Hornswoggle Group Campground
The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through mid-October. The 2026 season opened April 21. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Bears are active; approved food storage containers required.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
About
Hornswoggle Group Campground is a group-only facility located on Marysville Road in the Tahoe National Forest, serving as a base for recreation at Bullards Bar Reservoir. The campground features five standard group sites (Dogwood, Sugarpine, Manzanita, Ponderosa, Madrone) accommodating up to 25 people each, plus the larger Douglas Fir site which handles up to 50 people and includes an RV parking area. All sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and bear storage boxes. The reservoir offers over 16 miles of water and 60 miles of shoreline for boating, waterskiing, swimming, and year-round fishing. Dark Day boat ramp is just half a mile away, with Cottage Creek boat ramp three miles out. A network of non-motorized trails surrounds the area, including the 7 Ball, 8 Ball, Rebel Ridge, and Schoolhouse trails. Supplies are available at the marina and in Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins. Bears frequent the area; all food must be stored in approved bear-resistant containers. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, check-out at noon, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Directions
From Nevada City, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left on Marysville Road and continue 4 miles to the campground, located across from Schoolhouse Campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $88 - $155 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 478-6253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Tahoe NF Hornswoggle Info |
Availability
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