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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.
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.
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, the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp, 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.
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.
From Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Take a left on Marysville Road and travel approximately 4 miles to Hornswoggle Campground.
Nice spot for group camping, the spacing between sites is good and I didn't find sound carrying to be an issue. However, the bears were out every night and will definitely wait for you to go to bed and roam your site for any unattended coolers of food. We stayed at Manzanita (the 50 person site) with a group of 30ish folks and it fit us well - a mix of tent campers and 4 trailers.
Tons of mosquitos. Super quiet place though so don't be the loud one. Too bad there is no creek or body of water close by. Need to drive if you want to go swim anywhere.
Awesome place to camp. We stayed at the Mananzita group camp site. Lots of amenities available. Flushing toilet, 2 water spigots, 8 picnic tables, 6 bear lockers, a large fire pit, and a large grill. There are plenty of space to setup several tents around the area. There are large trash bins nearby that can be utilized when needed.
Keep all the food in the bear containers to be on the safe side. Those containers fit full size coolers and plenty of food.
Easy to reserve this site online.
Tall shady trees, prime tent set up locations, bathrooms nearby, and bathrooms with plumbing a tiny walk away.
Trees don't have wifi though
