Carr Powerhouse Picnic Shelter
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
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.
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.
Need to Know
The picnic area is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and requires an entrance fee for each vehicle in addition to the reservation fee. You can purchase an entrance pass at the Whiskeytown visitor center during open hours or online at www.YourPassNow.
Interagency annual and lifetime passes such as the Senior, Access, and Military annual passes are accepted for park entrance. Annual passes from Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument are also accepted for park entrance. Display pass on dashboard or from rear view mirror of vehicle.
Please be advised that because the Carr Fire of 2018 burned extensively through the park, post-fire hazards such as falling trees and branches remain. Stay alert while in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Personal watercraft, such as jet skis, are prohibited on Whiskeytown Lake.
Check the park website (www.nps.gov/whis) or stop in at the visitor center for general park information.
NO kayak launching, wading or swimming due to strong variable currents in the water in this area.
Pets must be leashed at all times on a leash no more than 6 feet in length.
Do not feed or harass any wildlife.
Permanent cement cornhole structures are onsite. You will need to bring your own bags.
Open or ground fires are prohibited.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
Mailing
PO Box 188 Whiskeytown CA 96095
Physical
14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive Whiskeytown CA 96095
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 530-242-3412
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Redding, CA, take State Route 299 west for approximately 15.5 miles. Turn left onto South Shore Drive. When the road splits stay to the right on South Shore Drive and continue on until the road dead ends into the Carr Powerhouse Parking Lot.
