Schoolhouse Campground (Ca)
4.06122 reviewsApproximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road
Schoolhouse Campground (Ca)
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Facility rates vary from $24 to $48 depending on the season and site type. Additional fees may apply such as reservation service fees.
About this campground
Nestled within the stunning Bullards Bar Reservoir area, Schoolhouse Campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or hitting the trails on foot or bike, this versatile destination offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. The campground blends rustic charm with convenient access to both water and woodland activities, creating the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada foothills escape.
Schoolhouse Campground offers a mix of tent and RV camping, with group sites available. The campground does not have utility hookups or glamping options, and primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Schoolhouse Campground into a bustling outdoor paradise, drawing families and adventurers to its shaded sites when the weather is at its finest. While gentle breezes typically keep the air fresh and comfortable, the warm months do bring their share of mosquitoes - a small price to pay for peak camping season. The moderate winds that sweep through the area help maintain pleasant conditions, making those hot summer days more bearable under the forest canopy.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Schoolhouse Campground offers a refreshing escape from the valley heat below. This sweet-spot elevation delivers noticeably cooler temperatures that make summer camping a pleasure rather than an endurance test. You'll find yourself sleeping soundly in the crisp mountain air, waking refreshed and ready for another day of lakeside adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryA magnificent tapestry of towering conifers and graceful hardwoods creates a natural cathedral above Schoolhouse Campground, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across your campsite. The dramatic landscape features steep, forested slopes that plunge toward the sparkling reservoir below, offering glimpses of water through the trees. This diverse forest ecosystem provides abundant shade during hot summer days while creating a stunning backdrop for your outdoor memories.
Geological RegionSet along the magnificent Bullards Bar Reservoir, Schoolhouse Campground occupies a spectacular position where forest meets water. The reservoir's impressive 60-plus miles of shoreline wind through steep canyon walls clothed in a rich mixture of conifers and hardwoods. This dramatic topography creates countless hidden coves and scenic vistas, while the surrounding forest-covered slopes showcase the rugged beauty of California's Sierra Nevada foothills. The interplay between water, rock, and forest forms a geological wonderland that rewards exploration by boat, trail, or simply from your campsite.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has paved roads and parking, but access to the lake and other facilities is not ADA-friendly. The steep trail to the lake and lack of ADA-compliant paths were noted as limitations.
Sites SizeSites are reportedly spacious, with some capable of accommodating large group tents. Specific site measurements or size categories are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are described as decently spaced, with shade coverage providing additional privacy. However, some users noted that the proximity of sites could lead to noise disturbances.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #42 requires extra caution due to active bear presence; 40D is recommended for groups due to its spaciousness.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites highly mentioned in reviews include #42 and 40D.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Apr 15, 2025 to Oct 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies when canceled before the arrival date. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee and incur additional penalties depending on timing.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors at Schoolhouse Campground can enjoy a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Bullards Bar Reservoir offers opportunities for water sports such as water skiing and kayaking. While swimming is not directly facilitated due to steep slopes, boaters can find swimming spots in the reservoir. The region also boasts numerous hiking trails, some of which are mapped at the North Yuba Ranger Station.
Hiking
The area features a network of trails, including the nearby Schoolhouse Trail (0.7 miles), Bullards Bar Trailhead (14 miles), and others with varying lengths and difficulties. These trails offer scenic views of the reservoir.Fishing
The Bullards Bar Reservoir provides year-round fishing opportunities for both warm and cold-water species, with bass and bluegill being commonly caught.Swimming
Swimming is not directly available due to steep slopes, but boaters can access swim-friendly areas of the reservoir.Biking
Mountain biking is supported in the area, with trails suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with public access available at developed and undeveloped boat launch sites, including Cottage Creek and Dark Day Boat Launch ramps.Wildlife viewing
The conifer and hardwood forests surrounding the campground provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. However, visitors are cautioned about bear activity in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in available information.Water Sports
Activities like kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing are supported by the reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but fire bans may be in place during dry seasons. Firewood is provided by downed trees in the area.
- Quiet hours are Scheduled quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are frequent visitors; campers are advised to store all food in bear-proof lockers and maintain a clean campsite.
Active alertsNo current alerts are provided.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services information is not explicitly stated, but the North Yuba Ranger Station is a couple of miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingRecycling facilities are available, and trash disposal is provided. Users are urged to use bear-proof trash containers to minimize wildlife disturbances.
Proximity to water featuresThe reservoir is approximately 0.5 miles from the campground and accessible via a trail; water access is not ADA-friendly.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention noisy campers, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, bear activity, and mosquito swarms during warmer months.
HostThe previous camp host, Jerry, is often mentioned but is no longer hosting. Users noted inconsistent enforcement of rules by the host.
Campground Map
Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road
Driving directionsFrom Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road, turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximately 4 miles to Schoolhouse Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. There are no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Nearby communities include Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins, but exact distances and travel times are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the marina and the nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.
Camper Reviews
4.1
122 reviews
Schoolhouse Campground (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Schoolhouse Campground is praised for its natural beauty, spacious sites, and access to outdoor activities. However, users frequently note issues with noise disturbances, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and bear activity. Some reviewers reported a lack of attention by the camp host, while others mentioned the campground's cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 122 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean facilities, spacious and shaded sites, access to potable water, and a range of recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating. The surrounding natural...
Based on 122 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints frequently revolve around noise from other campers, lack of quiet hours enforcement, bear activity, and the absence of showers. Some users also noted unclean conditions at certain times,...
Based on 122 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent, extra lighting for bathrooms, and adhering strictly to bear safety guidelines. It is advisable to visit during off-peak times to avoid crowding and...
Based on 122 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is quieter and less crowded during weekdays and off-peak seasons, while summer weekends can be noisy and packed. Mosquito activity and bear encounters are noted to...
Based on 122 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice campground. Lots of trees (shade), decent distance between sites." - Wayne Thomas "Clean, nice setup, bathrooms were clean... We loved it!" - Melinda J. "The campground is beautiful but the...
Based on 122 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #42 noted for frequent bear activity and excessive mosquitoes. Site 40D is spacious and well-suited for groups. Some reviewers reported uneven terrain at certain sites.
Based on 122 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users noted that the steep trail to the lake is not ADA-compliant. Some facilities like restrooms lack adequate lighting, posing challenges for nighttime use.
Based on 122 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviewers reported issues with unrestrained dogs. It is recommended to keep pets leashed at all times.
Based on 122 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025