Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (Whiskeytown Nra)
00 reviewPO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA
Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (Whiskeytown Nra)
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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
The daily fee for the Group Picnic Area is $50 during the peak season (May 21 - October 31).
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine northern shores of Whiskeytown Lake, Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area offers the perfect setting for unforgettable gatherings with family, friends, or colleagues. This scenic day-use facility welcomes groups of all sizes with one spacious main site and two intimate smaller areas, each thoughtfully positioned to capture stunning lake views. Whether you're planning a milestone reunion, corporate retreat, or celebratory event, the protected cove beckons with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, while the calm shoreline invites leisurely kayaking adventures and peaceful fishing excursions.
Designed for day use only, the Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area is tailored for group events and gatherings. It includes a large site and two smaller sites, with amenities to support picnics and outdoor activities.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Whiskey Creek bears witness to nature's resilience, having emerged from the transformative 2018 Carr Fire that swept through the park. Today, visitors can observe the remarkable regeneration of this ecosystem, where new growth flourishes alongside reminders of the fire's passage, creating a unique backdrop that tells a powerful story of renewal and the enduring spirit of California's wild places.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this lakeside retreat into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures often soar above 100 degrees, creating perfect conditions for water activities and lakeside relaxation. Savvy visitors come prepared with portable shade structures to create comfortable oases during the warmest parts of the day, allowing groups to enjoy extended outdoor celebrations while staying cool beneath the California sun.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains undocumented, the area's lakeside setting provides a comfortable base for outdoor activities year-round, with the surrounding terrain offering varied perspectives of Whiskeytown Lake's spectacular shoreline.
Natural Features and SceneryThis remarkable location serves as nature's crossroads, where an extraordinary tapestry of ecosystems converges. The unique positioning at the meeting point of multiple mountain ranges creates an exceptional diversity of plant and animal life rarely found in a single location. The star attraction remains the sheltered cove, where gentle waters protected from lake winds create an inviting natural swimming pool that delights visitors of all ages throughout the warm season.
Geological RegionWhiskey Creek occupies a geographical sweet spot where four of Northern California's most dramatic landscapes converge: the ancient Klamath Mountains, the volcanic Cascade Range, the rugged Coast Mountains, and the fertile Sacramento Valley. This rare confluence creates a living laboratory of geological diversity, where visitors can experience multiple California ecosystems within a single destination, each contributing its own unique wildlife, vegetation, and scenic character to this extraordinary meeting place of mountains and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site includes accessible parking, picnic shelters, grills, picnic areas, and vault toilets, making it suitable for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe area features one large site and two small sites.
Sites PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy features; sites are grouped.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor easy access to the water and parking, choose Site G01. Sites G02 and G03 offer more isolation but are uphill.
Best CampsitesSite G01 is near the beach and parking, while Sites G02 and G03 are located uphill.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
9:00 AM
Check-out
9:00 PM
Stay Limit
Day-use only, no overnight stays allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Designed for group use
- accommodates multiple guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne large site and two smaller sites. Site G01 is adjacent to the beach and parking; Sites G02 and G03 are uphill.
Open and Closed SeasonDay-use only during 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; peak season runs from May 21 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailability for walk-up reservations is not mentioned; pre-booking via Recreation.gov is required.
Cancellation PolicyDay-use fees are forfeited if canceled less than 14 days before the arrival date. Changes to your reservation will incur a $10 fee.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to the Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area have access to a variety of water-based recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. Boating is also supported, with nearby facilities like the Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp (1.6 miles away) and Oak Bottom Marina (5.5 miles away, where boat rentals are available). The campground's protected cove offers a safe space for swimmers. Non-water activities include picnicking and general group gatherings.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Whiskey Creek arm of Whiskeytown Lake, making it a popular activity during the summer.Swimming
A protected cove within the Group Picnic Area provides a safe and enjoyable swimming area.Boating
Boating is supported through nearby facilities. Boats can be launched at the Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp, located 1.6 miles away, and moored along the shore.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy beachside activities, as the campground includes beach access adjacent to the picnic area.Winter Activities
No winter activities are noted for this facility.Water Sports
Popular water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Open fires are prohibited; use provided charcoal grills for cooking.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPost-fire hazards include falling trees and debris. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees.
Active alertsNo specific alerts are mentioned, but visitors are advised to stay vigilant due to post-fire hazards.
Weather forecast
103
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital and emergency medical services are located in Redding, CA.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21 - October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Whiskeytown Lake; features a protected cove suitable for water activities.
Common complaintsLack of shade and high summer temperatures are recurring issues.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA
Driving directionsFrom Redding, CA, take State Route 299 west for approximately 11 miles. Turn onto Whiskey Creek Road and drive past the Whiskey Creek launch area. At the fork in the road, turn right and follow paved road approximately 1.6 miles until it ends at the group picnic area.
Access is via paved roads, suitable for passenger vehicles. Seasonal access issues due to post-fire hazards and falling debris from the Carr Fire of 2018 may exist.Nearby places
Redding, CA (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Fuel and groceries can be found in Redding, CA, approximately 13 miles from the picnic area. Boats are available for rent at Oak Bottom Marina, 5.5 miles away.
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Last updated August 10, 2025