Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

Star4.44
25 reviews
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, USA 96095

Quick Facts

1,844 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open Apr 1 to Oct 31...

Cell

Unknown

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
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges a peak season nightly fee of $20 for tent-only sites with no electricity. During the off-season (Oct 31 - Apr 1), it is closed.
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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshadelake

"Sheep Camp Primitive Campground receives mixed reviews overall but is generally favored for its secluded and quiet setting. Campers frequently note the basic and primitive facilities, the proximity to natural attractions like Brandy Creek and Whiskeytown Lake, and the lack of modern amenities such as drinking water and electricity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, USA 96095

Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA, USA 96095

Driving directionsFrom 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 2.4 miles to Shasta Bally Road. Turn right on Shasta Bally Road and follow it for .4 mile to the campground.
Access involves driving on unpaved roads for the last miles, but no bumps or potholes were noted by user reviews. Seasonal closures or road conditions were not detailed.
Nearby places
Redding, CA (~17 miles, approximately 25 minutes). Sacramento, CA (~3.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Brandy Creek Beach offers supplies and rentals (3.5 miles south). Redding (~17 miles) provides access to groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

Summer transforms this mountain refuge into a land of extremes, where daytime temperatures can soar beyond 105°F during intense heat waves—making those shaded campsites beneath the pine canopy all the more precious. The cool mountain mornings offer respite before the heat arrives, while evenings bring welcome relief as temperatures drop. Winter ushers in a completely different character, with crisp mountain air and cooler conditions that create a peaceful, uncrowded camping experience for those prepared for chillier nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open Apr–Oct; summer popular for water activities but can exceed 105°F in heat waves.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers cooler temps and fewer bugs; reviewers note greater comfort in autumn.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers access to trails, waterfalls and lake activities; open beginning Apr 1 (peak season).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Oct 31–Apr 1; winter visits not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Apr 1 to Oct 31 (reservable during the peak season). Closed Oct 31 to Apr 1.
  • Current Alerts: Temporary fire ban on campfires and barbecuing with briquettes. Gas grills and stoves are still allowed.

About Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

Tucked beneath a canopy of towering pines and fragrant firs, Sheep Camp Primitive Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This tent-only sanctuary perches dramatically above Brandy Creek, where adventurers can wake to spectacular cliffside vistas and the gentle whisper of mountain breezes. Whether you're seeking the thunder of hidden waterfalls along nearby trails or the ancient wisdom of old-growth forests, this rustic retreat serves as your perfect basecamp. The sparkling waters of Whiskeytown Lake lie just minutes away, promising endless recreation under California's brilliant blue skies.
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground is exclusively a tent-only campground with a focus on a primitive and natural camping experience. It comprises four campsites and prohibits trailers, RVs, and motorhomes.
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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 Apr 1 and Oct 31 and 30 days per calendar year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sheep Camp Primitive Campground offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to nature and adventure enthusiasts. Nearby trails lead to waterfalls, old-growth forests, and the summit of Shasta Bally Mountain. The 3,200-acre Whiskeytown Lake is a hub for water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and water skiing. Year-round opportunities include hiking, biking, fishing, gold panning, and horseback riding. Hunting is allowed during the appropriate season.
HikingHiking is a prominent activity with several trails leading to waterfalls, forests, and mountain summits. Specific trail details are not provided.
FishingFishing is permitted in the 3,200-acre Whiskeytown Lake, though specific fish types or fishing conditions are not mentioned.
SwimmingCampers can swim in Whiskeytown Lake, located approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from Sheep Camp.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available, with trails catering to various skill levels. Specific trails and terrain descriptions are not mentioned.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking, sailing, and paddle boarding are popular on the nearby Whiskeytown Lake. Boat rentals are available at Brandy Creek Beach during peak summer months.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by a diverse landscape due to its location at the intersection of four mountain ranges, creating opportunities for wildlife observation.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPost-fire hazards include falling trees and branches. Black bears are common in the area.
Active AlertsTemporary fire ban on campfires and barbecuing with briquettes. Gas grills and stoves are still allowed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredLarge bear-resistant lockers are available at each site for storing food, cookware, and toiletries.

Weather at Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.4
25 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground receives mixed reviews overall but is generally favored for its secluded and quiet setting. Campers frequently note the basic and primitive facilities, the proximity to natural attractions like Brandy Creek and Whiskeytown Lake, and the lack of modern amenities such as drinking water and electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include the secluded and quiet nature of the campground, proximity to Whiskeytown Lake and Brandy Creek, clean and well-maintained facilities, and the opportunity...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of privacy between campsites, the absence of drinking water, and the limitation of amenities such as showers and flush toilets. Some users also mentioned difficulty...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing water and shade solutions for the campsite as no potable water or sufficient shade is available during heat waves. They also suggest choosing sites based on mobility needs,...
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for water activities but can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 105°F during heat waves. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, making it more comfortable for...
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Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderfully maintained four-site camp with bathroom (no running water) on-site." — Ron C. "Great secluded camp. Bubbling Brandy Creek is nearby." — Anastasia T. "Nice area, but campsites were very...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4 is noted for being double-sized and quieter, while Site 1 is described as downhill and not suitable for those with limited mobility. Sites 2, 3, and 4 are flat and more accessible.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility may be an issue for some users, particularly at Site 1, which is located downhill and described as unsuitable for people with mobility challenges.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no reviews specifically mention experiences with pets or pet-related facilities.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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