Lake guide
Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown, Shasta County, CA
Overview
Whiskeytown Lake is the centerpiece of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, eight miles west of Redding on Highway 299. The National Park Service describes clean, clear water, many coves and islands, and almost 40 miles of shoreline. Because it is a federal recreation area, the rules differ from nearby Shasta Lake: personal watercraft are completely prohibited, and several parts of the lake are closed to boating or limited to no-wake speeds.
Where you launch
There are three launch points: Oak Bottom Boat Launch on the north side directly off Highway 299, Brandy Creek Marina, and Whiskey Creek Boat Launch. Oak Bottom has a large parking lot sized for trailers, flush restrooms, fish-cleaning stations and a nearby marina, camp store and campground. A concessionaire, Whiskeytown Marinas LLC, runs the marinas, rentals, buoy moorage and dry storage.
Mussel certification
Owners launching at Whiskeytown, Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston lakes must complete the Invasive Mussel-Free Certification and display it through the windshield while the vehicle and trailer are at the lake. Boats from high-risk waters need professional decontamination or a full 30-day dry period; boats from other waters need at least five days of drying.
Who uses it
Sailors, paddlers, anglers and pontoon renters use the lake year-round. Ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours run on a summer schedule and need Recreation.gov reservations. An entrance pass is required for the recreation area.
Getting there & access
Oak Bottom Boat Launch
On the north side of the lake directly off Highway 299 beside Oak Bottom Beach. The launch serves motorized boats, kayaks and paddleboards and has a large trailer parking lot, flush restrooms, drinking water and fish-cleaning stations. Oak Bottom Marina nearby is at 12485 State Highway 299 W.
Brandy Creek and Whiskey Creek
Brandy Creek Marina has a launch and dry storage, and Whiskey Creek Boat Launch is the third public launch. NPS lists all three as launch points; check the park alerts page for current launch status before you tow.
Mussel self-certification
Fill out the Invasive Mussel-Free Certification, available on the NPS website, and display it through the windshield. Staff or concession employees may still inspect your boat. If you boated in the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Alameda, Contra Costa, Stanislaus, Merced, Fresno, Kings, Kern or Los Angeles county areas, the form calls for professional decontamination or a 30-day dry period.
Restricted areas
Several areas of the lake are closed to boating or have no-wake limits. The park map shows the boundaries, so review it before you go out.
Amenities
- Boat launches — Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Marina and Whiskey Creek
- Oak Bottom Marina — Up to 200 covered slips and tie-ups, 53 dry storage units, fuel sales and repairs per the DBW listing
- Rental boats — 16-foot fishing boats, 24-foot pontoons and 26-foot deck cruisers at Oak Bottom; kayak and paddleboard rentals at both marinas
- Moorage and storage — Buoy moorage at Oak Bottom, dry storage at Brandy Creek; moorage line (530) 359-2008
- Camping — Oak Bottom campground with 92 tent sites and 22 RV sites run by the concessionaire
- Stores — Seasonal marina and beach stores selling ice, snacks and gear
- Fish-cleaning stations — At Oak Bottom Boat Launch
- Ranger-led paddle tours — Summer kayak and paddleboard programs, reserved on Recreation.gov
Rules & official resources
- Personal watercraft such as jet skis are prohibited on Whiskeytown Lake
- Several areas of the lake are closed to boating or limited to no-wake speeds; check the park map
- Everyone 13 and older must have a lifejacket onboard, and anyone 12 or younger must wear one, including on kayaks and paddleboards
- Vessels must be cleaned, drained and completely dried and carry the signed Invasive Mussel-Free Certification on the windshield
- An entrance pass is required for recreation at Whiskeytown
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Mussel-prevention prep
Self-certification at Whiskeytown, Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston lakes means owners need dry, flushed engines and bilges before they launch. Mechanics handle flushing and winterizing for owners who travel between these lakes.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Buoy and slip hull care
Boats on moorage buoys or in marina slips sit in clear, warm summer water, and owners rely on divers to clean hulls and running gear between trips.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Sun and canvas care
Interior Northern California sun is hard on covers, bimini tops and upholstery on boats stored outdoors or on moorage, so canvas repair and replacement is common.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Detailing and gelcoat
Pontoons, ski boats and trailer boats that sit out between trips benefit from regular washing, wax and oxidation correction.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
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