Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a United States National Recreation Area in northern California, just 82 miles (131 km) northwest of Chico, California. Please note that while there are no designated stargazing areas, the area is accessible by the public year-round and offers secluded hiking and walking trails, waterfalls, lakes, and more, with wide open night skies suited for gazing. One EarthSky friend says “it offers visitors plenty of area to find open, dark sky!” Specifically, the park’s favored features are Whiskeytown Lake and Shasta Bally, which provide outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for water recreation, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Camping is also available at a selection of tent and RV campsites throughout the area. For more information, please visit online or call Whiskeytown headquarters at 530-242-3400.