How much does camping cost at Dark Day Campground?

Camping fees at Dark Day Campground range from $24-$72/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dark Day Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dark Day 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 Dark Day Campground before I book?

Yes! Dark Day Campground has 4 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 Dark Day Campground?

Dark Day 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 Dark Day Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Dark Day Campground?

Fire policies at Dark Day Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dark Day Campground have?

Dark Day Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dark Day Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dark Day 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 Dark Day Campground?

Dark Day 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 Dark Day Campground?

Popular activities at Dark Day Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dark Day Campground

3.87

47 reviews

3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$24 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on North Yuba Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$24 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on North Yuba Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Dark Day Campground

$24.00 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double: $48.00; Single: $24.00; Triple: $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

530-478-6253n/a

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Dark Day Campground

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Campground Map

3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922

Dark Day Campground

3 miles west of the Yuba River Ranger Station on Marysville Road, Camptonville, CA, 95922

Nearby places

Nevada City (21 miles)

Weather at Dark Day Campground

Current alerts(7)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
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).
The facility opens April 15 and closes October 15 each year.
There is no dump station at this facility

Best Time to Camp at Dark Day Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, comfortable weather and the quietest campground experience — days typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F with nights dipping into the mid-30s to low-50s °F, making for excellent hiking and mellow boating on Bullards Bar Reservoir. Hardwood understory and riparian vegetation put on early color in October, fishing and wildlife viewing are strong as animals become more active, and crowds are noticeably lighter compared with summer weekends. Note the campground closes Oct Peak months: October, May, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as best season: mild temps, early color, and quieter weekends make it prime camping time.

Planning Tips

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

About Dark Day Campground

Dark Day Campground sits in the Tahoe National Forest foothills near Bullards Bar Reservoir, about 15 miles from Camptonville. Run by the North Yuba Ranger Station, this very small site offers shaded tent and primitive camping with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to reservoir fishing, swimming, and boating. Fall brings the best conditions, with crisp weather, fall color, and fewer crowds.

Dark Day Campground caters primarily to tent campers, although it accommodates various other camping styles.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, comfortable weather and the quietest campground experience — days typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F with nights dipping into the mid-30s to low-50s °F, making for excellent hiking and mellow boating on Bullards Bar Reservoir. Hardwood understory and riparian vegetation put on early color in October, fishing and wildlife viewing are strong as animals become more active, and crowds are noticeably lighter compared with summer weekends. Note the campground closes Oct Peak months: October, May, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies steep, forested ridges at 2,000 feet elevation where the North Yuba River valley meets Bullards Bar Reservoir. Conifers and hardwoods create dense canopy shade, with thick understory brush layering the slopes down to the water. Some sites offer partial reservoir views through the trees. The mixed forest provides good wildlife habitat, though wasps can be a problem in warmer months according to camper reports.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites vary in capacity, but some user reviews suggest that they may not comfortably fit six guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website or app.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited. Reviews suggest that trails to the lake are steep, sandy, and unsafe for some users, making them challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampers describe some sites as small and close together; one review mentioned site #7 as "tiny and too close to others." Other sites like #4 are larger and can accommodate multiple tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary per site. Some sites are described as more secluded (e.g., site #5 offering peace and sneaky views of the reservoir), while others are closer together or located near busy areas.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a wagon to transport gear due to distant parking for walk-in sites. Earplugs are suggested for noise from other campers and boats.

Best CampsitesSite #5 gets mentioned for seclusion and partial reservoir views. Site #4 is larger and fits multiple tents. Avoid site #7, which reviewers describe as tiny and too close to neighboring campers. Sites farther from the day-use area offer more peace on busy weekends.

Need help booking Dark Day Campground?

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

Dark Day Campground offers a range of amenities, suitable for both campers and day-use visitors. Public access to Bullards Bar Reservoir includes the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp, providing opportunities for boating and water activities. Amenities at the campground include campfire rings, bear-proof food storage lockers, paved roads, and parking. There are also recycling facilities, trash collection services, and both vault and flush toilets available at various locations.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Dark Day Campground provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Bullards Bar Reservoir offers opportunities for water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each site to prevent bear interactions. Dimensions are approximately 4' wide by 2' deep by 4' high.

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.

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

Rate Dark Day Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.9

47 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dark Day Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and proximity to the reservoir but frequently mention noise issues, cleanliness concerns, and the inconvenience of parking away from campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 47 reviews.

Site #10ALoved
Site #10A is praised for its lake view but criticized for its uphill parking.
Site #5Mentioned
Site #5 offers privacy and views but is near noisy groups.
Site #6AMentioned
Site #6A had proximity to smelly restrooms.

What Campers Love

Many campers appreciated the "great shade" (Vang X), "beautiful views of the reservoir" (Eduardo C), and the availability of hiking trails and water activities.

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Campers frequently cited noise from late-night parties, unclean restrooms, mosquitoes, and yellow jackets as major issues. Parking far from campsites and carrying gear uphill was another common...

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a wagon to transport gear, setting up wasp traps, and packing light. For a quieter experience, avoid weekends and choose sites farther from the day-use area.

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews noted water levels dropping, making lake access harder. Weekdays were quieter, while weekends saw increased noise and crowds.

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water is beautiful, the campsites are nice but not level" - Steven B. "Our site wasn’t well marked, so it took a bit of exploring to figure it out" - Rachel H. "Lots of mosquitos and yellow...

Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

Trails to the lake were described as dangerous, with one reviewer slipping on a sandy slope and sustaining bruises. Parking far from sites adds to accessibility challenges.

Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but user-specific feedback about pet safety or amenities is missing.

Based on 47 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a quiet fall escape with fishing and boating on Bullards Bar Reservoir.

Skip if

You need guaranteed peace from neighboring campers or pristine restroom facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.8

(46)

Garden Point Boat-In Campground

Launch from Dark Day boat launch ramp or Emerald Cove Marina launch and ramp

Garden Point Boat-In Campground sits on the shores of a Tahoe National Forest reservoir near Nevada City, accessible only by watercraft. This U.S. Forest Service site offers primitive boat-in camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables across a handful of shoreline sites. Spring brings high reservoir levels from snowmelt, mild temperatures, and excellent conditions for fishing, swimming, and paddling in relative solitude.