Hornswoggle Group Campground

Campground · California · 6 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Tahoe National Forest (NF) · Open Access

6
Bookable sites
80 ft
Max rig length
up to 50
People per site
2,297 ft
Elevation
Bullards Bar Reservoir
Photo: TNF · Recreation.gov

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

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

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, the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp, 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

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

Nearby Attractions

There is a beautiful non- motorized trail system in the area, with 5 different trails to choose from. Bullards Bar Trailhead is 14 miles, 7 Ball Trial is 1 mile, 8 Ball Trail is 3.8 miles, Rebel Ridge Trail is 1.6 miles and Schoolhouse Trail is 0.7 miles. Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station just a couple miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 265-4531.

Charges & Cancellations

No Show Policy

A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). 

* No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival.

* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.

There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. 

There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. 

Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.

The facts

  • Season: April 15 – October 15 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 6 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 80 ft
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: A

Site types

  • 5 Group Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Group RV Area Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

6 campsites at Hornswoggle Group Campground

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
DogwoodAGroup Standard Nonelectric—Paved—39 ft25 🐾
Douglas FirAGroup Rv Area Nonelectric—Paved——25 🐾
MadroneAGroup Standard Nonelectric—PavedModerate80 ft25 🐾
ManzanitaAGroup Standard Nonelectric—PavedSlight80 ft50 🐾
PonderosaAGroup Standard Nonelectric—PavedSevere60 ft25 🐾
SugarpineAGroup Standard Nonelectric—Paved—70 ft25 🐾

Getting there

From Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Take a left on Marysville Road and travel approximately 4 miles to Hornswoggle Campground.  

39.41514, -121.12083 · 39°24'54.5"N 121°7'15.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 94°F in Jul, down to 56°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F575964687686949489786456
Low °F343538404752575551453834
Precip in7.77.27.83.22.40.70.00.10.42.65.38.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Hornswoggle Group Campground

Can you reserve a site at Hornswoggle Group Campground?
Yes, Hornswoggle Group Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Hornswoggle Group Campground have?
6 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Hornswoggle Group Campground?
80 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Hornswoggle Group Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Hornswoggle Group Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Hornswoggle Group Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Hornswoggle Group Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Hornswoggle Group Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Hornswoggle Group Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $88-$155/Night

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Hornswoggle Group Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.