Laws & Policies

Whiskeytown law enforcement ranger vehicle
Follow park rules and regulations so that you don't end up in the back of one of these - a Whiskeytown National Recreation Area law enforcement ranger vehicle.

Stay Safe and Responsible at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Each year, several visitors are arrested, hospitalized, or worse, because they didn't follow park rules. Please stay safe and responsible during your visit to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Don't become a statistic.

To ensure the safety of visitors, employees, and park resources, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area enforces laws from the U.S. Department of the Interior Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR) and the Superintendent's Compendium. If you're unclear about any regulations, please review the information and links below. You may also contact the Chief Law Enforcement Ranger at 530-242-3413. Help us protect the park and ensure an enjoyable experience for all by following the rules and regulations.

Some Common Rules & Regulations of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

  • An Entrance Pass is required to visit the park. Entrance passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center or online.
  • Alcohol is not permitted at Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, East Beach, and the Whiskey Creek Group Day Use Area Beach. Elsewhere in the park, such as along the shoreline or in your campsite, please drink responsibly and never drink and drive or drink and boat.
  • To protect dogs from wildlife and to protect wildlife and other visitors from dogs, Dogs are required to be on leash within the park.
  • Dogs are not permitted at Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, East Beach, and the Whiskey Creek Group Day Use Area Beach.
  • The use of marijuana is not permitted within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
  • Drive cautiously and do not drive above posted speed limits. Fatal car accidents occur every year within the park.
  • On the water, individuals 13 years of age and older must have a lifejacket onboard with them on all vessels. Note: this includes kayak and paddleboards.
  • On the water, individuals 12 years of age and younger must wear a lifejacket onboard with them on all vessels. Note: this includes kayaks and paddleboards.
  • Several areas of the lake are closed to boating or have low speed limits (no wake zones). Please refer to the park map for details.
  • If you see something strange going on in the park, please call park dispatch at 530-242-3431.
  • In an emergency, dial 911.
  • Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes are prohibited in the park except for in your vehicle, on your boat, in your campsite, or at the designated smoking areas at Brandy Creek Beach parking lot, Oak Bottom Beach parking lot, and the Visitor Center parking lot island.

Special Use Permits & Commercial Use Permits

Hunting

Hunting is prohibited on the following land areas within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, as defined and drawn onto this geo referenced map.

Refer to the maps for specific boundaries of areas impacted by these closures and restrictions. In all cases, hunting (as defined under 36 C.F.R. 1.4 (a)) and/or discharge of any weapon within 300 feet of any structure, designated camping area or other developed recreation site is prohibited. Hunting must abide by California laws.

 

Last updated: October 4, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095

Phone:

530 242-3400

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