Swimming and fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Whiskeytown Lake at this Forest Service campground, where pine and manzanita trees frame the shoreline. Oak Bottom Marina RV & Campground operates seasonally from late May through September, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet with full hookups including water and sewer connections. The $10 nightly fee covers access to flush toilets, drinking water, and firewood sales.
Lakeside sites require a short walk from parking areas, though camp hosts provide carts to help transport gear. "Whiskytown Lake is a great recreation lake, from boating, swimming to fishing," notes Tammy H.. The marina provides boat launching facilities, while a designated swimming beach includes shower facilities. Cell coverage reaches the campground reliably.
Campers can explore kayaking opportunities in nearby coves or drive around the lake to reach Whiskeytown picnic area for hiking trails. The campground includes both tent sites and dry RV spots alongside the hookup sites. A small store stocks basic supplies campers might forget. Those seeking additional options can explore camping near Somes Bar in the surrounding area.
Reserve sites in advance since shoreline spots fill quickly during peak season, and bring a cart or be prepared to hand-carry equipment to waterfront locations.
Description
Overview
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT OAK BOTTOM CAMPGROUND AT WHISKEYTOWN LAKE. FOR THAT SITE NEAR REDDING, CALL 530-359-2269Open from mid-May through mid-October, this Oak Bottom Campground is on the Salmon River at Somes Bar, California. It is situated on a shaded and gently sloping hillside in the expansive Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests, far from highway noise and city distractions. NEW: Each reservable campsite now has its own bear-resistant food storage locker, as do most of the first-come first-served campsites. Campsite List calendar starts at the next available reservation dates.
Recreation
Located near California's Salmon River, the campground is popular with whitewater enthusiasts in the spring. Many challenging rapids ranging from class 3 to 5 are available. Swimming is also popular in the summer and numerous river access areas are a short drive or walk from the campground. In the fall, salmon and steelhead trout fishing in the nearby Klamath River is known to be some of the best in the state.
Facilities
The campground offers 25 single-family sites. Each site is equipped with a bear-resistant food storage locker, picnic table, and fire ring with grill. Some sites have vintage rock stoves as well. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host may be available.
Natural Features
The campground loops around a forested hillside of mixed Douglas fir and hardwood forest at a 700-foot elevation. Large deciduous trees provide ample shading for multiple sites within the campground, and a variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The small town of Somes Bar is 2.5 miles from the campground. Propane, groceries, and tackle are available at a general store.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
RV ParkOak Bottom Marina RV & Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is located in California
Directions
From Highway 96, take Salmon River Road/Forest Highway 93 for 2.3 miles to Oak Bottom Campground.
Address
P.O. BOX 410
Orleans, CA 95556
Coordinates
41.3772222 N
123.4513889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 users
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 users
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 55 min from Medford, OR
- 2 hrs 57 min from Redding, CA
- 3 hrs 3 min from Grants Pass, OR
