Dark Day Campground

Tahoe National Forest

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.

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.  

Need to Know

• The facility opens April 15 and closes October 15 each year.

• Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

• Utility hookups and showers are not available

• Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers

• food lockers are about 4' wide by 2' deep by 4' high

• There is no dump station at this facility

• We have added orange cones at the parking area for each site to keep your parking site from being used by a "day use vehicle by someone else". When you arrive, just move the cone and park and place the cone in front of your vehicle.  

Natural Features

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 spieces. There is plenty of shade at the campsites

Nearby Attractions

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.

Recreation

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.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Yuba River Ranger Station, 15924 Highway 49 This is the Ranger Staion address. Not the campground address Camptonville CA 95922

Physical Address

3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road Camptonville CA 95922

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 530-478-6253

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

It may be reached by traveling north on Higway 49 from Nevada City, California for approximately 20 miles to Maryville Road , turn left onto Maryville Road and travel west approximatley 3 miles to the Dark Day Campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 7, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 8, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 4T, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 6, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 5, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 3D, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 9, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 1D, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 2D, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric

Photo Gallery