View from boat in campground
Aerial view of lake
View of Bullards Bar Reservoir

Dark Day Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens April 15. Operates April 15 through October 15. Reservations required.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

Castle Peak Avalanche Closure Termination

A closure order restricting public access to national forest lands in the Castle Peak area was terminated on Feb. 23, 2026.

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres

Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas.  Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities.  Smoke will…

Snow Grooming Updates

Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche that occurred on Feb. 17. All victims have now been recovered. Individuals that choose to enter the area are encouraged to…

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…

Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure

Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.

Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…

Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed

Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.

About

Dark Day Campground is located on Bullards Bar Reservoir along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest. At an elevation of 2,000 feet, this tent-only facility offers 10 campsites including 5 single sites, 3 double sites, and 1 triple site, all within walking distance of the reservoir. Bullards Bar Reservoir spans over 16 miles with more than 60 miles of shoreline and a maximum surface area of 4,760 acres. The reservoir is surrounded by conifer and hardwood forests, providing ample shade at campsites. The steep sides of the reservoir limit some access, but boaters will find numerous opportunities for swimming, water skiing, and other water sports. Year-round fishing is available for both warm and cold water fish species. The campground features a two-lane concrete boat ramp for easy lake access. The area includes several non-motorized trail systems nearby, with trails ranging from 0.7 to 14 miles. Supplies are available at the nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins, as well as at Emerald Cove Marina on the reservoir.

Directions

From Camptonville, drive south on Highway 49 and turn right on Marysville Road. Continue for 5 miles to the campground on Bullards Bar Reservoir. From Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for approximately 20 miles to Marysville Road, turn left, and travel west approximately 3 miles.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $48

Vehicle

Max RV Length 44ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 478-6253

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

View from boat in campground
Aerial view of lake
View of Bullards Bar Reservoir

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