National Recreation Area · California
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
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!
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
Weather & when to go
Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional thunderstorm. Winter brings snow to the upper elevations (only occasionally down to the lake level of 1,200'), and rain and ice. See the park weather page for the current weather.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
$20.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area only. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
$25.00
Operating hours
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
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. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.
Campgrounds
Dry Creek Group Campground
Crystal Creek
Sheep Camp
Horse Camp
Peltier Bridge
Brandy Creek
Brandy Creek RV
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
- Entrance to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area costs $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
- 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. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.
- Do I need a reservation for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.