By:
Submission
Bullards Bar Reservoir is located on the North Yuba River at an elevation of 2000 feet. It is located approximately 21 miles north of Nevada City, California. It has a maximum surface area of 4,760 acres and a length of over 16 miles and shoreline of more than 60 miles.
**This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground.** Activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports. Swimming opportunities are limited because of the steep slopes; however boaters will find numerous opportunities for swimming in various locations around the reservoir. The reservoir provides yearlong fishing opportunities for both warm and cold water fish species. Supplies are available at the marina as well as the nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.
**This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground.** Public access for boating and recreation is limited to 2 developed and 1 undeveloped boat launches: the Cottage Creek Boat Launch ramp at Emerald Cove Marina (aprox. 3 miles from campground by boat), the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp (aprox. 1 mile from campground by boat), and the undeveloped site at the end of Moran Road. The area includes 5 campgrounds, 2 picnic areas, 2 boat launch ramps, 1 marina, 1 overlook, 1 day use area and several developed hiking trails.
**This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground.** The sides of the reservoir are generally steep and public access for boating and recreation is limited. The reservoir is surrounded by both conifer and hardwood forests with numerous brush species. There is plenty of shade at the campsites
There is a beautiful non- motorized trail system in the area, with 5 different trails to choose from. Bullards Bar Trailhead is 14 miles, 7 Ball Trial is 1 mile, 8 Ball Trail is 3.8 miles, Rebel Ridge Trail is 1.6 miles and Schoolhouse Trail is 0.7 miles. Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station just a couple miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.
**This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground.** From Nevada City, California, travel approximatley 20 miles north on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximatley 3 miles to the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp and launch from the ramp. Or travel approximatley 7 miles to Emerald Cove Marina and launch from the launch and ramp there.
Meth head island. Beware. I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend of camping and fishing. We chose to go to a boat in site. Thinking the looks wouldn't be there. Wrong. We were next to a group of 20 youths . All weekend it was loud music. Generator all night. As I am typing this IT'S 6AM AND THEY ARE STILL GOING AT IT. Buyer Beware!
Awesome lake!!!! As far as I know, pretty much all the campgrounds are only boat accessible which is pretty cool!
We were in combo campground with #8. Very quiet relative to the rest of them and more private, set off in the back. Level and cool. Only complaint is you have a ways to carry your stuff in and no direct water view. If you go the back side it's closer, but steeper shelf to get your stuff up. Lake is absolutely beautiful and warm. Good mtn biking too.
Don't judge a campground by its website. My wife and I had a 200 yard hike to our site. There is little to no shoreline and what there is of shoreline is at a 45* angle or packed.
Campsite is amazing. Water access is just about non existent from site 7. Seen better bathrooms on active construction sites.
No breeze until about 9pm or 930pm.
I would return but only to fish for bass.
Update went memorial 2023 water level over 100% camping was amazing
Depending on the water level. We went August 2022 & it was a hike up. The water is low so pack light! Think back pack camping! Unless you’re ready for a good work out! They have vaulted toilets! Campsites come with a table and fire ring. Sites are pretty level. We stayed at site 20 I really like the view we had. Site 3,4,1,5,6 are really good spots as well. Book online ahead to guarantee a spot if you want or they have first come first serve for some! Some sites have a fire ring some don’t.
