Madrone Cove Boat-in Campground
Closed
— Closed for the 2025 season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov when open.
Closed for the 2025 Season
About
Madrone Cove Boat-in Campground offers a secluded camping experience on the west shore of Bullards Bar Reservoir, a 4,760-acre lake on the North Yuba River at 2,000 feet elevation. The campground's 10 single-family sites are accessible only by boat, requiring a 5-mile trip from Dark Day Boat Launch or a 6-mile journey from Emerald Cove Marina. The reservoir stretches over 16 miles with more than 60 miles of shoreline surrounded by conifer and hardwood forests including pine, oak, and madrone trees.
The steep terrain around the reservoir creates a dramatic landscape with plenty of shade at campsites. Bullards Bar Reservoir provides year-round fishing opportunities for both warm and cold-water fish species, while boaters enjoy water skiing, swimming, and exploring numerous coves around the lake. The area also features a non-motorized trail system with five trails ranging from 0.7 to 14 miles, maintained by the USFS Yuba Ranger District. Nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins provide supplies, while Emerald Cove Marina offers additional amenities.
Directions
From Nevada City, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximately 3 miles to the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp or approximately 7 miles to Emerald Cove Marina. The campground is located 5 miles northwest of Dark Day Boat Ramp on the west shore of Bullards Bar Reservoir, accessible only by boat.
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