California / Shasta County / Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area - Whiskeytown Unit

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter. Typically operates seasonally with reservations required through Recreation.gov.

About

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground is a tent-only facility located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California. The campground features just two primitive campsites positioned along the banks of Crystal Creek, offering a secluded and peaceful camping experience. A heavy forest canopy of fir, maple, and pine provides shade and keeps the area relatively cool, while the year-round creek adds a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, large bear-resistant storage locker, metal fire pit with swing-arm barbecue grill, and lamp pole. The two sites share one vault toilet. No drinking water or electricity is available on-site. The campground is accessed via a fairly steep, unpaved entrance road, and as a result, all trailers, RVs, motorhomes, pop-up campers, and sleeping in vehicles are prohibited. The location provides excellent access to hiking trails leading to Crystal Creek Falls and other waterfalls in the area, including the James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls. The 3,200-acre Whiskeytown Lake offers swimming, kayaking, sailing, and fishing opportunities. The Tower House Historic District is less than five miles away, where visitors can learn about California Gold Rush history and try gold panning.

Directions

From Redding, 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.

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