Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)
3.476 reviews1/4 Mile from Emerald Cove Marina on Bullards Bar Reservoir
Quick Facts
Price
$48 - $72/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open from April 15 t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$48 - $72/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open from April 15 t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsCottage Creek Campground (Ca)
$48.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $48 to $72 for standard non-electric sites during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-478-6253
What Campers Say
3.47
Mixed Reviews
Based on 6 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsspaciousstaffwell-maintained
"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."
Fees & Passes at Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)
$48 - $72/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus the first night's fee. No-show results in a $20 fee and forf...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Yuba River Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)
Experience the full spectrum of California's diverse climate at Cottage Creek, where each season brings its own unique charm to your camping adventure. Spring welcomes wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while summer invites long days perfect for water activities. Fall paints the surrounding forests in golden hues, and mild winters offer peaceful retreats. During warmer months, the natural environment may occasionally affect vault toilet conditions, a common characteristic of outdoor facilities that seasoned campers understand as part of the authentic camping experience.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: April 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from April 15 to October 15 each year.
- Current Alerts: No current active alerts specified.
About Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)
Discover the perfect blend of modern comfort and wilderness escape at Cottage Creek Campground, where contemporary amenities meet the pristine beauty of Bullards Bar Reservoir. This thoughtfully designed campground features spacious double and triple sites that invite families and groups to create lasting memories together. Perched above the shimmering waters of the reservoir, visitors can enjoy endless recreational adventures throughout all four seasons, from morning paddling sessions to sunset fishing expeditions.
Cottage Creek Campground features double and triple campsites suitable for tents and RVs. There are also non-electric standard overnight sites.
Historical SignificanceThe lands surrounding Cottage Creek hold stories yet to be fully told, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found solace in nature's embrace. While specific historical records await documentation, every visitor becomes part of the ongoing narrative of this special place, contributing their own chapter to the campground's evolving legacy.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of California's diverse climate at Cottage Creek, where each season brings its own unique charm to your camping adventure. Spring welcomes wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while summer invites long days perfect for water activities. Fall paints the surrounding forests in golden hues, and mild winters offer peaceful retreats. During warmer months, the natural environment may occasionally affect vault toilet conditions, a common characteristic of outdoor facilities that seasoned campers understand as part of the authentic camping experience.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that provides commanding views of Bullards Bar Reservoir below, Cottage Creek offers a unique vantage point where mountain air meets water vistas. The specific elevation creates an ideal microclimate that supports the diverse forest ecosystem while offering campers relief from valley heat.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering conifers and graceful hardwoods that create a natural canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across your campsite. The diverse forest ecosystem includes native brush species that provide habitat for local wildlife and seasonal color changes. While the reservoir's steep sides create a dramatic backdrop, they also preserve the wilderness character of the area, ensuring your camping experience remains authentically connected to nature.
Geological RegionCottage Creek sits within a remarkable geological tapestry where ancient forces carved steep canyon walls now cradling Bullards Bar Reservoir. The dramatic topography features densely forested slopes of mixed conifers and hardwoods interspersed with native brush communities. These steep reservoir sides, while limiting direct water access, create a stunning amphitheater of natural beauty and help maintain the area's pristine character, offering campers an immersive forest experience with spectacular water views.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been detailed in the provided materials.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and relatively flat, according to user reviews.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose sites with adequate shade and proximity to amenities, avoiding gravel-heavy tent pads if tent camping.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites include double and triple configurations with paved roads and tent pads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 15 to October 15 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or via the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not detailed; reservations recommended.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 fee plus the first night's fee. No-show results in a $20 fee and forfeiture of first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
The area features a non-motorized trail system offering five trails: Bullards Bar Trailhead (14 miles), 7 Ball Trail (1 mile), 8 Ball Trail (3.8 miles), Rebel Ridge Trail (1.6 miles), and Schoolhouse Trail (0.7 miles). Trail maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station nearby.Fishing
The Bullards Bar Reservoir supports year-round fishing for both warm and cold water fish species.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are limited due to steep slopes, but boaters can find various locations around the reservoir to swim.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity in the area, with trails accessible from the campground.Boating
Boating is a major activity at the reservoir. Public access includes two developed boat launch ramps (Cottage Creek and Dark Day) and one undeveloped site at Moran Road. Water skiing and other water sports are also popular.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant due to the natural features and surrounding forests.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable to this campground, as it operates seasonally from April 15 to October 15.Water Sports
Water skiing and other water sports are popular at Bullards Bar Reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood must be bought locally and burned on-site.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity necessitates proper food storage.
Active alertsNo current active alerts specified.
Weather at Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)
42
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services details not specified; North Yuba Ranger Station nearby.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 - October 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground overlooks Bullards Bar Reservoir, with limited direct access due to steep slopes.
Common complaintsSome users reported noisy and partying crowds, difficulties with hard gravel tent pads, lack of shade, and unresponsive staff during site issues.
HostCampground monitoring is inconsistent; some users reported visibility of law enforcement and staff during disturbances.
Campground Map
1/4 Mile from Emerald Cove Marina on Bullards Bar Reservoir
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.
Access requires traveling on Highway 49, turning onto Maryville Road, crossing the dam, and navigating a narrow road for 1/4 mile.Nearby places
Nevada City (20 miles), Camptonville (null), North San Juan (null), Dobbins (null)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at Emerald Cove Marina and nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.5
6 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 6 reviews
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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsSeasonal 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 6 reviewsCamper 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 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 9 was described as "easy in, easy out" and perfect for RV campers. Site 1D was noted for proximity to the lake but was also associated with noisy neighbors.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were included.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific reviews addressing pet-related policies or features.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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