Dark Day Campground sits on the steep, forested shores of Bullards Bar Reservoir in the North Yuba country. The group-only format makes this a solid pick for families or friend groups wanting a base camp for water and trail access without the chaos of individual sites scattered around.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 10
- 💵Fee per Night
- $24
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 39.42937, -121.10794
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Ten group sites nestle under a mixed canifer and hardwood canopy at 2,000 feet elevation, with plenty of shade throughout the day. The reservoir's steep banks mean you're camping above the water rather than right on it, but the 16-mile-long lake stretches out below with over 60 miles of shoreline to explore. Each site includes picnic tables and vault toilets handle the basics.
Water Access
The Dark Day Boat Launch ramp puts you directly on the water — one of only two developed launches on the entire reservoir. Swimming spots are limited near camp due to those steep slopes, but boaters find plenty of options scattered around the 4,760-acre lake. The reservoir supports both warm and cold water fishing year-round, though you'll want to bring tackle since the nearest supplies are back in Camptonville, North San Juan, or Dobbins.
Trail Network
Five trails branch out from the Bullards Bar Trailhead system, ranging from the 0.7-mile Schoolhouse Trail up to the 14-mile Bullards Bar route. The 8 Ball Trail covers 3.8 miles, while 7 Ball runs just one mile and Rebel Ridge stretches 1.6 miles. All are non-motorized and you can grab maps at the North Yuba Ranger Station a couple miles east on Marysville Road.
What to Know
Reservations are required and this is an unstaffed facility — call (530) 265-4531 for information but don't expect on-site help. The group format and boat launch access make this busier than some North Yuba options, but the season runs spring through fall rather than summer-only.