Dry Creek Group Campground (Whiskeytown Nra)

Nestled along the southern shore of Whiskeytown Lake where three distinct mountain ranges converge with the Sacramento Valley, Dry Creek Group Campground offers an intimate lakeside retreat perfect for larger gatherings seeking a classic tent camping experience. Located just 14 miles west of Redding and three hours north of Sacramento, this tent-only facility sits beneath a shady canopy of conifers, oaks, and maples, with stunning lake views framing your campsite. The 3,200-acre lake stretches before you with crystal-clear waters that beckon on hot summer days, while the surrounding forested backcountry promises adventure for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The campground features just two spacious group sites, each thoughtfully equipped for comfortable group camping. You'll find multiple picnic tables for spreading out your gear and gathering for meals, plus two large serving tables that make meal prep a breeze. Both charcoal barbecue grills (in small and large sizes) and cleared fire pit areas give you flexibility for cooking and evening campfires. Bear-proof storage lockers protect your food and scented items, while vault toilets and drinking water provide essential conveniences. The tent-only designation means you'll enjoy a quieter, more traditional camping atmosphere without generator noise, and the lakeside location allows you to moor your boat right at camp after launching from nearby Brandy Creek Marina. Water enthusiasts will find endless ways to enjoy Whiskeytown Lake, especially during the summer months when swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and water skiing are at their peak. Year-round activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and even gold panning—a nod to the area's rich Gold Rush history. Just a mile down the road, Brandy Creek Beach offers sandy shores and a designated swimming area, plus seasonal amenities from Memorial Day through Labor Day including showers, a store stocked with supplies, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. The Brandy Creek Falls trailhead, located four miles away, provides a rewarding hiking destination. The unique geography where multiple mountain ranges meet creates exceptional biodiversity, making wildlife viewing particularly rewarding throughout the seasons. For specific information about reservations and current conditions, contact the park at (530) 246-1225.

Dry Creek Group Campground is a tent-only group camping facility, ideal for large gatherings. RVs and self-contained units are prohibited from overnight stays, but RVs can park at nearby Brandy Creek RV Campground.