu of the Whiskeytown entrance pass.
Regulations
Camp a minimum of one mile from Whiskeytown Lake.
Camp at least 100 feet from trails and streams. Camp away from fragile, untrampled vegetation.
Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry. Portable stoves and BBQ grills are allowed except in times of high fire danger.
Bury human waste 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water sources, camp areas, or trails.
Do not construct campsite “improvements,” such as shelters, drainage ditches around tents, rock walls, or bough beds.
Pack out all trash and toilet paper. Don’t bury or burn it.
Keep wash water, soaps, detergents, fish entrails and other waste out of streams. Even “biodegradable” soap pollutes.
Do not feed wildlife. Keep a clean camp and store food properly. Read the next page for important bear information.
While hiking, stay on trails at all times for safety and to prevent erosion. Cutting switchbacks, “shortcuts,” or walking outside a wet trail cause hazardous conditions and trail destruction.
Drinking Water
Potable water is available at the visitor center. Purify stream water by boiling it for 3 to 5 minutes, or by using a giardia-rated filter or iodine-based chemical filter.
Whiskeytown is Bear Country
There are black bears in Whiskeytown, and they are clever and persistent. Take the time to set up your camp properly and keep your tent area clean. Careless camping and lazy or improper food storage often result in dead or nuisance bears.
Do Not Store Food in Tents
Store food and odorous items, including toothpaste, cosmetics, soap, and garbage, by using the counterbalance method or a bear canister. Sleep 20 to 30 feet from where you store items so you can hear the bear and scare it away as quickly as possible. Keep some rocks available to throw. Hang pots and pans from counterbalanced foods as an alarm.
Black bears are basically timid. If a bear approaches your camp, act immediately to scare it away. Yell and make as much noise as you can. Throw rocks toward the bear. Make more noise. You may need to do this more than once, but the more vigorously and longer you do it the first time, the less likely the need to repeat. Always maintain a safe distance. Do not advance on a bear which appears to feel threatened or cornered by you. Do not attempt to retrieve food or gear from a bear until the items are abandoned. If a bear attacks, fall to the ground in a fetal position and play dead. Protect your neck and head with your hands.
Help Save a Bear’s Life
Bears that get human food may become aggressive and dangerous and must be killed. You can prevent this by proper food and garbage storage. Please report all bear incidents at the Visitor Center.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency: Dial 911 Visitor Center: (530) 246-1225 Law Enforcement: (530) 242-3431 Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week
