Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
Campground · California · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area (National Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 2
- Bookable sites
- 20 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 2,061 ft
- Elevation
Overview
This tent-only campground is located in the northwest corner of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 19 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Crystal Creek flows alongside each campsite. The campground stays relatively cool due to the creek and to the shade given by a canopy of fir, maple and pine. Three nearby trails lead to lovely waterfalls.The cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake provide endless water activities. The picturesque mountain setting and extensive forested backcountry offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking.
Recreation
During the summer heat, swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing are popular on the 3,200 acre lake. Year round, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing and picnicking attract visitors. Hunting is allowed in the appropriate season.Facilities
Crystal Creek is a tent-on-the-ground only campground. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a large bear-resistant storage locker, a metal fire pit with a swing-arm barbecue grill and a lamp pole. The campground has two campsites both of which share one vault toilet. Drinking water and electricity are not available.
Due to a steep unpaved entrance road, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. The following are prohibited: all trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, cab-over campers and motorhomes. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. No overflow parking available.
Natural Features
The heavy forest canopy and burbling year-round creek make Crystal Creek Primitive Campground an ideal location for a peaceful retreat.Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.Nearby Attractions
The Tower House Historic District is located within the recreation area less than five miles from Crystal Creek Primitive Campground. Learn about the California Gold Rush history of the area by strolling among the historic buildings, water ditches, and a former gold mine, or by panning for gold or attending an interpretive program at the site.Oak Bottom is located eight miles from the campground and features beaches, lakeside picnicking, and a full-service marina with boat rentals.
The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 20 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: CRYSTAL CREEK PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND
Site types
- 2 Tent Only Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, grills.
2 campsites at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | CRYSTAL CREEK PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND | Tent Only Nonelectric | Parallel | Gravel | Moderate | Riverfront | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 002 | CRYSTAL CREEK PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND | Tent Only Nonelectric | Parallel | Gravel | Moderate | Riverfront | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
40.64222, -122.67083 · 40°38'32.0"N 122°40'15.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 96°F in Jul, down to 53°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 58 | 62 | 68 | 77 | 87 | 96 | 94 | 89 | 76 | 61 | 53 |
| Low °F | 37 | 38 | 40 | 45 | 51 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 57 | 49 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip in | 7.5 | 8.4 | 7.5 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 4.5 | 8.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground?
- Yes, Crystal Creek Primitive Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Crystal Creek Primitive Campground have?
- 2 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground?
- 20 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Crystal Creek Primitive Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Crystal Creek Primitive Campground
- DRY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND (Whiskeytown NRA) 4.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sheep Camp Primitive Campground 5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Brandy Creek Primitive Campground 5.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (Whiskeytown NRA) 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground 7.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Horse Camp Primitive Campground 8.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cooper Gulch Campground 10 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Whiskeytown Visitor Center 8.1 mi · Facility
- Lewiston Lake 9.1 mi · Facility
- Mary Smith Campground 9.5 mi · Campground
- Cooper Gulch Day Use Area 10 mi · Facility
- Tunnel Rock Campground 10.6 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 530-242-3412
- Email michelle_dulisse@nps.gov
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments