Hornswoggle Group Campground

Show on map530-478-6253
Yuba River Ranger Station, This is the Ranger Station location, not the campground location, 631 Coyote Street
Nevada City, CA 95959

Overview

Bullards Bar Reservoir is located on the North Yuba River at an elevation of 2000 feet. It is located approximately 21 miles north of Nevada City, California. It has a maximum surface area of 4,760 acres and a length of over 16 miles and shoreline of more than 60 miles.

Recreation

Activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports. Swimming opportunities are limited because of the steep slopes; however boaters will find numerous opportunities for swimming in various locations around the reservoir. The reservoir provides yearlong fishing opportunities for both warm and cold water fish species. Supplies are available at the marina as well as the nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.

Facilities

Public access for boating and recreation is limited to 2 developed and 1 undeveloped boat launches: the Cottage Creek Boat Launch ramp at Emerald Cove Marina, the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp, and the undeveloped site at the end of Moran Road. The area includes 5 campgrounds, 2 picnic areas, 2 boat launch ramps, 1 marina, 1 overlook, 1 day use area and several developed hiking trails.  

Natural Features

The sides of the reservoir are generally steep and public access for boating and recreation is limited. The reservoir is surrounded by both conifer and hardwood forests with numerous brush species. There is plenty of shade at the campsites

Nearby Attractions

There is a beautiful non- motorized trail system in the area, with 5 different trails to choose from. Bullards Bar Trailhead is 14 miles, 7 Ball Trial is 1 mile, 8 Ball Trail is 3.8 miles, Rebel Ridge Trail is 1.6 miles and Schoolhouse Trail is 0.7 miles. Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station just a couple miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 265-4531.

Charges & Cancellations

No Show Policy

A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). 

* No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival.

* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.

There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. 

There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. 

Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.

Camp site features

Across 6 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 6 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 6 sites
  • Group sites: all 6 sites
  • Longest RV: 80 ft
  • Largest party: 50 people
  • Equipment: Boat, CAR, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 20.1 mi

Directions

From Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Take a left on Marysville Road and travel approximately 4 miles to Hornswoggle Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

13 reviews
5 stars
4
4 stars
6
3 stars
1
1 stars
2
Yee X
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Had a great experience overall. Thanks!
Katelyn S
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Campsite was great for our group. We had a lot of kids and there was a great bike trail on the site. We went to the lake one day and it is pretty slanted in a lot of spots. We were able to find a spot that was not as steep of an incline, but still on a slight hill. Overall great time.
Randall R
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
Nice campground been camping here since late 70s early 80s. Forestry needs to do a better job of cleaning restrooms. Staid 6 days saw forestry twice and never for more than a couple minutes. Basically they just replaced toilet paper.
AMANDA W
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
The grounds were nice, private and there was a bathroom at each campsite which made it convenient. We did run into bears at night, but they didn't give us too many issues. The second the sun starts to go down put away all food and garbage. We didn’t prepare for them to be attracted to our garbage bag at twilight with everyone still awake and making noise. We stayed in Madrone, and it wasn’t as level as the other sites but wasn't too bad. They had a lot of trails coming off the site where we could explore and run out some kid energy. Overall, it was one of the nicest campgrounds we have been to.
Sima S
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
We had a great experience at this group campsite! The area was spacious, clean, and well-organized—perfect for our group gathering. Parking was convenient and close to the campsite, which made unloading and setting up a breeze. We also appreciated the secure and accessible food storage options, which gave us peace of mind. The nearby lake and scenic trail were a highlight—just a short walk away and perfect for a peaceful morning hike or an afternoon by the water. The only downside was the mosquito activity on the first night (we visited during the first week of June), so be sure to bring bug spray if you’re coming around that time. Overall, a beautiful spot with great amenities. We’d definitely return!
Michael J
Loop:A
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Great site, very large, room for a big group. Too bad there was a dog next door that barked non-stop. Please leave your barking dogs at home.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Apr 30, 2027 – Oct 15, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Apr 17, 2028 – Oct 18, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

No availability

We don't have availability data yet for camp sites at .

Interested in seeing what camp sites you can reserve here? Check it now, or watch this campground so we keep checking it for you.

Nearby Campgrounds