The land surrounding Whiskeytown Lake provides many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and backcountry exploration. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on most trails. Ask at the visitor center about trail use.

Several roads surround the lake. Some of the roads provide access to areas of prime recreational or scenic interest, e.g. Brandy Creek Beach, marina and picnic area or Shasta Bally. Backcountry exploration has many miles of trails and unpaved dirt and gravel roads. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on all dirt and gravel roads. Motorized vehicles must be street legal and are prohibited off-road. Contact the visitor center for information about these roads and trails, winter closures, and current road conditions.