Dark Day Campground
New Bullards Bar Reservoir

New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California

Dark Day Campground
New Bullards Bar Reservoir


Dark Day Campground

Dark Day Campground is located along a ridge on a peninsula on the southeast shore of New Bullards Bar Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest. Campgrounds at Bullards Bar were at one time operated by Emerald Cove Marina, but in 2020 the Forest Service took over the operation. Visitors to the campground enjoy boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. The campground is adjacent to Dark Day Boat Ramp and 3½ miles from Cottage Creek Boat Ramp.

Tent Camping at Dark DAy Campground

Dark Day Campground has 10 campsites designated for tents only. Three campsites are doubles and one is a triple. Adjacent to the campground is the Dark Day Picnic Area. Some campsites are close to the water when the lake is full.

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Dark Day Campground Basics
Dark Day Campground Location: Garden Valley Rd. off Marysville Rd. on the southeast shore of New Bullards Bar Reservoir
Elevation: 2,000 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 95 miles, 2:12 minutes
Oroville - 54 miles, 1:40
Number of Sites: 10
Camping Season: Open mid-April through mid-October
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 for single sites, more for doubles and triples
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Tahoe National Forest
Yuba River Ranger District: (530) 362-8259

Reservations for Dark Day Campground
Reservations available Reservations for Dark Day Campground can be made whenever campground is open.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $24 per night for single site
Reservations: Dark Day Campground Reservations
Plus a $10 reservatiion fee
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Dark Day Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, food storage box; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near: Head down to the lake for swimming, water skiing, fishing, and boating. Take advantage of the Dark Day Launch Ramp. Hike along the Bullards Bar Trail. Visit Emerald Cove Marina with boat rentals. Stop in at Camptonville. Try mountain biking the Bullards Bar Loop.




New Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA

New Bullards Bar Reservoir



General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.


Dark Day Campground, New Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA

Dark Day Campground

New Bullards Bar Area
Attractions and Activities

New Bullards Bar Reservoir is known a quieter and more scenic alternative to the bigger neighboring lakes such as Oroville and Folsom. Campers at Dark Day Campground have a number of interesting places to explore.

  • Visit Emerald Cove Marina for small boat and houseboat rentals.
  • Set out on the lake for a day of wakeboarding, cruising, jet skiing, or waterskiing.
  • Fish from shore or boat for Kokanee salmon, bass, crappie, and bluegill.
  • Pick up bait and tackle at the Emerald Cove general store.
  • Hike on a number of local trails.
  • Visit nearby communities such as Camptonville and historic Nevada City.
  • Spend a day at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
  • Head downstream to various spots along the scenic Yuba River, including the old Bridgeport Covered Bridge.

Key Dark Day Campground Regulations

  1. Quiet Time is from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  2. Avoid problems with bears. Use bear-proof storage lockers for food and similar items.
  3. Fires are only permitted in the provided fire rings.
  4. Dogs must be on leash and always attended. At night they must be in a tent or vehicle.

    Check the Tahoe National Forest website, Bullards Bar - Dark Day Campground, for any campground updates.