Garden Point Boat-In Campground
Launch from Dark Day boat launch ramp or Emerald Cove Marina launch and ramp
Garden Point Boat-In Campground
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $24 to $48 during the peak season from April 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025. Displayed rates do not include taxes, discounts,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-478-6253
About this campground
Escape to Garden Point Boat-in Campground, where adventure begins with a scenic boat journey across the pristine waters of Bullards Bar Reservoir. Tucked away among towering conifers and vibrant hardwoods on steep, forested slopes, this hidden gem offers the ultimate secluded camping experience. Here, the only way in is by water, ensuring your stay remains peaceful and undisturbed by the outside world.
Garden Point is a remote and primitive boat-in campground. Visitors must launch their boats from designated boat ramps. The sites are suitable for tent camping and have a rugged, backcountry feel.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with California's signature moderate temperatures and abundant clear skies, Garden Point enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate with refreshingly dry air. As the seasons change, so does the reservoir's personality – water levels rise and fall throughout the year, creating an ever-changing landscape that makes each visit unique. Spring brings full waters perfect for easy landing, while late summer reveals hidden coves and beaches as levels recede.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Garden Point offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. This elevated position creates a refreshing mountain climate that provides welcome relief from the heat of the valley below, with crisp mornings and pleasantly cool evenings that make for perfect sleeping weather under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of mighty pines and oaks, with glimpses of sparkling water through the trees. The campground's natural amphitheater of mixed conifer and hardwood forest creates intimate, shaded campsites that feel like private retreats. Dense understory brush adds to the sense of seclusion while providing habitat for local wildlife. Each site offers its own window to the reservoir, where the interplay of forest and water creates a constantly changing tableau of natural beauty.
Geological RegionCarved into the dramatic landscape where the North Yuba River meets ancient granite slopes, Bullards Bar Reservoir stretches across more than 60 miles of sinuous shoreline at 2,000 feet elevation. The reservoir's steep-walled canyon creates a spectacular setting where dense forests of pine, fir, and oak cling to precipitous slopes that plunge directly into deep, clear waters. This rugged topography, shaped by millennia of geological forces, forms a natural playground for boaters and a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe steep and rugged terrain surrounding the campground poses challenges for accessibility. No specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as small to medium-sized, with some being more level than others. Specific user feedback includes comments about site 20 having a good view and site 10 being shaded but small.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are more private and quiet, such as site 8, while others may lack direct water views or be exposed.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites like 3, 4, 1, 5, and 6 for better views and accessibility. Avoid mid-summer visits when water levels are low.
Best CampsitesSites 3, 4, 1, 5, and 6 are highly recommended. Site 20 is noted for its good view.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit and total at the campground within each year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site is not specified.
Groups
No specific details about group sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five distinct campsites accessible only by boat.
Open and Closed SeasonApril 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov and via their mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but reserving online is recommended.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee. No-show customers are assessed a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Garden Point Campground offers a wide array of activities including boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and other water sports. Additionally, the surrounding area features opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing and exploring the diverse natural environment are also popular pursuits. However, swimmers should note that the steep slopes limit the presence of designated swimming areas.
Hiking
The area boasts a network of hiking trails, including Bullards Bar Trailhead (14 miles), 7 Ball Trail (1 mile), 8 Ball Trail (3.8 miles), Rebel Ridge Trail (1.6 miles), and Schoolhouse Trail (0.7 miles). Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station.Fishing
The reservoir offers year-round fishing opportunities for warm and cold-water fish species. Some users specifically mentioned fishing for bass as a highlight of their visit.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are mentioned as limited due to steep slopes, but swimmers can find suitable spots accessible via boat.Biking
Mountain biking is noted as a popular activity in the surrounding area, though specific details about trails and terrain are limited.Boating
Boating is a central activity due to the boat-in nature of the campground. Various types of boats are permitted, and visitors often use them to access swimming areas or explore the reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity, though specifics about the types of wildlife commonly seen are not provided.Beach activities
Beach activities are limited due to the steep and rugged shoreline, though users report that high water levels can impact the availability of beach areas.Winter Activities
The official sources and reviews do not specify winter activities. The campground is primarily used during the peak season from April to October.Water Sports
The campground supports various water sports, including water skiing, canoeing, and paddling. Visitors enthusiastically mention these activities as highlights of their experience.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be prohibited during hot, dry conditions. Check with the Yuba River Ranger District for current fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours are explicitly mentioned; however, user reviews indicate noise disruptions due to neighboring campers.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep slopes around the reservoir limit swimming opportunities. Accessibility to campsites is affected by water levels, which may require climbing steep terrain.
Active alertsFire restrictions or weather closures may be imposed due to hot, dry conditions. Contact the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
North Yuba Ranger Station is located a couple of miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not explicitly provided. Campers should plan to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on Bullards Bar Reservoir but has limited shoreline access due to steep slopes.
Common complaintsUsers have mentioned issues with low water levels affecting accessibility, noisy neighbors due to a lack of camp hosts, and forest thinning causing visual disruption.
HostNo camp host or ranger presence is noted. User reviews highlight the lack of on-site management, leading to noisy and disruptive neighbors.
Campground Map
Launch from Dark Day boat launch ramp or Emerald Cove Marina launch and ramp
Driving directionsFrom Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles north on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximately 3 miles to the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp and launch from the ramp. Or travel approximately 7 miles to Emerald Cove Marina and launch from the ramp there.
This is a boat-in campground. You cannot drive directly to this campground. The nearest launch points are the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp (approx. 1 mile by boat) and Emerald Cove Marina (approx. 3 miles by boat).Nearby places
Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins are nearby communities with supplies available.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the marina and nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.
Camper Reviews
4.1
17 reviews
Garden Point Boat-In Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with many praising the natural beauty, water-based activities, and the unique aspect of the boat-in access. However, complaints include issues with water levels, steep terrain, and the lack of facilities or ranger presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently praised the scenic beauty, especially the views from specific campsites like site 20. The abundant recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, were...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the steep hike to some campsites (especially during low water levels), and disturbances from noisy neighbors in the absence of camp hosts. Vault...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking early to secure desired sites, especially those with good views. Packing light and preparing for steep terrain is advised, particularly during low water levels. Spring is...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that spring and early summer are the most enjoyable seasons due to higher water levels and cooler weather. Late summer and early fall can pose challenges with low water levels and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campsite is amazing, but water access is just about non-existent from site 7.' 2. 'We stayed at site 20, and I really liked the view we had.' 3. 'Depending on the water level, it could be a...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 20 is frequently praised for its views, while site 7 is noted for its challenging water access. Sites 3, 4, 1, 5, and 6 are described as good options by campers.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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