How much does camping cost at Cottage Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Cottage Creek Campground range from $48-$72/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cottage Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cottage Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cottage Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Cottage Creek Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cottage Creek Campground?

Cottage Creek Campground is open April 15 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cottage Creek Campground?

Cottage Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cottage Creek Campground have?

Cottage Creek Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottage Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cottage Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cottage Creek Campground?

Cottage Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cottage Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Cottage Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cottage Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Cottage Creek Campground: The facility opens April 15 and closes October 15 each year. Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov. Utility hookups and showers are not available Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers food lockers are about 4' wide by 2' deep by 4' high There is no dump station at this facility. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.12

21 reviews

1/4 Mile from Emerald Cove Marina on Bullards Bar Reservoir

Top 13%Fall

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,372 ft

Price

$48 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,372 ft

Price

$48 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

$48.00 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

double site: $48.00; triple site: $72.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-478-6253

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1/4 Mile from Emerald Cove Marina on Bullards Bar Reservoir

Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

1/4 Mile from Emerald Cove Marina on Bullards Bar Reservoir

Nearby places

Nevada City (20 miles), Camptonville (null), North San Juan (null), Dobbins (null)

Driving directionsIt may be reached by traveling north on Highway 49 from Nevada City, California for approximately 20 miles to Maryville Road , turn left onto Maryville Road and travel west approximately 6 miles. You will cross over the dam and take a right at the Cottage Creek/Emerald Cove Marina parking area. Drive through the main parking lot and stay to the left and the stop sign. (The marina is to the right). You will travel 1/4 mile on a narrow road and the Cottage Creek Campground will be on the right.

Weather at Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

Current alerts(2)

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...

Best Time to Camp at Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather, quieter crowds, and peak reservoir scenery — expect crisp days in the 55–75°F range in September and early October, with nights cooling to the 35–50°F range. Water is typically calm and clear for late-season paddling and fishing, and the hardwoods and lower-elevation oaks take on golden tones that frame the steep canyon walls. Visitor levels drop after the summer rush, making it easier to snag lakeside viewpoints and enjoy hiking and wildlife- Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in US

Described as best season: comfortable weather, quieter crowds and peak reservoir scenery.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 15 to October 15 each year.

About Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

Cottage Creek Campground sits in the Tahoe National Forest foothills, operated by the Yuba River Ranger District. This very small campground offers fewer than ten sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, plus access to hiking, fishing, and boating. Reviewers praise the well-maintained facilities and spacious, flat sites with beautiful views, though some note hard gravel tent pads and occasional noise from neighboring campers.

Cottage Creek Campground features double and triple campsites suitable for tents and RVs. There are also non-electric standard overnight sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather, quieter crowds, and peak reservoir scenery — expect crisp days in the 55–75°F range in September and early October, with nights cooling to the 35–50°F range. Water is typically calm and clear for late-season paddling and fishing, and the hardwoods and lower-elevation oaks take on golden tones that frame the steep canyon walls. Visitor levels drop after the summer rush, making it easier to snag lakeside viewpoints and enjoy hiking and wildlife- Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2372 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 2,372 feet within a steep-sided canyon shaped by ancient geological forces. Dense mixed conifer and hardwood forests provide ample shade and frame views of Bullards Bar Reservoir below. Native brush communities fill gaps between the trees, and the reservoir's dramatic topography creates an amphitheater effect. The steep terrain maintains the area's remote character but means getting to the water requires some effort. In fall, lower-elevation oaks and hardwoods turn golden against the darker conifers.

Lodging & AccommodationsCottage Creek Campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Groups

Specific details about group sites, such as capacity, are not provided in the materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or via the mobile app.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been detailed in the provided materials.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large and relatively flat, according to user reviews.

PrivacyThere is plenty of shade at the campsites due to the surrounding conifer and hardwood forests. However, privacy levels are not explicitly detailed in the materials.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with adequate shade and proximity to amenities, avoiding gravel-heavy tent pads if tent camping.

Best CampsitesSite 9 gets praise for easy access and good reservoir views. The large, flat sites work well for groups, though reviews suggest some spots have better shade coverage than others.

Need help booking Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Utility hookups and showers are not available Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers food lockers are about 4' wide by 2' deep by 4' high There is no dump station at this facility

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Cottage Creek Campground include wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports. Swimming is limited due to steep slopes, but opportunities may exist in the reservoir for boaters.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not feature flush toilets.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are approximately 4' wide, 2' deep, and 4' high; required due to bear presence.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyThe facility opens April 15 and closes October 15 each year. Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov. Utility hookups and showers are not available Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers food lockers are about 4' wide by 2' deep by 4' high There is no dump station at this facility

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Cell CoverageInformation on the availability of cell phone service is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.1

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cottage Creek Campground (Ca) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the natural beauty of the campground and its proximity to the reservoir. However, some users report issues with noise, lack of shade at certain sites, and difficulties securing reserved spaces.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 21 reviews.

Site 9Loved
Site 9 was described as "easy in, easy out" and perfect for RV campers.
Site 1DIssues noted
Site 1D was noted for proximity to the lake but was also associated with noisy neighbors.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its beautiful views, well-maintained facilities, and the spacious and flat campsites. For example, one reviewer stated, "Beautiful views and nice, paved areas. Fire...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include loud partying by other campers, limited shade at some sites, hard gravel tent pads, and occasional odors from the vault toilets. One reviewer noted, "Although quiet hours...

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It is recommended to bring a mallet or similar tool to drive tent stakes into the hard gravel surfaces. Some users suggest avoiding peak times to minimize noise disturbances.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates from April to October, and user reviews suggest that summer months can be particularly noisy due to increased activity around the reservoir.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Had an amazing time here! Campsite was clean and had a view of the lake!" - Lily D. "Most of the campsites had RVs, and it would probably be a good spot to park your RV overnight. If you’re sleeping...

Based on 21 reviews