Whisky Falls Campground
4.1921 reviewsWhisky Falls Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This is a free campground with no fees for using the campsites.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Sierra National Forest, Whiskey Falls Campground offers adventurers a true back-to-basics camping experience. This hidden gem features 14 peaceful campsites where the only sounds you'll hear are the whispers of wind through towering pines and the melodic rush of Whiskey Creek. As a primitive, no-fee campground, it's perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the modern world—there are no showers, RV hookups, or other amenities, just pure wilderness waiting to be explored.
Whisky Falls Campground primarily offers primitive camping. It is suitable for tent camping and has limited capacity for small trailers. There are no RV hookups.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Whiskey Falls in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall creating a serene, frost-kissed retreat. As spring awakens in May, snowmelt feeds Whiskey Creek and the falls come alive with rushing water. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for exploring, though by late season the creek may quiet to a gentle murmur as water levels drop. The ever-changing conditions mean every visit offers a unique adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering trees creates a natural sanctuary where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. The constant companion of Whiskey Creek provides nature's soundtrack, its waters tumbling over rocks in a soothing rhythm that lulls campers to sleep. With abundant space between sites and few visitors, the campground feels like your own private wilderness retreat where solitude and serenity reign supreme.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged embrace of Sierra National Forest, this remote mountain sanctuary showcases the raw beauty of California's high country. The landscape tells an ancient story through weathered granite, dense coniferous forests, and the persistent carving of Whiskey Creek as it winds through this untamed terrain. This is wilderness in its purest form—unspoiled, challenging, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe road to the campground is rough and recommended only for high-clearance vehicles. Accessibility features for disabled campers are not explicitly stated, but one review notes the proximity of the falls to the road makes it potentially accessible to elderly or disabled visitors.
Sites SizeThe campsite sizes vary. While some sites are spacious with plenty of room, others are noted to be clustered closely together with limited flat areas.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Many campsites have lots of space and seclusion, but some are described as being squeezed together.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Whiskey Creek offer a relaxing ambiance with the sound of water. However, being close to the water may increase mosquito presence.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen in June.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not reservable in advance and appear to operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Whisky Falls Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The campground is also popular for off-road trail riding and dirt biking.
Hiking
Several user reviews mention hiking opportunities, including a short walk to Whiskey Falls and additional trails for exploring the surrounding area.Biking
The campground is described as great for dirt biking and off-road trail riding, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of these activities.Wildlife viewing
The quiet and remote location of the campground provides opportunities for observing wildlife, although no specific species or locations are mentioned.Winter Activities
The campground is primarily a summer destination and no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned in the provided data.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific restrictions mentioned, but fallen trees are abundant for fires.
Hazards
General hazardsRoads are rough and require high-clearance vehicles. Mosquitos are cited as a nuisance, "The closer to water, the more mosquitos will have it out for you." Another user cautions, "Don't get caught there if fire breaks out. No safety zones."
Active alertsThe campground's status was noted as temporarily closed at times in the past, though it is now open.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out policy. No trash or recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresWhiskey Falls is a short walk from the campground, and it offers opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the falls and the creek.
Common complaintsThe rough, unpaved road is a frequent complaint: "The road in is rental car rough," and another user adds, "I hate the road because it's not paved." The lack of potable water and cell service is also noted.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom North Fork, go north on CA 233 and Forest Road 8S70.
"The road in is rental car rough," according to a user review, and "roads are for high clearance vehicles." Another user stated, "7-mile dirt road to the campground" and noted that it's "pack in pack out."Camper Reviews
4.2
21 reviews
Whisky Falls Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users describe Whisky Falls Campground as a peaceful and secluded camping destination with basic amenities. The campground is noted for its proximity to Whiskey Falls and the surrounding trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include seclusion, spacious campsites, and a shaded environment. "Few people with a lot of space to explore" was highlighted by one user. Another review mentioned, "The falls...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the rough access road, proximity of some campsites, and lack of amenities like potable water or cell service. One user mentioned, "The road in is rental car rough, be...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing everything you need due to the pack-in, pack-out policy and lack of amenities. High-clearance vehicles are advised for road access. Campers should prepare for mosquitoes near...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is best experienced during the summer and early fall. Whiskey Falls is most picturesque in late spring and early summer when water flow is higher. Late summer may bring dry conditions...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"What makes the campground so nice is that you're far from the crowds." "The road in is rental car rough, be aware." "The falls this year are raging, water is icy—you can drive right to the falls."
Based on 21 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsites vary in size and privacy. Some are spacious and secluded, while others are close together. Specific site numbers are not provided.
Based on 21 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are provided, but proximity to Whiskey Falls and the road is noted as convenient for elderly or disabled visitors.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one user mentioned taking hikes with dogs off-leash due to the low likelihood of encountering other campers.
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025