Cottage Creek Campground

About

Cottage Creek Campground sits along the shores of Bullards Bar Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest, offering easy access to one of the area's premier water recreation destinations. Located just 1/4 mile from Emerald Cove Marina, the campground features 9 sites including 7 double sites and 2 triple sites, making it suitable for larger groups camping together. The campground was built with RV camping in mind, though the access road has approximately an 8% grade going uphill. Bullards Bar Reservoir spans over 4,760 acres with more than 60 miles of shoreline at an elevation of 2,000 feet. Activities include boating, water skiing, fishing for both warm and cold water species, swimming from boats, hiking, and mountain biking. The reservoir is surrounded by conifer and hardwood forests. Note that shoreline swimming access is limited due to steep slopes. The campground provides potable water, two vault toilets, and food storage lockers (bear country protocols apply). Supplies are available at the nearby marina as well as the communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins. Several non-motorized trails are accessible nearby including the 7 Ball, 8 Ball, Rebel Ridge, and Schoolhouse trails.

Directions

Travel north on Highway 49 from Nevada City for approximately 20 miles to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel west approximately 6 miles. Cross over the dam and turn right at the Cottage Creek/Emerald Cove Marina parking area. Drive through the main parking lot and stay left at the stop sign (marina is to the right). Continue 1/4 mile on a narrow road and the campground will be on the right.