Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
Open for the season. The campground operates May through October. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights from May 15 through September 15, or 30 days total per calendar year.
Heat Advisory issued June 10 at 10:50AM PDT until June 13 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Temperatures up to 100 to 105 expected, with widespread Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk on Thursday and Friday. * WHERE...The northern and central Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills. * WHEN...From 11 AM Thursday to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses, especially in those more sensitive to heat. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Hot daytime temperatures will occur in other Valley locations as well, though Delta influence will better moderate local temperatures in the remainder of the Valley.
About
Crystal Creek Primitive Campground sits in a forested setting along its namesake creek, 19 miles west of Redding, California, within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The two tent-only sites stay relatively cool even during hot summer months thanks to the flowing creek and dense canopy of fir, maple, and pine trees. The burbling year-round creek and heavy shade make this an ideal location for a peaceful retreat. Each campsite accommodates up to six people and two vehicles, featuring a bear-resistant storage locker, picnic table, metal fire pit with swing-arm barbecue grill, and lamp pole. A single ADA-accessible vault toilet serves both sites. Campers must bring their own drinking water as none is available on-site. The steep unpaved entrance road prohibits RVs, trailers, and any towed vehicles. Three nearby trails lead to scenic waterfalls, including Crystal Creek Falls and Whiskeytown Falls via the James K. Carr Trail. The Tower House Historic District, located less than five miles away, offers California Gold Rush history including historic buildings, water ditches, and gold panning opportunities. Oak Bottom, eight miles from the campground, provides beaches, lakeside picnicking, and a full-service marina with boat rentals on the 3,200-acre Whiskeytown Lake.
Directions
From Redding, CA, drive 19 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Crystal Creek Road and follow it for 3.5 miles to the campground. The campground will be on the left-hand side of the road down an unpaved driveway. The road beyond the James K. Carr Trailhead becomes dirt and gravel requiring high clearance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| michelle_dulisse@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 242-3412 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!