Lake California Air Park (68CA) — Cottonwood, California

Lake California Air Park (FAA identifier: 68CA) is a private-use general aviation facility nestled within the Lake California fly-in community, situated approximately 4 miles southeast of downtown Cottonwood in Tehama County, California. Perched at an elevation of 615 feet above mean sea level along the eastern foothills of the Coast Ranges, the airpark serves a close-knit community of aviation enthusiasts who have built their homes and hangars alongside the runway — a lifestyle that blends California's outdoor splendor with the freedom of personal flight.

The airport occupies 61 acres and is owned and operated by the Lake California Property Owners Association (POA), managed by Scott Nielson (530-347-7900). Because 68CA is designated for private use, all visiting pilots must obtain prior permission from the POA before landing. This requirement preserves the residential character of the community and ensures safe operations on the unattended field.

Runway & Field Specifications

Lake California Air Park features a single asphalt runway designated 14/32, measuring 3,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width. The surface is maintained in good condition, suitable for light single- and twin-engine piston aircraft. A notable terrain feature is the grade change along the runway: the north end sits approximately 30 feet lower than the south end, creating a slight upslope on Runway 14 departures and a downslope on Runway 32 departures. Pilots unfamiliar with sloped runways should review this characteristic before their first arrival.

Traffic pattern procedures are: right-hand traffic for Runway 14, and left-hand traffic for Runway 32. Pilot-controlled runway lighting (PCRL) is available on the CTAF frequency of 122.9 MHz — three microphone clicks activate the lights, which is particularly helpful for evening arrivals into this unlit rural community.

Navigation & Communications

Lake California Air Park does not have an air traffic control tower and operates as an unattended field. Pilots should self-announce on 122.9 MHz throughout the pattern. For flight service, the serving station is the Rancho Murieta Flight Service Station. The airport falls within the Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC, ZOA) airspace.

For VOR navigation, the Redding VOR/DME lies 9.3 nautical miles to the north, and the Red Bluff VORTAC sits 15.8 nautical miles to the south — providing excellent DME coverage for IFR pilots transiting the area, although no published instrument approach procedures exist at 68CA itself. Weather observation is available via the ASOS station at Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD), approximately 10 nautical miles north, making it the go-to source for surface observations before departing or arriving at the airpark.

Fuel & Services

There are no fuel facilities or Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) currently operating at Lake California Air Park. Pilots planning flights to 68CA should ensure sufficient fuel reserves. The nearest practical fueling stop is Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD), a full-service commercial and general aviation airport located 10 miles north with 100LL and Jet-A available around the clock from multiple FBOs. Red Bluff Municipal Airport (KRBL), approximately 20 miles south, also provides 100LL avgas.

Community & Location Context

Lake California is a master-planned residential community in unincorporated Tehama County, developed in the 1970s and centered around a 450-acre reservoir. The airpark is an integral part of the community fabric, with hangar homes lining the taxiways and tie-down spaces available on the west side of the south end of the runway (eight spaces) and one tie-down on the east side of the north end. Residents enjoy fly-in access to the Sacramento Valley, the Southern Cascades, and the Pacific Coast, with Shasta Lake just 35 miles to the north and the Sacramento metropolitan area approximately 120 miles south.

Interstate 5 runs through the Cottonwood area, placing the community within easy driving distance of Redding (20 minutes north) and Red Bluff (15 minutes south). For pilots visiting the region, Lake California Air Park provides a scenic alternative to larger commercial airports when permission is arranged in advance with the POA.

Lake California Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Cottonwood, California.

Name Lake California Airport
Address Lake California Drive, Cottonwood CA 96022 Map
Phone
Website
Hours

Map of Lake California Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions — Lake California Air Park (68CA)

No. Lake California Air Park (68CA) is designated as a private-use airport. All visiting pilots must obtain prior permission before landing. The airport is owned and operated by the Lake California Property Owners Association; contact the POA manager Scott Nielson at 530-347-7900 to arrange access. Arriving without permission is a violation of FAA regulations for private-use fields.

The single runway at Lake California Air Park is designated 14/32 and measures 3,000 feet long by 75 feet wide with an asphalt surface in good condition. A significant terrain factor is a grade change: the north end of the runway is approximately 30 feet lower than the south end. Traffic patterns are right-hand for Runway 14 and left-hand for Runway 32. Pilot-controlled lighting is activated on 122.9 MHz with three clicks.

There are no fuel facilities at 68CA. The nearest fueling options are Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD), approximately 10 nautical miles north, which offers 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel from multiple FBOs with 24-hour availability. Red Bluff Municipal Airport (KRBL), roughly 16 nautical miles south, also provides 100LL avgas. Pilots should plan fuel stops accordingly before arriving at Lake California.

Lake California Air Park (68CA) has no on-site weather observation equipment and no published instrument approach procedures. Pilots should use the ASOS station at Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD), located 10 nautical miles north, for current surface observations. The Redding VOR/DME (9.3 nm N) and Red Bluff VORTAC (15.8 nm S) provide navigational coverage. Preflight weather briefings are available through the Rancho Murieta Flight Service Station or via 1800wxbrief.com.

The closest major airport to Lake California Air Park (68CA) is Redding Municipal Airport (KRDD), 10 miles north, offering scheduled commercial service and full FBO facilities. Red Bluff Municipal Airport (KRBL) lies about 16 miles to the south. Further afield in the Bay Area, Livermore Municipal Airport (KLVK) is approximately 150 miles south and serves as a general aviation hub, while Oakland International Airport (KOAK) offers commercial connections about 170 miles southwest. For visitors arriving commercially and renting aircraft or ground transport, Redding Regional Airport is the practical gateway to the Lake California community.

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