Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
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.
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.
Need to Know
Download your proof of payment for your campsite from recreation.gov onto your phone or other device. You must be able to show this to a park ranger if requested.
Whiskeytown is a National Park Service site and charges an entrance fee for each vehicle. If you already have a valid Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or Whiskeytown Annual pass, please display this pass in a hangtag or place it on the dashboard of your vehicle. Annual passes from Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lava Beds National Monument are also valid here at Whiskeytown. Entrance passes can be purchased at the Whiskeytown Visitor Center or online at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
- Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12 p.m. (noon).
Maximum occupancy is 6 people and 2 vehicles.
Tent camping only. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed.
- Black bears frequent the area: all food, beverage containers, toiletries, cooking and eating utensils must be stored inside a bear-resistant locker or out of sight in your vehicle unless they are in immediate use.
Protect our natural resources. Gather only dead and down wood for firewood. Do not put nails in trees or damage or remove vegetation. Campfires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished (using water and dirt) when going to bed or leaving the campsite.
Generators are not allowed.
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 camping in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
- Click here for more information about Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Camping is limited to an aggregate of 14 days between April 1 and October 31 (inclusive) and no more than 30 days per person per calendar year.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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PO Box 188 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, drive 19 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Crystal Creek Road and follow it for 3.5 miles to the campground. The campground will be on the left-hand side of the road down an unpaved driveway.
Available Campsites
- Site 001, Loop CRYSTAL CREEK PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop CRYSTAL CREEK PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
