01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake South Shore • Lively, Family-Friendly Lake Beach • Best Overall Summer Hangout
A sandy, buoyed-off swim area with clear water, mountain views, and plenty of room for families to spread out.
Brandy Creek Beach is the go-to choice when you want a classic beach day without driving to the coast. The roped swim zone, gentle entry, and nearby lawns make it easy for kids and casual swimmers, while shaded picnic tables and restroom access keep it comfortable for lingering all afternoon. Arrive earlier on hot weekends, as parking fills quickly and the vibe shifts to a busy, happy crowd by midday.
02
Best for camping and swimming
Oak Bottom Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake Northwest Shore • Laid-Back Swim Cove With Campground Vibe • Best For Campers And Weekend Stays
A relaxed shoreline by the Oak Bottom campground where you can swim, launch small craft, and wander back to your site between dips.
If you like to park once and stay the weekend, Oak Bottom Beach pairs a mellow swimming area with one of the region’s most popular campgrounds. The shore here is a mix of sand and small gravel, with easy lake access for floating, paddling, or just wading in knee-deep. It feels quieter than Brandy Creek, especially on shoulder-season evenings when the sun drops behind the hills and the campground settles into campfire mode.
03
Best for big groups
East Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake East Side • Open, Sun-Drenched Shoreline • Best For Groups And Picnics
A broad stretch of lakeshore with space for coolers, lawn games, and group gatherings right at the water’s edge.
East Beach is where you go when the group text blows up and suddenly you have three families and a carload of floaties to accommodate. The shoreline is wide and open, with enough room to spread out blankets without crowding your neighbors and still be close to the water. Shade is limited, so locals bring pop-up canopies and big coolers, settling in for long swims, paddle sessions, and lingering sunset views across the lake.
04
Best quick escape from town
Anderson River Park River Beach
Anderson Along The Sacramento River • Shady River Gravel Bar • Best For Quick Cool-Downs
A convenient Sacramento River access spot where locals wade in from a gravel bar to cool off under the cottonwoods.
When you only have a couple of hours to spare, the river beach at Anderson River Park offers a fast, low-key way to beat the heat. The shore is mostly rounded gravel with patches of sand, backed by big trees that throw welcome shade on triple-digit days. The current can be strong, so it is more of a wading and splash-around spot than a full-on swim beach, but the easy access and park amenities make it a reliable local standby.
05
Best quiet river stretch
Red Bluff Recreation Area River Beach
Near Red Bluff Along The Sacramento River • Wide Riverside Sandbar • Best For Quiet River Time
A spacious riverbank with sandy sections and long views upstream, ideal for slower-paced afternoons by the water.
South of Lake California, the Red Bluff Recreation Area hides a surprisingly roomy stretch of riverbank that feels far from town traffic. You will find sandy and pebbly spots to lay out a towel, with enough space to give other visitors plenty of breathing room. It is a great choice for reading by the water, letting kids dig in the sand, or launching a short paddle, but always check river levels and use caution around deeper, faster-moving sections.