Brandy Creek Primitive Campground

Star4.32
79 reviews
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,739 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for a standard non-electric tent site during peak season (April 1–October 31) is $20. Reservation fees and other service charges may...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
530-242-3412michelle_dulisse@nps.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 79 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight mixed experiences. Positive reviews praise the campground's peaceful setting and close proximity to Whiskeytown Lake and trails. Negative reviews mention issues such as fire damage, lack of shade, and site maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA

Brandy Creek Primitive Campground

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 in Redding, CA, drive 10 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Kennedy Memorial Drive and follow it for 5.4 miles to Brandy Creek Road. Turn left and follow Brandy Creek Road for 1.2 miles to the entrance to the campground on the right-hand side of the road. Site #1 will be immediately to the left. Site #2 will be to the right down the driveway.
Accessible directly via Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive. Roads are paved and accessible year-round.
Nearby places
Redding (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Sacramento (3.5 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Brandy Creek Beach store is 2 miles south of the campground, offering food, supplies, and rentals during Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Best Time to Camp at Brandy Creek Primitive Campground

Summer transforms Brandy Creek into a land of golden contrasts, where blazing days give way to refreshingly cool nights perfect for stargazing from your tent. The open landscape means you'll feel the full warmth of California sunshine – pack plenty of water and sun protection for those glorious July afternoons. When winter arrives, the campground takes on a different character entirely, with crisp, rain-scented air and dramatic skies that paint the landscape in moody grays and greens.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers lake activities and stargazing but can be hot with limited shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open Apr–Oct; cooler fall weather and trails make fall a favorable season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower displays and mild weather make it an excellent season for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Nov 1–Mar 30; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 31. Closed from November 1 to March 30.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is recovering from the Carr Fire, resulting in lack of shade and ongoing debris clearing.

About Brandy Creek Primitive Campground

Escape to Brandy Creek Primitive Campground, where the whisper of creek waters and rustling leaves create nature's perfect soundtrack. This tent-only sanctuary within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers adventurers an authentic wilderness experience, with scenic trails that wind through recovering forests to hidden waterfalls. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – take a refreshing dip in crystalline swimming holes, pedal along mountain biking trails that challenge and reward, or lace up your boots for hikes that reveal the raw beauty of Northern California's backcountry.
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground is a tent-only camping facility, designed for those seeking a basic and natural camping experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM (noon)
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 days between April 1 and October 31, and an aggregate of 30 days per person per calendar year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area offers a wide array of recreational activities, taking advantage of the natural setting and proximity to Whiskeytown Lake. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, water skiing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, and fishing. Hunting is permitted in designated seasons.
HikingThe Brandy Creek Trail passes near the campground and offers access to scenic waterfalls. Other hiking opportunities are available within the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
FishingFishing is available in Whiskeytown Lake, known for its variety of fish species. Specific details about fishing spots and fish types are not provided.
SwimmingBrandy Creek Beach, located two miles south of the campground, offers a large swimming area with sandy beaches. Showers are available seasonally.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity in the area, with trails offering various levels of difficulty.
BoatingActivities such as kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and water skiing are popular on Whiskeytown Lake.
Wildlife viewingCampers can spot wildlife like bears and deer. One user review notes, 'Lots of wildlife like spotting a bear twice in a few days and plenty of large deer.'
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are common and may approach campsites. The area has been affected by the Carr Fire, leaving it exposed to sun and vulnerable to wind and dust.
Active AlertsThe campground is recovering from the Carr Fire, resulting in lack of shade and ongoing debris clearing.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food lockers are provided at each campsite to ensure safety from wildlife.

Weather at Brandy Creek Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.3
79 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight mixed experiences. Positive reviews praise the campground's peaceful setting and close proximity to Whiskeytown Lake and trails. Negative reviews mention issues such as fire damage, lack of shade, and site maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the peace and tranquility, as well as the proximity to trails and activities. One review mentions, 'Love it here and found much peace and tranquility here!!! Great camping and...
Show more
Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include damage from the Carr Fire, lack of shade, maintenance issues such as broken bear lockers, and the presence of pests like mosquitoes and yellow jackets. One reviewer noted,...
Show more
Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own shade structures and be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears. Food and scented items must be stored properly. Generators are not allowed.
Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors enjoy water-based activities but note the heat and lack of shade as challenges. Reviews suggest avoiding the height of summer if shade is a priority.
Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love it here and found much peace and tranquility here!!!' 2. 'Since the Carr Fire there is no shade at these sites.' 3. 'Apparently she's a transplant, after recovery from another fire. She's...
Show more
Based on 79 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001: Issues with broken bear lockers and trash. Site 002: No fires allowed, and heat made the experience uncomfortable. Both sites have been criticized for maintenance issues.
Based on 79 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 79 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be leashed at all times. Specific experiences with pets are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 79 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Brandy Creek Primitive Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground