Crystal Creek Primitive Campground

Star4.59
32 reviews
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA
Romantic GetawayPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,080 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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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
Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $20 per night during the peak season of April 1 to October 31. Rates may not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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

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Provider
530-242-3412michelle_dulisse@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 32 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlocation

"Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, cleanliness, and natural beauty. Many reviewers appreciate the privacy provided by the two campsites and the proximity to the creek."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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 campground is accessible via a steep unpaved entrance road. Towing vehicles is prohibited. All trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, cab-over campers, and motorhomes are prohibited. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. Roads can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Redding (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes by car)
Sacramento (approximately 3.5 hours by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely found in Redding, CA (19 miles away), which provides groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground

Experience the perfect balance of California's diverse climate at Crystal Creek, where summer's warmth is tempered by the cooling embrace of creek-side breezes and dense forest shade. As autumn arrives, the maple trees paint the campground in brilliant hues, while winter transforms this woodland haven into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland that occasionally dons a delicate blanket of snow. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and rushing creek waters, making every season a unique chapter in your camping story.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open in summer; shade and creek keep sites relatively cool per summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and quieter conditions are noted; campground open through Oct 31.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Late spring and early summer praised for waterfall visits and pleasant creek conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for reservations Nov 1–Mar 30; winter visits not supported by listing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 1 to October 31 (reservable); closed for reservations from November 1 to March 30.
  • Current Alerts: Hazards related to the Carr Fire remain, including falling trees and branches.

About Crystal Creek Primitive Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Crystal Creek Primitive Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just two exclusive tent sites. Here, beneath a canopy of towering firs, maples, and pines, you'll discover a hidden sanctuary where the gentle murmur of Crystal Creek creates a natural soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. This secluded gem promises solitude seekers and nature enthusiasts an authentic back-to-basics camping experience far from the crowds.
Crystal Creek Primitive Campground is exclusively designed for tent camping and offers a secluded, rustic experience with minimal amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to an aggregate of 14 days between April 1 and October 31 and no more than 30 days per calendar year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Crystal Creek Primitive Campground offers a range of recreational activities in and around the campground. On Whiskeytown Lake, which spans 3,200 acres, visitors can engage in swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and water skiing during the summer. Land-based activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are available year-round. Three nearby trails lead to picturesque waterfalls, and activities like fishing, gold panning, and picnicking are popular. "Short drive then a very short hike to lovely Crystal Creek falls," according to a reviewer.
HikingThere are three nearby trails leading to scenic waterfalls, providing an excellent hiking experience. Trails are described as "a short drive then a very short hike away" by reviewers.
FishingFishing is permitted in the area, but specific details about the types of fish or fishing quality are not provided.
SwimmingSwimming is popular in the cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake, especially during the summer heat.
BikingExtensive backcountry trails surrounding the campground allow for mountain biking. Specifics on trail difficulty are not provided.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding are popular on Whiskeytown Lake. A full-service marina is available eight miles away at Oak Bottom.
Wildlife viewingCrystal Creek's forested environment and flowing creek allow for frequent wildlife sightings. A reviewer noted, "Lots of wildlife, beautiful... green... and relaxing!"
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPost-fire hazards from the Carr Fire of 2018 include falling trees and branches. Black bears are frequently seen in the area.
Active AlertsHazards related to the Carr Fire remain, including falling trees and branches.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with a large bear-resistant storage locker for food and supplies.

Weather at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.6
32 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Crystal Creek Primitive Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, cleanliness, and natural beauty. Many reviewers appreciate the privacy provided by the two campsites and the proximity to the creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequently praised for its "very clean vault toilet," proximity to a creek, and the serenity of the location. Users describe it as "remote, quiet and so calming near the river."
Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited facilities, including the absence of drinking water and electricity, are noted as drawbacks. Some users mentioned the visible impact of the 2018 Carr Fire, which is described as "quite sad,...
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Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as there is no potable water available. Be prepared for black bear activity by storing all food in the provided bear-resistant lockers. One user advised to "help keep it the...
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Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the campground's relative coolness due to shade and the creek. Late spring and early summer are particularly appreciated for visits to Crystal Creek Falls.
Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Truly the best campsite we've ever found... right by the roaring creek... enjoyed the serenity of this beautiful spot." 2. "Site was in great condition, picturesque location right next to the...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is often noted as more desirable due to its closer proximity to the creek. Users highlight its spacious layout and serene atmosphere. Site #2 is described as being slightly elevated,...
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Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviews noted the steep, unpaved entrance road as a potential challenge. No specific reviews addressing accessibility for the disabled.
Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews addressing pet-related experiences or facilities.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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