01
Best overall pick
Brandy Creek Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
South Shore Of Whiskeytown Lake • Lively Family-Friendly Swim Beach • Local Favorite For Summer Days
A broad swim area, grassy shaded banks, and easy parking make Brandy Creek the go-to summer beach near Whitmore.
About an hour west of Whitmore, Brandy Creek Beach feels like a classic lake day: roped-off swim areas, a gentle slope into the water, and plenty of room to spread out on the grass. It stays lively on hot weekends but rarely feels overwhelming, especially if you arrive before midday. Pack a picnic and plan to linger as the sun drops behind the Whiskeytown hills.
02
Best for camping weekends
Oak Bottom Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
North Shore Of Whiskeytown Lake • Relaxed Lakeside Beach By The Campground • Great For Swim-And-Stay Trips
Oak Bottom pairs a mellow swim beach with lakeside camping and marina access, ideal for a full weekend on the water.
If you like to roll out of your tent and straight into the lake, Oak Bottom is the spot. The beach here is more low-key than Brandy Creek, with a mix of gravel shoreline and small sandy stretches, plus easy access to rentals and boat launches. It’s a smart base for Whitmore locals who want to combine paddling, boating, and lazy afternoons in one trip.
03
Best for groups
East Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
Eastern Arm Of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area • Open Sandy Lakeshore • Best For Big Gatherings And Casual Hangouts
East Beach offers wide-open shoreline, simple facilities, and plenty of space for group picnics steps from the water.
Set on a broad cove at the east end of Whiskeytown, this beach is all about elbow room. The shoreline is more open and exposed than other spots on the lake, which makes it great for volleyball, big coolers, and noisy friends without crowding anyone else. Bring shade if you plan to stay all day, and use it as a relaxed, easy-access meet-up point for folks coming from Whitmore and Redding.
04
Most scenic day trip
Lake Britton Beach, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Near Burney, Northeast Of Whitmore • Forest-Framed Reservoir Beach • Best Paired With A Waterfall Visit
A sheltered lakeside beach just up the road from Burney Falls, Lake Britton is a photogenic swim stop with a vacation feel.
Drive a little over an hour northeast and you can cool off at Lake Britton after walking the loop to Burney Falls. The designated beach here is tucked into pines, with a gentle entry, warm summer water, and views that feel a world away from town. It’s a smart choice if you want one big outing from Whitmore that checks hiking, sightseeing, and swimming off the list.
05
Best for quiet escapes
Manzanita Lake Shore, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Northwest Corner Of Lassen Volcanic National Park • Tranquil Mountain Lake Shoreline • Great For Paddling And Reflections
More about serenity than sand, Manzanita’s shoreline offers clear, cool water with postcard views of Lassen Peak.
Within roughly an hour and a half of Whitmore, Manzanita Lake trades big crowds for glassy water and mountain reflections. You won’t find a developed sandy beach here, but the small access points and mellow shallows are perfect for a refreshing dip after a paddle or lakeside walk. Aim for early or late in the day for calm water, dramatic light, and easier parking near the day-use areas.