Dark Day Campground
3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922
Dark Day Campground
$24.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and season. Tent-only sites range from $24 to $72 during peak season. Additional fees apply for changes to reservations or...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$48.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$48.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-478-6253
About this campground
Tucked away in the serene recreation area of Bullards Bar Reservoir, Dark Day Campground beckons those seeking an intimate connection with nature. This hidden gem offers a refreshingly peaceful retreat where towering trees create a natural canopy overhead, providing welcome shade and a sense of seclusion. With its tent-only sites and thoughtfully simple amenities, this small campground delivers an authentic outdoor experience that lets you disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the wilderness.
Dark Day Campground caters primarily to tent campers, although it accommodates various other camping styles.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures, though savvy visitors should note that the reservoir's water levels naturally recede as the season progresses. By late summer, the changing shoreline creates new landscapes to explore, though swimming spots may require a bit more of a trek to reach the water's edge.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Dark Day Campground offers a comfortable mountain setting that balances accessibility with the refreshing coolness of higher elevations. This sweet spot near Bullards Bar Reservoir provides just enough altitude to escape the valley heat while remaining easily reachable for weekend warriors and casual campers alike.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of conifers and hardwoods creates an enchanting forest setting, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to dance across the forest floor. The campground's position on the area's characteristic steep slopes offers glimpses of the sparkling Bullards Bar Reservoir through the trees, while dense understory brush provides natural privacy between sites and habitat for local wildlife. This diverse ecosystem transforms with the seasons, from the fresh greens of spring to the warm golden hues of autumn.
Geological RegionDark Day Campground rests in the dramatic landscape carved by the North Yuba River, where Bullards Bar Reservoir now fills the valley between steep, forested ridges. This rugged terrain showcases nature's architectural prowess, with slopes clothed in a rich mixture of conifers and hardwoods that have adapted to the challenging topography. The flourishing brush species that characterize the understory speak to the area's ecological diversity and create a multi-layered forest environment that changes character from ridge to water's edge.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited. Reviews suggest that trails to the lake are steep, sandy, and unsafe for some users, making them challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeCampers describe some sites as small and close together; one review mentioned site #7 as "tiny and too close to others." Other sites like #4 are larger and can accommodate multiple tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary per site. Some sites are described as more secluded (e.g., site #5 offering peace and sneaky views of the reservoir), while others are closer together or located near busy areas.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a wagon to transport gear due to distant parking for walk-in sites. Earplugs are suggested for noise from other campers and boats.
Best CampsitesSites 10A and 7 are noted for proximity to water and scenic views, although user reviews have mixed opinions on convenience and size.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 14:00.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12:00.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites vary in capacity, but some user reviews suggest that they may not comfortably fit six guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes small tent-only sites with walk-in access. Parking may be steep or far from campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 to October 15 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information regarding walk-up availability is provided, but reservations are encouraged.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur an additional fee equal to the first night's stay. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit their first night's rate.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Dark Day Campground provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Bullards Bar Reservoir offers opportunities for water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports.
Hiking
There is access to a non-motorized trail system around the reservoir. Trails include the 14-mile Bullards Bar Trail and several shorter routes like the 1-mile 7 Ball Trail and 3.8-mile 8 Ball Trail.Fishing
Fishing is available year-round in the reservoir, which supports both warm and cold-water fish species. Neal M noted catching "a couple fish" during his stay.Swimming
Swimming is possible around the reservoir, but steep slopes limit easy access. Campers recommend using the day-use areas for better swimming conditions.Biking
Mountain biking is an activity mentioned in the campground's overview, with trails accommodating riders of varying skill levels.Boating
Boating is popular at Bullards Bar Reservoir, and the campground has direct access via the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp. The reservoir supports motorized and non-motorized boating.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a recommended activity. The surrounding conifer and hardwood forests provide habitats for various animal species.Beach activities
Due to fluctuating water levels, beaches near the campsite may be hilly or less accessible. Campers often find small coves for day-use activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Many campers engage in water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking on the Bullards Bar Reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours begin at 22:00, but user reviews cite frequent violations by other campers.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep slopes near the reservoir and sandy trails pose risks for slips and falls. Mosquitoes and yellow jackets are abundant.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are available at the Yuba River Ranger Station located on Marysville Road, approximately 3 miles from Dark Day Campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 to October 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection and recycling bins are available on-site. However, litter remains an issue, with reports of garbage left in fire rings and other areas.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Bullards Bar Reservoir, though steep slopes and low water levels late in the season may limit access.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently cite noise disturbances from other campers, dirty vault toilets, and steep or inconvenient access to campsites.
HostNo camp host is available onsite.
Campground Map
3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922
Driving directionsFrom Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for approximately 20 miles to Maryville Road, turn left onto Maryville Road and travel west approximately 3 miles to the Dark Day Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads off major highways, but the steep areas near the reservoir may present navigation challenges for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Nevada City (21 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained at the Emerald Cove Marina, as well as nearby communities like Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.
Camper Reviews
4.0
25 reviews
Dark Day Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and proximity to the reservoir but frequently mention noise issues, cleanliness concerns, and the inconvenience of parking away from campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Many campers appreciated the "great shade" (Vang X), "beautiful views of the reservoir" (Eduardo C), and the availability of hiking trails and water activities.
Based on 25 reviewsCommon Concerns
Campers frequently cited noise from late-night parties, unclean restrooms, mosquitoes, and yellow jackets as major issues. Parking far from campsites and carrying gear uphill was another common...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing a wagon to transport gear, setting up wasp traps, and packing light. For a quieter experience, avoid weekends and choose sites farther from the day-use area.
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews noted water levels dropping, making lake access harder. Weekdays were quieter, while weekends saw increased noise and crowds.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The water is beautiful, the campsites are nice but not level" - Steven B. "Our site wasn’t well marked, so it took a bit of exploring to figure it out" - Rachel H. "Lots of mosquitos and yellow...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #10A is praised for its lake view but criticized for its uphill parking. Site #5 offers privacy and views but is near noisy groups. Site #6A had proximity to smelly restrooms.
Based on 25 reviewsAccessibility Features
Trails to the lake were described as dangerous, with one reviewer slipping on a sandy slope and sustaining bruises. Parking far from sites adds to accessibility challenges.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but user-specific feedback about pet safety or amenities is missing.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement