Bullards Bar Res. (New)
New Bullards Bar Reservoir is available year-round but is at its best after filling up in the spring and before drawdown in late summer.
The large reservoir is excellent for power boating.
DESCRIPTION:
There are several family and senior friendly trails especially the Bullards Bar Trail.
The large reservoir is excellent for power boating. The public boat ramp is paved and designed to accommodate the drawdowns. The privately operated marina is on the west shore above the dam. Houseboats are available for rent. Fishing can be exceptional.
The south shore of the large, scenic, lake offers some of the best off-season mountain biking and hiking opportunities available. Summers can get warm but the cool, clear lake waters are only moments away.
The formal name of the lake is New Bullards Bar Reservoir as this lake was greatly enlarged above the old reservoir.
DIRECTIONS:
To Bullards Bar Res. (New)
From Nevada City follow Highway 49 west for 24 miles. Turn left (west) onto Marysville Road. The North Yuba Ranger Station sits on the north side of the intersection. The dam lies six miles west on Marysville Road.
ACTIVITIES:
Camping (Rating: Best)
Campground use and reservations available for some sites for all Reservoir campgrounds through the Emerald Cove Marina (530) 692-3200. Drop-ins are okay as long as space is available, but must go through the marina first. Shoreline camping is allowed (permit required) when water is drawn down at least 15’, but must use campground toilets or have chemical toilets. Golden Passport discounts not available.
Schoolhouse Campground: On the ridge above the reservoir, 1.7 miles to the boat ramp, this campground contains 67 campsites, 33 with trailer space, and flush toilets. This is a fee area with 20 on reservation system. Double or triple vehicle sites available.
Dark Day Campground: On the ridge above the reservoir, the 16 tent campsites are near the lake and concrete boat ramp. Camping requires a fee, but no charge for the 14 picnic sites.
Hornswoggle Group Campground: Four 25-person campsites, one 50-person campsite with central parking and some flush toilets. Lays south of the Marysville Road and away from the reservoir. Fees and reservations are required.
Madrone Cove Boat Access Campground: West shore of lake near mouth of North Yuba River. This is a fee area. Access via boat 5 miles from Dark Day Boat Ramp. Ten sites, must bring drinking water or purify lake water. Permit required.
Garden Point Boat Access Campground: Scenic point jutting into the lake on the north shore. This is a fee area. Twelve sites, bring drinking water or purify lake water. Access via boat 1 mile from Dark Day Boat Ramp. Permit required.
Burnt Bridge Campground: elevation 2200’, Located about 7 miles east of the lake in Plumas National Forest. Often used as quieter overflow from the popular reservoir, but the campground is sometimes closed. Call ahead: (530) 534-6500 to Plumas National Forest. 18 tent-only sites plus 13 sites with space for trailers/RVs. This is a fee area, but reservations are not taken.
Fishing (Rating: Best)
Renowned Kokanee salmon fishing and good fishing for rainbows, including McCounaghy, browns, and smallmouth bass. After draw down, boat fishing is the best.
Boating Lakes & Reservoirs (Rating: Best)
All crafts are allowed, rental boats including houseboats are available at the marina near the dam. Paved boat ramp southeast shore at Dark Day Campground and marina.
Flat water paddling best in winter or early spring before draw down and the arrival of the power boaters.
NEARBY LOCATIONS:
Campgrounds
- Burnt Bridge Campground
- Dark Day Campground
- Garden Point Boat Access Campground
- Hornswoggle Group Campground
- Madrone Cove Boat Access Campground
- Schoolhouse Campground
