About Garden Point Boat-in Campground
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 This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground. 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 This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground. 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 (aprox. 3 miles from campground by boat), the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp (aprox. 1 mile from campground by boat), 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 This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground. 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 Contact Info This loc
How to Get There
This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground. From Nevada City, California, travel approximatley 20 miles north on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximatley 3 miles to the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp and launch from the ramp. Or travel approximatley 7 miles to Emerald Cove Marina and launch from the launch and ramp there.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Garden Point Boat-in Campground
Heading to Garden Point Boat-in Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Garden Point Boat-in Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Garden Point Boat-in Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10039993) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Garden Point Boat-in Campground?
This is a boat-in campground. You can not drive to this campground. You must launch a boat a Dark Day boat launch and boat to the campground. From Nevada City, California, travel approximatley 20 miles north on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximatley 3 miles to the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp and launch from the ramp. Or travel approximatley 7 miles to …
How do I contact Garden Point Boat-in Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-478-6253 or email: n/a.
References & Official Resources