Whiskeytown NRA/Oak Bottom

Nathaniel Russell

I will definitely be camping at "Oak Bottom" again and plan to make it a yearly trip after my stay. I am driving from southern California on my way up to Washington and needed a place to camp for the night and was not going to make it for the check-in time. I called "Oak Bottom" and the front counter associate "Taylor" booked me a camp spot, took my payment over the phone and left paperwork outside in a "Late check-in box" for me. I arrived at 2130 Hrs. to the camp ground. all of my paperwork was in the "late check-in" box at the "camp store". Taylor really did me a solid. Make sure to have certain items ready when calling the camp-store. Vehicle License Plate Drivers License Number Credit or debit card information for payment Make sure to go to any sporting goods store and purchase a "California Adventure Pass" it is usually only $30 for the year. Make sure to have a valid California fishing license if you plan to fish. Fishing is allowed 24 hours! You can fish at night!!! Boating and kayaking also allowed 24 hours. You must have a light on any vessel if on the water after sundown. Jet skis are not allowed!!! Make sure to call for availability before going if camping during the busy season. there are showers on site down at the beach, they are coin operated. Quarters only, so bring a roll of quarters. No laundry facilities are available. During the busy months the beach area near the boat launch has a concession stand that is open with food and snacks. If you want to have a camp fire call and check the fire restrictions before you go. You must have a fire permit to have any kind of fire or even a gas stove. Fire permits are free, Google "California Fire Permits for camping" and a link to the national parks website will come up, from there you will watch a short 2 minute video on fire safety and then take a short test the print out your fire permit. You must have that permit on you at all times when having a fire. Stay safe and have fun campers! Please "LIKE" my post to help others in there camping experience. Pictures to come.

Jenny Alexander

We stayed here in our small motorhome in early October, and were pleasantly surprised it was apparently the end of the season - I say pleasantly surprised because although the RV camping spots are basically in a large parking lot with 20 sites, only 3 were occupied when we were there. We were able to switch to a different site than we’d been allocated to very easily. The tent camping area appeared to be walk-in sites, although some were close to a parking area. From our experience at this time of the year, it was delightful.

Giulia Borgione

Go here every year and love it so much. The night sky is amazing and there's a beach two minute walking distance. You can fish rent boats and swim in the lake. Would definitely recommend. Best place to go camping!

Hillary H

We took our paddle boards to Oak Bottom (get your pass at the little store in the front, only downfall they didn’t offer a day pass we had to purchase a week pass for $25) and launched at the boat launch which is paved all the way down. We had a great time, the beach was sandy with clear water and was clean. Some people were even fishing and bbq’ing. Definitely would go back.

Linh Tang

We had a great camping weekend late July 2025 with a large group at Oak Bottom. The sites are clean, the staff are helpful and the beach is great for swiming, kayaking and paddle board. It was over 100 degree in all 3 days we were there. Thanks God for the lake! We are in the group sites E. While it has a great view to the lake from the camp site, there wasn't much shade at all. So it was HOT. Super hot! We spent most of the day time on the lake/beach, which the kids loved. The reason for deducting 1 start is the restrooms and shower. Check the map! There are very few restroom and shower is only at the beach. Sites E are good location for restroom and shower access via just walking path. However, you need to be sure to take your shower when the light still out! Restroom is packed with a line after dark (bedtime) and early morning. People drove to the restroom. We started to just brush teeth at our camp with bottle water to avoid the line at the restroom eventhough we're just steps away. Oak Bottom should consider install multiple sink outside to reduce individual restroom need. I've been to other campsites and thought that work well. People can brush their teeth, wash hand, even wash the kids outside and avoid hogging the toilet when they don't really need to. Shower at the beach is nice and clean, but that's the only place one can shower. As mentioned, we can access the shower via a path, but other sites probably have to drive there. I want to also mention there is a fantastic and educational and FREE kayak tour lead by the Whiskeytown park rangers. Be sure to check it out via the park website before you come. We have 11 of our kiddos paddling out in the large lake with the rangers, learn out the the ecosystem and they loved it. It's probably their highlight of the camping trip.