Brandy Creek Primitive Campground
4.4210 reviewsPO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
The nightly fee for a standard non-electric tent site during peak season (April 1–October 31) is $20. Reservation fees and other service charges may apply.
About this campground
Escape to Brandy Creek Primitive Campground, where the whisper of creek waters and rustling leaves create nature's perfect soundtrack. This tent-only sanctuary within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers adventurers an authentic wilderness experience, with scenic trails that wind through recovering forests to hidden waterfalls. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – take a refreshing dip in crystalline swimming holes, pedal along mountain biking trails that challenge and reward, or lace up your boots for hikes that reveal the raw beauty of Northern California's backcountry.
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground is a tent-only camping facility, designed for those seeking a basic and natural camping experience.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by dreamers and fortune-seekers at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, where echoes of the Gold Rush era still linger in abandoned mine shafts and historic structures. The 2018 Carr Fire added a dramatic new chapter to this storied land, transforming the forest in ways that remind us of nature's power to both destroy and renew. Today, visitors witness an extraordinary story of resilience unfolding across the scorched hillsides.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Brandy Creek into a land of golden contrasts, where blazing days give way to refreshingly cool nights perfect for stargazing from your tent. The open landscape means you'll feel the full warmth of California sunshine – pack plenty of water and sun protection for those glorious July afternoons. When winter arrives, the campground takes on a different character entirely, with crisp, rain-scented air and dramatic skies that paint the landscape in moody grays and greens.
ElevationThe campground's position offers a comfortable climate and easy access to both lakeside recreation and mountain adventures, though specific elevation details await your discovery upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom devastation springs new life at Brandy Creek, where fire-scarred trees stand as monuments to nature's cycles while vibrant wildflowers carpet the forest floor in stunning displays of purple, yellow, and orange. Black bears amble through the recovering woodland while deer pick their way delicately among new growth. The shimmering expanse of Whiskeytown Lake beckons nearby, its blue waters offering a cool respite and endless recreational opportunities against this backdrop of renewal.
Geological RegionPerched at an extraordinary geological crossroads, Brandy Creek sits where three mighty mountain systems converge with the vast Sacramento Valley. Here, the ancient Klamath Mountains meet the volcanic Cascades and the coastal ranges, creating a landscape of remarkable diversity. This unique position gifts visitors with varied terrain, from rugged peaks to gentle valleys, each formation telling a story millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are designed for tent camping only, with no accommodations for RVs, trailers, or other vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe sites lack privacy due to limited trees or bushes, which were destroyed during the Carr Fire.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsite #2 due to complaints about glass and trash. Portable shade structures may be needed due to lack of natural shade.
Best CampsitesCampsite #1 is frequently mentioned in reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM (noon)
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 days between April 1 and October 31, and an aggregate of 30 days per person per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 6 people per site.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this facility.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is simple with two individual sites and a vault toilet for each.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 to October 31. Closed from November 1 to March 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability. Reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation fee is $10. Late cancellations incur an additional fee, forfeiting the first night's fee. Changes to reservations are allowed for $10 if dates are entirely outside the original reservation.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The area offers a wide array of recreational activities, taking advantage of the natural setting and proximity to Whiskeytown Lake. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, water skiing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, and fishing. Hunting is permitted in designated seasons.
Hiking
The Brandy Creek Trail passes near the campground and offers access to scenic waterfalls. Other hiking opportunities are available within the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.Fishing
Fishing is available in Whiskeytown Lake, known for its variety of fish species. Specific details about fishing spots and fish types are not provided.Swimming
Brandy Creek Beach, located two miles south of the campground, offers a large swimming area with sandy beaches. Showers are available seasonally.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity in the area, with trails offering various levels of difficulty.Boating
Activities such as kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and water skiing are popular on Whiskeytown Lake.Wildlife viewing
Campers can spot wildlife like bears and deer. One user review notes, 'Lots of wildlife like spotting a bear twice in a few days and plenty of large deer.'Beach activities
Brandy Creek Beach provides beach-related activities such as sunbathing and picnicking. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available seasonally.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned. The campground operates seasonally and is closed in winter.Water Sports
Water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing, are popular on Whiskeytown Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be attended at all times and extinguished using water and dirt. Dead wood may be gathered for firewood. Nails in trees and vegetation damage are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are common and may approach campsites. The area has been affected by the Carr Fire, leaving it exposed to sun and vulnerable to wind and dust.
Active alertsThe campground is recovering from the Carr Fire, resulting in lack of shade and ongoing debris clearing.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services are located in Redding, which is 19 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned; campers are likely expected to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Whiskeytown Lake and Brandy Creek.
Common complaintsSome visitors report issues such as broken bear lockers, lack of shade, and mosquito/yellow jacket infestations. Additionally, some reviews mention crowded conditions and lack of fire pits.
HostCamp hosts are reported to be helpful and eager to assist visitors.
Campground Map
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 in Redding, CA, drive 10 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Kennedy Memorial Drive and follow it for 5.4 miles to Brandy Creek Road. Turn left and follow Brandy Creek Road for 1.2 miles to the entrance to the campground on the right-hand side of the road. Site #1 will be immediately to the left. Site #2 will be to the right down the driveway.
Accessible directly via Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive. Roads are paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Redding (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Sacramento (3.5 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Brandy Creek Beach store is 2 miles south of the campground, offering food, supplies, and rentals during Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Camper Reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight mixed experiences. Positive reviews praise the campground's peaceful setting and close proximity to Whiskeytown Lake and trails. Negative reviews mention issues such as fire damage, lack of shade, and site maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the peace and tranquility, as well as the proximity to trails and activities. One review mentions, 'Love it here and found much peace and tranquility here!!! Great camping and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include damage from the Carr Fire, lack of shade, maintenance issues such as broken bear lockers, and the presence of pests like mosquitoes and yellow jackets. One reviewer noted,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own shade structures and be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears. Food and scented items must be stored properly. Generators are not allowed.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer visitors enjoy water-based activities but note the heat and lack of shade as challenges. Reviews suggest avoiding the height of summer if shade is a priority.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Love it here and found much peace and tranquility here!!!' 2. 'Since the Carr Fire there is no shade at these sites.' 3. 'Apparently she's a transplant, after recovery from another fire. She's...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001: Issues with broken bear lockers and trash. Site 002: No fires allowed, and heat made the experience uncomfortable. Both sites have been criticized for maintenance issues.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets must be leashed at all times. Specific experiences with pets are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025