Reviews

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.

George Dunn

This place is gorgeous Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall. The hiking trails are worth the short travel out to the lake from Redding, and the vistas of the Whiskeytown lake area are spectacular. Currently, there are snow peaked mountains and beautiful hills all around the absolutely gorgeous lake. Lake fishing is year round, hiking is year round, camping is also year around also, depending on how tough you are.

Ashley Byrne

We rented a boat for a day on the lake and it was fantastic! The team at the Marina were helpful, knowledgeable and nice. They made sure we had everything we needed before heading out on the boat. The time on the lake was great for our entire group: from 6 yrs to 50 yrs. We hope to come back again and we'll definitely rent from them. Thank you!

KRIS R

I recently went to Whiskeytown lake and it was AMAZING! I just drove around and picked a spot and spent the day swimming and chilling with a friend! The spot we chose didn't have a name but it was gorgeous, clean and very chill! I'm in love with that whole area! Here's some pictures of my spot and splendor

Ruben Martinez

We got to spend the night at this beautiful lake marina/campground and will be back to hopefully spend the entire weekend. The owner is nice and very customer service oriented.

Robert Schwiesow

Making reservations was easy peazy! And I had to make changes, which were handled swiftly and the staff is great. Can't wait to camp next month

Eric Haffner

There are some really good running trails that branch off from this area. Beautiful views of the lake as well.

Sally Murrey

Beautiful park on a beautiful lake. It was fairly quiet since it was off season. Wonderful day use area, great trails nearby to mountain bike or hike. RV section offered available water and dump station, but no electric. Staff was fabulous, so friendly and helpful!

Rona Macy

Ample parking. Easy access to beach. Large area. Level entry into water with no rocks. Big swim area. Clean restrooms. No dogs allowed.

GH Eberly

The jury's still out on my opinion of the campground. Very nice people in the store. They get a 5 star. The campground is another story. It used to be a drive up and camp. It was converted in the past to a parking area, and walk in to the camp sites. It is open. There is growth after the Carr fire, and it's improving, of course. I notice 94 sites, and only 2 bathrooms, no water faucets in the loops, and make sure you bring a pick-axe to make a level spot for your tent. I stayed in the A loop, and only saw 4 sites with a flat spot for a tent. The only reason for the grumble is the cost, 30.00 for a basic site. I can imagine seeing the bathrooms when a lot of the sites are full.

Charlotte Moore

Clean bathrooms, beach and great tent spots. This is near the start of the Carr fire so it's burnt up and been redone. Great beach for swimming. RV spots are in the parking lot, but tent sites are good. Stock up on food before going there as the campstore has ice cream, coffee and frozen pizzas. Trails (Ditch trail) around the place are very good and allow bikes. Nice flat easy for walking. We arrived April 2....wildflowers poking through, ducks and geese on the lake, woodpeckers and I saw an Eagle! Wildlife and plants coming back after terrible fire.