01
Closest sandy escape
Lake Britton Beach
Mcarthur-Burney Falls State Park • Pine-Framed Lakeside Beach • Best Quick Getaway From Johnson Park
A sandy cove on Lake Britton delivers the classic summer swim spot closest to Johnson Park.
Just beyond Burney Falls, Lake Britton’s main swim beach offers easy access, a roped-off swimming area, and a stretch of sand backed by tall pines. It’s an easy half-day trip when the thermometer climbs, with room to spread out a blanket and watch boats and paddlers move across the lake. Pair a morning hike to the falls with an afternoon at the beach and you have one of the area’s most dependable summer combos.
02
Best family beach
Brandy Creek Beach
Whiskeytown South Shore • Lively Family-Friendly Lake Beach • Best For All-Day Swimming And Picnics
Brandy Creek Beach is Whiskeytown’s social hub, with shallow water, picnic spots, and big mountain views.
On busy summer weekends, this is where Redding and east-county families tend to land, thanks to gentle shallows and plenty of space near the water. The shoreline mixes sand and small gravel, with a backdrop of trees and distant ridgelines that catch the evening light. Come early if you want a shady picnic table and plan to linger—sunsets over the lake here are worth the drive from Johnson Park.
03
Best base for camping
Oak Bottom Beach
Whiskeytown Northwest Arm • Easygoing Lakefront By The Campground • Great For Campers And Paddleboarding
Oak Bottom Beach pairs relaxed swimming with easy access to camping and boat rentals.
Set near the Oak Bottom campground and marina, this beach feels more laid-back than Brandy Creek, with a mix of shade, shoreline, and quick access to the water. It’s a natural choice if you’re turning a Johnson Park getaway into a full Whiskeytown campout and want to roll straight from your tent to the lake. Flat water and a protected cove also make it one of the better spots on the reservoir for casual paddling and beginner SUP sessions.
04
Quietest shoreline
East Beach
Whiskeytown East Side • Wide, Open-Feeling Shoreline • Good For Quiet Swims And Stargazing
East Beach is a broad, uncrowded stretch of Whiskeytown shoreline where you can spread out and settle in.
Farther from the main hubs, East Beach tends to draw smaller crowds, which means more breathing room along the water’s edge. The shoreline is broad and open, with clear lake water and big-sky views that make late afternoons and evenings especially appealing. If you don’t mind packing your own shade and chairs, it’s a rewarding option for quieter swims or lingering after dark to watch the stars reflect on the lake.
05
Best day trip
Lake Siskiyou Beach
Near Mount Shasta City • Scenic Mountain Lake Beach • Great For Views And Rentals
Lake Siskiyou Beach trades heat for high-country scenery, with a developed swimming area and classic views of Mount Shasta.
About an hour and a half north, Lake Siskiyou feels like a proper mini-resort beach, with lawns, sand, and a sheltered swim area facing the mountain. In summer, the park-style setup often includes seasonal concessions and small water rentals, making it easy to turn a simple dip into a full afternoon by the lake. It’s a bit more of a drive from Johnson Park, but the cooler air and postcard views make it a favorite for longer, made-to-linger day trips.