Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 246-1225.

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.

Camp site features

Across 4 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 4 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 4 sites
  • Longest RV: 15 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 3.5 mi

Directions

From 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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

12 reviews
5 stars
9
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
Matthew C
Loop:Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Site:
Reviewed 23 days ago
Great little spot. It's a little more down the hill from the other sites and the bathroom, so slightly more private, at least from all but 1 of the other. There's really only 1 spot for a tent at this specific site. The others have more options. The camping area in general is pretty shaded, and I'd say it's on average about 5-10 degrees cooler than down at the lake. There's a trail that goes down to the cold river and would probably be a fun place to go gold panning. There's a small pool down there that would be nice in the heat of the summer to cool off in.
Mitchell D
Loop:Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Beautiful vantage point, overlooking a scenic, pristine creek. Giant pines shade and protect from the heat of the day.
Myriam T
Loop:Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
It is a drive up from the main rd. It's secluded and far from everything and everyone. We really enjoyed this. They're was no light or noise pollution. There is no running water or electricity. There is a restroom. It was a short walk to get to Brandy Creek Falls Trail. There is a little river that runs close by. If you want to get down to the lake, you do have to drive. It is too far to walk. It was only us and one other group camping.
Andrew S
Loop:Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
This campground has 4 sites, ranging from small to a double sized site. Site 4 has 2 bear boxes and 2 picnic tables to accommodate more people. Site 1 is closer to the creek, but quite small (no more than a standard 4 person tent). Campground is close to a swimming hole on brandy creek and connects to 2 trailheads directly. There is a vault toilet - no running water. Closest water is at brandy creek beach upper parking area (there are also flushing toilets and sinks there). There are no showers so you need to bathe in the creek (cold) or lake. Area surrounding burned in 2018 and is recovering, however, the site itself was spared and the surrounding area is quite beautiful. You will probably encounter loud/unruly campers from Thursday through the weekend. If it's peace you're looking for, try for Monday through Thursday morning.
Marianne K
Loop:Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Best place ever. Stream for washing and playing and near the lake
Mayme C
Loop:Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Very beautiful and primitive. Easily the most tranquil sites I have ever visited.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

Apr 1, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Apr 1, 2028 – Oct 31, 2028

Reservable online

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