01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown Lake West Shore • Lively, Family-Friendly Lake Beach • Best All-Around Swim Spot
A sandy, swim-only cove with clear water, mountain views, and enough shade and amenities for an easy lake day.
Brandy Creek is the classic Whiskeytown swim beach, with roped-off swimming, gentle entry, and great visibility in the water. Picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and a broad lawn make it simple to settle in for the afternoon. It can get busy on peak summer weekends, but the setting and easy access keep it at the top of most locals’ lists.
02
Best for making a full day of it
Oak Bottom Beach
Whiskeytown Lake North Shore • Relaxed Campground-Adjacent Beach • Great For A Full Lake Day
A broad lakeside shoreline next to the main campground, ideal if you want to pair swimming with boating, paddling, or an overnight stay.
Set beside the Oak Bottom campground and marina, this beach is perfect if you like to mix time in the water with time on the water. The shoreline is a mix of sand and small pebbles, with easy access to boat rentals and launch ramps. It has a more laid-back feel than Brandy Creek, which makes it a good option for groups settling in for the day.
03
Best quieter lake option
East Beach
Whiskeytown Lake East Side • Open, Breezy Shoreline • Best For Quieter Afternoons
A more open, less crowded lakeside stretch that feels a little wilder while still offering a proper place to swim and sun.
East Beach sits away from the busiest parts of Whiskeytown, so it often feels more relaxed, especially on weekdays. You get big-sky views over the lake, room to spread out, and enough space for tossing a frisbee or setting up a small canopy. The steeper drop-off into the water suits confident swimmers and adults looking for a less hectic scene.
04
Closest to downtown Anderson
Anderson River Park
Sacramento River In Anderson • Shady Riverside Gravel Bar • Closest Quick Cool-Down
A convenient stretch of riverbank where locals wade, float, and cool off without leaving town.
Anderson River Park offers easy Sacramento River access, with small gravel and sand patches that turn into informal beaches on hot days. Cottonwood trees and park lawns nearby provide shade when you’re out of the water, and there are restrooms and picnic spots within a short walk. The current can be strong, so it’s best for quick dips, wading in shallows, and launching short float trips rather than long, lazy swims.
05
Best river beach with city amenities
Lake Redding Park
Sacramento River In Redding • Urban Riverfront Beach Park • Nice Mix Of Beach And Trail Time
A small but popular river beach tucked into a larger city park, with easy access to trails, playgrounds, and shady picnic areas.
Just upriver from Anderson, Lake Redding Park has a mellow stretch of shoreline where families spread towels, skim stones, and wade in on hot afternoons. The beach area feels surprisingly secluded given how close it is to town, and you can hop on the Sacramento River Trail for a walk or bike ride once you’ve cooled off. It’s a smart pick if you want a swim spot that pairs well with playground time and a picnic.