Whiskeytown Lake was created by diverting water through tunnels and penstocks, from the Trinity River Basin to the Sacramento River Basin.
The most prominent landmark within the Recreation Area is Shasta Bally (elevation 6,209 feet). The summit may be reached on foot and by 4-wheel drive vehicle, but is closed in the winter.
Details: Sites are offered on a first come first served basis (no advance reservations accepted), and are paved parking spots on an access road. Summer $14.00 per night / winter $7.00 per night. Permits are available at the campground registration box. An RV dump station is available here.
Dry Creek Group Tent Campground : Open April 1 through September 30Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMPDetails: Two group only campsites are available (tents only). Each can hold a maximum of 50 people and are available by reservation. There is a $13.65 fee to change or cancel a reservation.
Oak Bottom Campground : Open All Year : Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMPDetails: Lakeside tent sites are $18.00/night with other tent site $16.00/night. RV sites (separate parking lot sites) are $14.00. Reservations are available for the summer season from May 15th through September 15th. There is a $13.65 fee to change or cancel a reservation. There is a RV dump station located here. No reservations are required during the winter season, sites are only available on a first-come-first-served basis at $10.00/night for both tent and RV sites.
Primitive Tent Campsites : Open All Year : Phone 530 246-1225Details: These sites are available only on a first-come-first-served basis. Permits available at the Visitor Center (no advanced reservations accepted). These sites are located away from the lake and are accessible by dirt road. Camsites are $10.00/night year round.
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area : Open From April 1 to September 30Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMPDetails: Three group day use picnic areas are available. Site 1 holds 50 people at $50.00/day, site 2 & 3 hold 40 people each at $40.00/day by reservation only. There is a $13.65 fee to change or cancel a reservation.
These programs are a great way to learn about Whiskeytown. The variety of programs offered provides something for everyone from a special Junior Ranger Program, to the popular gold panning program and tours of the historic Camden House. Whiskeytown also plans to offer different weekly hikes again this summer on Saturdays. If you have any other programs you would like us to consider offering, please let us know.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Each Spring, the park offers limited "Gold Panning" school group programs about the California Gold Rush history in and around Whiskeytown. Teachers are encouraged to call the park at 242-3421 (M-F 8-4:30) to make reservations for their classes starting January 2, 2006. Space is limited.
The park is also host to the Whiskeytown Environmental School (NEED Camp) operated by the Shasta County Office of Education. In addition to the Environmental School, other groups and organizations use the camp facilities. For information call 530-225-0111 or visit their website.
Details: BED and BREAKFAST Is open 7 days a week from March thru December. The hotel offers eight rooms with queen beds, comforters with ruffled coordinates and other romantic touches to capture the nostaligic mood of yesterday. The price range is $40.00 to $80.00, double occupancy, and includes a full breakfast the next morning.
