Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

3.48

21 reviews

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

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

Opens Yuba River Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens Yuba River Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cottage 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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-478-6253

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What Campers Say

3.48

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season with full boating and activities, but summer can be noisy per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct with comfortable temps and fall colors; likely quieter than summer.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 15; spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temps—good early-season conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Nov–mid-Apr; no winter camping.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites include double and triple configurations with paved roads and tent pads.

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.

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.

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.

HikingThe 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.

FishingThe Bullards Bar Reservoir supports year-round fishing for both warm and cold water fish species.

SwimmingSwimming opportunities are limited due to steep slopes, but boaters can find various locations around the reservoir to swim.

BikingMountain biking is a popular activity in the area, with trails accessible from the campground.

BoatingBoating 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 viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant due to the natural features and surrounding forests.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity necessitates proper food storage.

Active AlertsNo current active alerts specified.

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

Fire PolicyFirewood must be bought locally and burned on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services details not specified; North Yuba Ranger Station nearby.

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

Water FeaturesThe campground overlooks Bullards Bar Reservoir, with limited direct access due to steep slopes.

Camp HostCampground monitoring is inconsistent; some users reported visibility of law enforcement and staff during disturbances.

Weather at Cottage Creek Campground (Ca)

Reviews

3.5

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

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

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 21 reviews