Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground

Star4.25
143 reviews
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,037 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Whiskeytown National Recreation Area 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
Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for tent-only sites is $20, valid for the entire 2025 and 2026 seasons. Additional fees may apply for vehicle entrance to the...
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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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 143 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulshadehikingwell-maintained

"User feedback on Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground is mixed, with positive comments highlighting its serene setting by Clear Creek, clean facilities, and proximity to various recreational activities. Criticisms include issues with insects, the aftermath of the 2018 Carr Fire, and occasional disturbances from neighboring campers."

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Campground Map

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA

Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA

Driving directionsFrom Redding, CA, drive 10 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Kennedy Memorial Drive and follow it for 1.6 miles to Paige Bar Road. Turn left onto Paige Bar Road at the dam and drive 1.2 miles to Peltier Valley Road. Turn right and follow Peltier Valley Road .7 mile to the campground.
The road leading to the campground is a narrow gravel road with some potholes and a steep drop to the side, as described in user reviews. It is relatively short, and its small size means unlikely encounters with other campers on the road.
Nearby places
Redding, CA - 13.5 miles
Sacramento, CA - 3.5 hours
Nearby supplies
The visitor center for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers drinking water, and supplies are available at Brandy Creek Beach during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additionally, general stores in Redding are approximately 13.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground

Experience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations, from winter's crisp mountain mornings wrapped in gentle mists to summer's warm golden afternoons. While cooler months offer comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, summer brings intense heat that makes Clear Creek's refreshing waters irresistible. Come prepared for nature's smaller residents – mosquitoes and yellow jackets make their presence known during warmer months, adding authenticity to your wilderness experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season for lake activities but issues with heat, mosquitos, yellow jackets and ticks reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler, comfortable weather and fewer crowds/insects make fall favorable for hiking and relaxing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild weather, flowing Clear Creek and good hiking conditions; spring is highly appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; winter is quieter and colder with some access limitations but still usable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, with peak season from January 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: The campground was severely impacted by the 2018 Carr Fire, leading to warnings about post-fire hazards like falling trees.

About Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground

Escape to Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground, where canvas walls replace cabin doors and the whisper of Clear Creek provides your nightly soundtrack. Nestled within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, this tent-only sanctuary invites adventurers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Towering alders and ancient canyon live oaks create a natural canopy over intimate campsites, while endless trails and crystalline waters promise days filled with exploration in this serene mountain hideaway.
Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground is a tent-only site that accommodates basic camping setups. It is not suitable for RVs, motorhomes, or vehicles towing trailers. Group camping is available in designated areas.
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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of recreational activities both on-site and nearby. Clear Creek flows next to the campground, making it a popular spot for fly fishing. Nearby Whiskeytown Lake provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and more. Hiking, mountain biking, and gold panning are also popular year-round activities.
HikingThe campground is near several hiking trails, including trails that lead to waterfalls. Some paths may be affected by post-fire conditions, and the area features historical sites related to the California Gold Rush.
FishingFishing in Clear Creek is available; however, it is catch-and-release only, and barbless hooks are required from May to September. The creek is accessible at certain points near the campsites.
SwimmingSwimming is available nearby in Whiskeytown Lake, which features sandy beaches and a designated swimming area at Brandy Creek Beach.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible from the campground. These trails cater to various skill levels and are a significant draw for biking enthusiasts.
BoatingBoating activities are available at Whiskeytown Lake, including kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. Rentals are offered at Brandy Creek Beach during summer.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of birds, small mammals, and riparian species. Bears are known to frequent the area, so food storage precautions are necessary.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include black bears, yellow jackets, mosquitos, falling trees, and branches due to post-fire conditions.
Active AlertsThe campground was severely impacted by the 2018 Carr Fire, leading to warnings about post-fire hazards like falling trees.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with large bear-resistant storage lockers. Lockers are mandatory for storing food and other items to deter bears.

Weather at Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.3
143 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback on Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground is mixed, with positive comments highlighting its serene setting by Clear Creek, clean facilities, and proximity to various recreational activities. Criticisms include issues with insects, the aftermath of the 2018 Carr Fire, and occasional disturbances from neighboring campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the peaceful and secluded atmosphere, proximity to Clear Creek, and well-maintained vault toilets. Many appreciated the campground's shaded environment and access to nearby hiking and...
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Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involved the prevalence of yellow jackets, ticks, and other insects. Some visitors criticized the lack of potable water and the uneven or small campsite layouts. Noise from other...
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Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample water as there is no potable water on-site. Consider citronella candles or strong insect repellents to deal with yellow jackets and mosquitoes. Sites 6 and 7 are recommended for better...
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Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, the campground is popular for water-based activities but has issues with insects and heat. In winter, it is less crowded but more affected by cold weather and limited access.
Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great, secluded hidden gem of a campground!" - Kristy Wray. "Vault toilets are quite ripe. Other than that it was awesome." - Kip B. "Campground is well-maintained and has cell service." - Julia S.
Based on 143 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 is frequently praised for its seclusion and level ground. Sites 1, 2, and 3 are noted as ideal for groups but less private. Site 9 is at a dead end, providing additional privacy.
Based on 143 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviews mentioned that their dogs enjoyed the area. However, owners should ensure pets are leashed at all times.
Based on 143 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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