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State Park
Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area · French Gulch, CA
Verify with the state park system
State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
Pricing
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Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
Reserve or permit
- Reserve on Recreation.gov
Book a site directly with the operator.
Managing agency
- Whiskeytown National Recreation Area — official page
Park unit page with alerts and visitor information.
Verify by phone or mail
- Address:French Gulch, CA
About
Overview
This tent-only campground is located in the center of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 17 miles west of Redding, California, and three and a half hours north of Sacramento. Ponderosa pines and fir shade the campsites which have cliffside views of Brandy Creek. Nearby trails lead to a series of lovely waterfalls or into old-growth forest high on Shasta Bally Mountain.
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
Sheep Camp is a tent-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. Drinking water and electricity are not available. The campground has four campsites which share one vault toilet. To access these tent-only sites, walk approximately 25 feet from the parking area.
Due to a small parking area, 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 is available.
Natural Features
Tall pine and fir trees providing cooling shade make Sheep Camp Primitive Campground a relaxing 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.
Nearby Attractions
Brandy Creek Beach is located three and a half miles south of the campground and features sandy beaches, a large swimming area, picnicking and barbecuing facilities. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are showers, a store with food and supplies and rentals of paddle boards and kayaks.
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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Dump Station
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Cell Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Trail
Davis Gulch Trail
California
6.5 mi1,545 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Mount Shasta Mine Loop Trail
California
2.9 mi761 ftgain
Moderate
Trail
South Shore Drive
California
10.0 mi2,520 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Crystal Creek Falls
California
0.9 mi390 ftgain
Easy
Trail
Stoney Gultch Trailhead to Mule Mountain Summit
California
6.2 mi1,755 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Mule Ridge Trail
California
14.5 mi2,812 ftgain
Expert
Hunt context
Hunting units around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds
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