Oak Bottom Campground
Whiskeytown Lake

Whiskeytown Lake, California
Whiskeytown Lake, California

Oak Bottom Campground
Whiskeytown Lake


Oak Bottom Campground

Oak Bottom Campground is on the north shore of Whiskeytown Lake in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It is the only family campground on the shores of Whiskeytown Lake. Visitors to the campground enjoy hiking to nearby waterfalls and through old-growth forests. Beaches are found at Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek and East Beach. The lake is popular for fishing, boating, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Oak Bottom Campground is divided into 2 sections - an RV section and a tent section. The tent campground contains 94 walk-in campsites. Seventeen of the tent campsites are lakeside sites. Boats may be moored near them. A maximum of 2 tents is allowed per site. Sleeping in vehicles at the tent campground is not permitted.

The RV Campground at Oak Bottom has 22 campsites in a parking area near the launch ramp. All sites are on asphalt and have no shade. There is water nearby, but there are no tables, hook-ups, or fire grates. No tents are allowed in the RV Campground.

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Oak Bottom Campground Basics
Oak Bottom Campground Location: Off Highway 299 at Whiskeytown Lake, 14 miles west of I-5 in Redding
Elevation: 1,280 feet
Nearby Cities: 13 miles from Redding
Number of Sites: Tent sites - 94
RV sites - 22
Camping Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children), max. 2 tents
Vehicles per Site: 1 at tent camping parking lot
overflow parking available
Pets: On leash, always attended, $2 per night
Whiskeytown Visitor Center: (530) 246-1225

Reservations
Reservations Available: Mid-May through mid-September, otherwise first come, first served
Camping Limit: 14 days from May 15 to September 15 and 30 days total for the calendar year.
Max. RV/Trailer Length: 32 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: Some sites are accessible
Camping Fees: Lakeside tent sites - $35 per night in summer
Other tent sites - $30 per night in summer
RV sites - $30 per night in summer
Off-season all tent and RV sites $21.50
Reservations: Oak Bottom Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Oak Bottom Campground Amenities
Campsites: Tent sites only - picnic table, food locker, fire grate
Campground: Tent & RV sites - restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, amphitheater, store
Showers: Yes, coin operated
Dump station: Yes
Campground Map: Oak Bottom Campground Map
Attractions near Oak Bottom Campground: Nearby are a marina, launch ramp, and swim beach. Hike the Oak Bottom Ditch Trail. Attend interpretive programs during the summer at the amphitheater.




Oak Bottom  Campground  RV Section at Whiskeytown Lake, CA

Oak Bottom Campground for RVs and Trailers





General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Oak Bottom  Campground for tents at Whiskeytown Lake, CA

Oak Bottom Campground for Tents

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Attractions and Activities

Oak Bottom Campground has an excellent tent camping are along the shore of the lake. The RV sites are in a separate area and are nothing more than a parking lot.

  • Whiskeytown Lake is popular destination for fishing, swimming, boating, waterskiing, and scuba diving.
  • Wildlife viewing, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding are favorite activities along the surrounding trails.
  • Tour the historic Tower House Historic District, pan for gold, and view the 1852 Camden House.
  • Hike to waterfalls and mountain tops with great vistas. Take the Whiskeytown Waterfall Challenge and hike to all 4 waterfalls.
  • Head to the Visitor Center for interpretive exhibits and a park overview.
  • Join ranger-led interpretive programs offered during the summer.
  • Children can participate in a variety of exciting Junior Ranger Programs, such as the Kayak Program and Junior Firefighter.
  • Join a ranger-led kayak tour.

Key Oak Bottom Campground Regulations

  1. Entrance Passes to the Recreation Area are required in addition to camping fees. ($25 for 7 days)
  2. Avoid problems with bears by securing all food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  3. Generators are not permitted in tent-only section of the campground.
  4. Generators may only be operated from 6 AM to 10 PM in the RV area.
  5. Jet Skis are not allowed on the lake.
  6. Dogs must be on leash and are not permitted on beaches.

    Check Whiskeytown National Recreation Area for any campground and recreation area updates.