Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

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Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!

A snowy day on top of Shasta Bally

About Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!

Quick Facts

Location: CA
Designation: National Recreation Area

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.

Entrance - Motorcycle $20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.

Entrance - Private Vehicle $25.00

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area only. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.

Operating Hours

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.

Wednesday: All Day
Monday: All Day
Thursday: All Day
Sunday: All Day
Tuesday: All Day
Friday: All Day
Saturday: All Day

Activities

Astronomy Stargazing Biking Mountain Biking Road Biking Boating Motorized Boating Sailing Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Group Camping RV Camping Fishing Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Horse Trekking Horse Camping (see also camping) Horseback Riding Hunting and Gathering Hunting Living History First Person Interpretation Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Stand Up Paddleboarding Junior Ranger Program SCUBA Diving Swimming Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Guided Tours & Experiences

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Essential Park Gear

Recommended equipment for your visit

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack

TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack

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Hydro Flask Water Bottle - 21oz

Hydro Flask Water Bottle - 21oz

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Coleman First Aid Kit - 205 Pieces

Coleman First Aid Kit - 205 Pieces

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Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

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