National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a National Recreation Area in California. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 7 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.
California National Recreation Area America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. 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!”
Active alerts
1
Closures
0
Campgrounds
7
Visitor centers
1
1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.
Information
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.
Posted or updated Jun 5, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - 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. Buy online |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $20 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online |
| Entrance - 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. Buy online |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $55 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. Fee details on nps.gov
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.
2-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
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.
Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
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.
Year-round Reservation required Pets allowed
See all 4 things to do in Whiskeytown →
Activities the NPS lists for Whiskeytown.
AstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Horseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingLiving HistoryFirst Person InterpretationPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramSCUBA DivingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWater SkiingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiskeytown Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 5302461225 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandy Creek | 2 | 2 | 0 | No | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Brandy Creek RV | 15 | 32 | 32 | Yes, up to 35 ft | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Crystal Creek | 2 | 2 | 0 | No | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Dry Creek Group Campground | 2 | 2 | 0 | No | $80 | Recreation.gov |
| Horse Camp | 2 | 2 | 0 | Yes, up to 25 ft | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Peltier Bridge | 9 | 9 | 0 | No | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Sheep Camp | 4 | 4 | 0 | No | $20 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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