01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown Lake West Of Redding • Lakeside Family Beach With Amenities • Best For Families And First-Time Visitors
A classic Whiskeytown swim beach with a gentle slope, roped-off swim area, and big mountain views.
Brandy Creek is the spot most locals think of first when they want a true beach day close to Cottonwood. The shoreline here is roomy enough to spread out, with a mix of sand and small pebbles, nearby restrooms, and picnic tables tucked under trees. Winds can pick up in the afternoon, so many people time their swims for late morning or early evening when the lake is calmest.
02
Great all-day hang
Oak Bottom Beach
North Shore Of Whiskeytown Lake • Wide Lakeshore With Campground Vibe • Best For Camping And Long Lake Days
A broad, pebbly beach next to the campground that makes it easy to spend the whole day by the water.
Oak Bottom feels like a little lakeside village in summer, with swimmers, paddlers, and boaters all sharing the same scenic cove. The shoreline is long, so you can usually find your own stretch of water even on busy weekends. It pairs well with a camping weekend or an unhurried day of picnicking, swimming, and watching the light change on the surrounding hills.
03
Peaceful alternative
East Beach
Eastern Whiskeytown Shoreline • Quieter Sandy Cove • Best For Relaxed, Low-Key Afternoons
A smaller, less developed beach that tends to stay calmer than Whiskeytown’s main swim areas.
East Beach trades some of the amenities for a more laid-back feel and a slightly wilder shoreline. It is a good choice if Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom are packed but you still want to stay on Whiskeytown. Bring what you need for the day—water, snacks, and shade—so you can settle in and enjoy the quieter vibe.
04
Local river hangout
Anderson River Park Beach
Anderson On The Sacramento River • Tree-Lined River Beach • Best For Hot-Day Cool-Downs
A shady stretch of Sacramento River shoreline with pockets of sand and smooth stones for wading and lounging.
Just north of Cottonwood, Anderson River Park offers an easy way to dip into the Sacramento without committing to a full lake trip. The currents and river level change with the season, so most people stick to the shallows and keep an eye on kids and dogs. Between the cottonwood shade, nearby picnic spots, and walking paths, it is a convenient option when you only have a few hours to spare.
05
Closest urban escape
Lake Redding Park Riverfront
North Redding Along The Sacramento River • In-Town River Access With Pocket Beaches • Best For Quick Swims And Evening Walks
River access points and small gravel bars give you easy places to wade and cool off right in Redding.
Lake Redding Park links into Redding’s riverfront trail system, and several side paths drop down to small beaches and shallow bars. The water here is snowmelt-cold even in midsummer, which makes short swims and toe-dips especially refreshing. It is ideal when you want to pair a walk or bike ride along the river with a quick soak before heading back toward Cottonwood.