01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown Lake West Of Redding • Lifeguarded Family Swim Beach • Best Mix Of Amenities And Scenery
A classic Whiskeytown swim beach with shade, lifeguards in season, and an easy, lakefront vibe.
Brandy Creek is where many Redding and Bella Vista locals go first when they want a low-stress beach day. There’s a broad sandy and pebbly shoreline, roped-off swim area, nearby restrooms, and plenty of trees behind the beach for escaping the afternoon sun. Go early on summer weekends if you want parking close to the water and a prime patch of sand.
02
Best for camping and swimming
Oak Bottom Beach
Northern Shore Of Whiskeytown Lake • Relaxed Campground Beach • Best For Making A Full Day Or Weekend Of It
A mellow lakeside beach steps from campsites and a marina, ideal for long, lazy days in and out of the water.
Oak Bottom pairs a forgiving swim beach with the convenience of camping, a small marina, and nearby rentals. The shoreline here feels a bit more laid-back than Brandy Creek, with plenty of space to spread out and watch boats cruise by. It’s a smart pick if you want to roll out of your tent or RV and be in the water within minutes.
03
Best for big groups
East Beach
Eastern Shore Of Whiskeytown Lake • Wide, Sunny Swim Beach • Best For Groups And Casual Games
A broad, open beach with room for coolers, canopies, and a crowd, plus easy lake access for swimming.
East Beach has a long stretch of shoreline that works well for larger gatherings, from birthday cookouts to casual after-work hangs. The open layout makes it easy to set up canopies, toss a football, or keep an eye on kids playing at the water’s edge. Expect more sun and fewer trees than other Whiskeytown spots, so bring extra shade and plenty of water.
04
Best quick Shasta Lake stop
Centimudi Day-Use Area
Near Shasta Dam On Shasta Lake • Lakefront Picnic And Swim Spot • Best For A Short Swim With Big Views
A convenient Shasta Lake access point with shoreline for wading, quick swims, and picnics within sight of the dam.
Centimudi is a practical choice when you want Shasta Lake scenery without committing to a full-blown boating day. You get easy access from town, a mix of gravelly beach and rockier shoreline, and viewpoints that remind you how big the lake really is. It’s ideal for a quick dip after errands in Redding or as a leg-stretch stop on the way to the mountains.
05
Best for low-key lake days
Jones Valley Shoreline
East Side Of Shasta Lake Above Bella Vista • Laid-Back Diy Shoreline Beach • Best For Boaters And Relaxed Hangs
A stretch of Shasta Lake shoreline where you can park nearby, wander down, and claim your own little patch of lakeside.
The Jones Valley side of Shasta Lake offers a more do-it-yourself beach feel, with coves and inlets that reward a bit of exploring. You won’t find manicured sand here, but you do get quiet shoreline, easy access for inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, and room to spread out away from crowds. Bring sturdy sandals for the rockier sections and plan to stay through golden hour, when the light on the hills can be spectacular.