Dark Day Campground

Star4.09
47 reviews
3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$24 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens North Yuba Ranger Station site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
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...
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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

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Provider
530-478-6253
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 47 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshadehikingwater

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922

Dark Day Campground

3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922

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.

Best Time to Camp at Dark Day Campground

Summer 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.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 15; reservoir higher early season, mild weather and active trails/boating available.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: April 15 to October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 15 to October 15 annually.

About Dark Day 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

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.

Need help booking Dark Day Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
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
Fishing
Swimming
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep slopes near the reservoir and sandy trails pose risks for slips and falls. Mosquitoes and yellow jackets are abundant.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each site to prevent bear interactions. Dimensions are approximately 4' wide by 2' deep by 4' high.

Weather at Dark Day Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.1
47 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 47 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 47 reviews

Common 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...
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Based on 47 reviews
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Last updated March 8, 2026
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