{"id":"nps-whis","slug":"whiskeytown-national-recreation-area","name":"Whiskeytown National Recreation Area","designation":"National Recreation Area","category":"national-recreation-area","categoryLabel":"National Recreation Area","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"WHIS","designation":"National Recreation Area","sourceId":"nps-whis"}],"states":["CA"],"stateNames":["California"],"location":{"lat":40.61359941,"lon":-122.6022657},"bbox":[-122.7115,40.5518,-122.5046,40.6808],"acres":{"value":42180,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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!","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=40.6808&b_tl_lng=-122.7115&b_br_lat=40.5518&b_br_lng=-122.5046","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Whiskeytown%20National%20Recreation%20Area","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DE2661D6-DC20-0B51-196FA97ADAD17674.jpg","title":"Whiskeytown Lake with the park's tallest mountains in the clouds.","alt":"Blue-gray waters of lake with green shrub in foreground, mountains and clouds in background.","caption":"Whiskeytown Lake with the park's tallest mountains in the clouds.","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DE699897-DBE2-A10E-4D60579F7DD53F51.jpg","title":"Whiskeytown Falls.","alt":"A woman looking at a cascade.","caption":"Finding peace and tranquility at Whiskeytown Falls.","credit":"Choose Redding.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DE7B00DC-9986-D569-0A97F3103DCCBF37.jpg","title":"THHD","alt":"White houses and white outbuildings.","caption":"Explore the Tower House Historic District to learn about park history including the Camden Family who lived in this house for over a century.","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DE8AA65A-B111-8729-DC6786B9F644FDA3.jpg","title":"Kayak","alt":"Two kayakers paddling on Whiskeytown Lake. Clouds above.","caption":"Kayaking Whiskeytown Lake is popular year-round. Ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours are available in summer.","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DEA0C6CD-080D-3523-FAD9566374283818.jpg","title":"Tiger Lily","alt":"Orange flowers with small black circles along a creek.","caption":"Tiger Lily in bloom along Crystal Creek. Wildflowers abound between March and June.","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DEAFCFFC-9392-51D8-8BE80469351BFD93.jpg","title":"The Beach","alt":"Several people swimming in water, strip of sand with people sitting on it, trees, blue sky above.","caption":"Swimming and relaxing at Brandy Creek Beach on a hot summer day.","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DEBE45B3-9A5F-490B-777EB9468C9ECF22.png","title":"Commemorative gold whiskey jug","alt":"Park ranger with flat hat holding a small commemorative jug","caption":"Commemorative gold whiskey jug held by the park superintendent in 1972.","credit":"NPS Photo.","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/DED6486E-9222-D584-DF4942D8B0136E39.jpg","title":"Black Bear","alt":"Close-up photo of black bear in front of green shrubs.","caption":"Black Bear along Brandy Creek Road.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["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","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Living History","First Person Interpretation","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","Stand Up Paddleboarding","Junior Ranger Program","SCUBA Diving","Swimming","Freshwater Swimming","Water Skiing","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Architecture and Building","Arts","Painting","Photography","Birthplace","Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite","Dams","Schools and Education","Science, Technology and Innovation","Transportation","Bridges","Roads, Routes and Highways","Westward Expansion","Homesteading","The Gold Rush","Animals","Birds","Cats (wild)","Fish","Tortoises and Turtles","Fire","Lakes","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Trails","Watersheds","Waterfalls","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"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."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"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."},{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"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."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"55.00","description":"Valid at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to all four parks. It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and 3 others when entry is by other means (bicycle and foot).\n\nThis pass covers entrance fees only and is not refundable and/or transferable."}],"hours":[{"name":"Whiskeytown National Recreation Area","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"Car From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center. Plane Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles from Whiskeytown. Rental vehicles are available.","weatherInfo":"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.","contacts":{"phone":"5302423400","email":"whis_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Whiskeytown Visitor Center","description":"The Visitor Center is a great place to start when you arrive in the park. Knowledgeable staff can help you maximize your visit. The Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Kennedy Memorial Drive and Highway 299. You can purchase a variety of Interagency and park-specific entrance passes as well as books, maps, and souvenir items. Exhibits outside the building introduce you to the natural and cultural history of the park. A small native plant garden is located behind the Visitor Center.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":40.6150317855,"lon":-122.520174756}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Dry Creek Group Campground","description":"Dry Creek Group Campground includes two large campsites. Each site is primitive and may be reserved for groups of up to 50 people (20 people minimum). The campsites are located within oak woodland on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by Whiskeytown Lake. The primitive campground is located near Brandy Creek Marina.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/dry-creek.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232455","sites":2},{"name":"Horse Camp","description":"Horse Camp is specifically for camping with horses. The open area allow ease of parking for horse trailers. Several trails are accessible from this campground. Both sites are in partial shade and feature bear-proof storage lockers, picnic tables, a lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of 10 people and 3 vehicles. Potable water available from a spigot most the year. No corrals, tie posts/rails, or water troughs onsite.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/horse-camp.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272244","sites":2},{"name":"Sheep Camp","description":"Sheep Camp is nestled in the mixed oak/pine/fir woodlands with nearby access to numerous trails and is a great launching point for treks up the 6,199' Shasta Bally, the highest point in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This campsite is closed during the winter. All sites are in partial shade and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, with a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/sheep-camp-primitive-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=156990","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272243","sites":4},{"name":"Brandy Creek","description":"This two site campground is found just off Brandy Creek Road, with Brandy Creek accessible a short walk away. The Brandy Creek trail, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, runs next to the campground. This campsite is closed during the winter. Both sites are in partial shade and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and an ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/brandy-creek-primitive-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=156940","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272250","sites":2},{"name":"Brandy Creek RV","description":"A secluded hilltop RV site close to Brandy Creek Marina and within walking distance of Brandy Creek Beach, the Brandy Creek trail and the Davis Gulch trail. Campground is an asphalt parking lot with 15 parking sites. Only for self-contained units that have their own toilets, such as recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, pop-up tent trailers, and fifth wheels. There is no bathroom and no hookups at this campground. One main water and dump station shared by all campers.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/brandy-creek-rv.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10047085?q=Brandy%20Creek%20Rv%20Campground","sites":15},{"name":"Crystal Creek","description":"The Crystal Creek campground offers two secluded sites along Crystal Creek and is a short drive away from both Crystal Creek falls and the James K. Carr trail to Whiskeytown Falls. This campsite is closed during the winter. A fairly steep dirt road accesses the campsites. Both sites are well shaded and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, with a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/crystal-creek-primitive-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=156890","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272247","sites":2},{"name":"Peltier Bridge","description":"Sited along Clear Creek, the Peltier Bridge campground offers 9 sites and access to numerous trails. All sites offer a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and shared access to two ADA-accessible vault toilets.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/planyourvisit/peltier-bridge.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272248","sites":9}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"whiskeytown-shasta-trinity-national-recreation-area","km":34},{"slug":"trinity-national-forest","km":47},{"slug":"shasta-national-forest","km":68},{"slug":"lassen-volcanic-national-park","km":102},{"slug":"six-rivers-national-forest","km":104},{"slug":"lassen-national-forest","km":109}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=whis"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.625Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Prescribed Fire planned for November 9th and 10th for Shasta Divide.","text":"Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, in conjunction with U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel, plan to conduct prescribed fire near the eastern boundary of the park between Whiskeytown Lake and the Shasta Divide Ridge in western Shasta County. This 700-acre prescribed burn is intended to reduce hazardous accumulations of grass, brush, and dead vegetation along the park’s eastern boundary and in close proximity to the town of Shasta. Smoke may be visible and local traffic controls will be in place.","url":null,"updated":"2026-11-06 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-8EFC7F4F-9BA0-452B-98AC-0125AE9F5D4A"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Don't Move a Mussel!","text":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/whis/learn/nature/nonnatives.htm","updated":"2025-06-05 16:50:18.0","id":"nps-48BDED77-3C4E-422C-8CAC-A4C9DCA210E2"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/whiskeytown-national-recreation-area/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/whiskeytown-national-recreation-area.geojson"}