01
Best overall pick
Lake Britton Beach at McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
Mcarthur-Burney Falls State Park, North Of Burney • Forest-Framed Lake Beach With Classic Swim Area • Closest Full-Service Beach To Burney
A sheltered lakeside beach with clear water, easy access, and classic state-park amenities just a short drive from town.
This is the natural first choice if you’re staying in or around Burney—after a walk to the falls, the Lake Britton swim beach is where everyone cools off. The shoreline here is a mix of sand and small pebbles, with a roped-off swim area, nearby parking, and plenty of trees for shade. Go early on summer weekends to snag a picnic table and enjoy the views of boats and kayaks drifting across the lake.
02
Best for families
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown Lake, West Of Redding • Broad, Sandy Lake Beach With A Lively Summer Vibe • Top Family Day-Trip Beach
A wide sandy shoreline, gentle entry into the water, and nearby facilities make Brandy Creek a dependable all-ages crowd-pleaser.
Brandy Creek Beach feels like a classic summer beach day, just on a mountain lake instead of the ocean. Kids can wade out gradually, there’s room to spread out blankets and canopies, and the afternoon breeze off Whiskeytown Lake helps tame the heat. Pair a swim here with a stop in Redding for dinner to turn it into a full-day outing from Burney.
03
Best for relaxed camping and swimming
Oak Bottom Beach
Whiskeytown Lake, Near Oak Bottom Area • Laid-Back Lakeshore By A Campground And Marina • Great For Weekend Beach-And-Camp Combos
A mellow lakeside beach tucked beside a campground, ideal if you want to swim, paddle, and stay the night in one spot.
Oak Bottom Beach is the slower-paced counterpart to Brandy Creek, with swimmers, paddlers, and campers sharing the same stretch of shoreline. The beach is narrow in spots but long enough to find a quieter corner, and the nearby boat rentals add options for getting out on the water. It’s a smart choice if you’re coming from Burney for a summer weekend and want both a campsite and an easy swim area within a short walk.
04
Best for quieter afternoons
East Beach
Whiskeytown Lake, Eastern Shore • Open Lakeshore With A More Low-Key Feel • Good Pick For Laid-Back Lounging
Less busy than the main hubs, East Beach offers broad lake views and space to stretch out away from larger crowds.
East Beach doesn’t have quite the same bustle or built-up feel as Brandy Creek, which is exactly why many locals like it. You still get the clear Whiskeytown water and good swimming, but the shoreline tends to feel a touch more open and relaxed. Pack what you need for the afternoon, stake out a spot near the waterline, and plan to linger until the light starts to drop behind the ridges around the lake.
05
Best for scenery
Lake Siskiyou Beach
Near Mount Shasta City • Scenic Mountain Lake Beach With Resort-Style Touches • Most Picturesque Day-Trip Beach
A developed lake beach with views of Mount Shasta, shallow swimming, and a relaxed resort feel worth the extra drive from Burney.
Lake Siskiyou Beach feels like a mini mountain resort, with a defined swim area, soft sand, and the big payoff of Mount Shasta looming over the water on clear days. It’s a bit farther from Burney than the other spots on this list, but the setting makes the drive easy to justify. Plan it as a full-day excursion—swim, rent a kayak or paddleboard if they’re available, then grab food in Mount Shasta City before heading back over the passes.