Hornswoggle Group Campground

California's Best Camping

New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California

Hornswoggle Group Campground

New Bullards Bar Reservoir


Hornswoggle Group Campground

Hornswoggle Group Campground is across the road from Schoolhouse Campground on the southeast shore of New Bullards Bar Reservoir. Campgrounds at Bullards Bar were at one time operated by Emerald Cove Marina, but in 2020 the Forest Service took over the operation. Visitors to the campground enjoy boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. The campground is ½ mile from Dark Day Boat Ramp and 3 miles from Cottage Creek Boat Ramp. A ¾-mile trail leads to the lake's edge.

Hornswoggle Group Campground has 6 sites. Five of the sites can accommodate a maximum of 25 people while Site #3, Manzanita, has room for up to 50 people. A minimum two-night stay is required for weekends and 3 nights on major summer holiday weekends.

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Hornswoggle Group Campground Basics
Hornswoggle Group Campground Location: Off Marysville Rd. on the southeast side of New Bullards Bar Reservoir
Elevation: 2,280 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 95 miles, 2:12 minutes
Oroville - 54 miles, 1:40
Number of Sites: 6
Camping Season: Open mid-April through mid-October
Max. People per Site: 25 for most sites, 50 for Manzanita
Vehicles per Site: "plenty of parking"
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Tahoe National Forest
Yuba River Ranger District: (530) 362-8259

Reservations for Hornswoggle Group Campground
Reservations available Reservations are available for Hornswoggle Group Campground whenever campground is open.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $88 per night for small group sites
$155 for Manzanita
Reservations: Hornswoggle Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Hornswoggle Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic tables, fire ring with grill, food storage box; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Hornswoggle Group Campground: Enjoy New Bullards Bar Reservoir for swimming, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. Fish from shore or boat for Kokanee salmon, bass, crappie, and bluegill. Visit Dark Day Launch Ramp and Day Use Area. Hike along the Bullards Bar Trail. Head to Emerald Cove Marina with boat rentals. Tour historic Camptonville. Try mountain biking the Bullards Bar Loop.




Emerald Cove Marina, New Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA

Emerald Cove Marina



General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.


Hornswoggle Group Campground, New Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA

Hornswoggle Group Campground

New Bullards Bar Area
Attractions and Activities

New Bullards Bar Reservoir is known a quieter and more scenic alternative to the bigger neighboring lakes such as Oroville and Folsom. Campers at Hornswoggle Group Campground find comfortable camping on a ridge above the lake. Nearby are a number of interesting attractions.

  • Visit Emerald Cove Marina for small boat and houseboat rentals.
  • Set out on the lake for a day of wakeboarding, cruising, jet skiing, or waterskiing.
  • Fish from shore or boat for Kokanee salmon, bass, crappie, and bluegill.
  • Pick up bait and tackle at the Emerald Cove general store.
  • Hike on a number of local trails.
  • Visit nearby communities such as Camptonville and historic Nevada City.
  • Spend a day at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
  • Head downstream to various spots along the scenic Yuba River, including the old Bridgeport Covered Bridge.

Key Hornswoggle Group Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and always attended. At night they must be in a tent or vehicle.
  2. Avoid problems with bears. Use bear-proof storage lockers for food and similar items.
  3. Fires are only permitted in the provided fire rings.

    Check the Tahoe National Forest website for Bullards Bar - Hornswoggle Campground to find any campground updates.