Garden Point Boat-In Campground

Star4.02
46 reviews
Launch from Dark Day boat launch ramp or Emerald Cove Marina launch and ramp
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

April 15, 2025, to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Garden Point Boat-In Campground
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $24 to $48 during the peak season from April 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025. Displayed rates do not include taxes, discounts,...
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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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Provider
530-478-6253
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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 46 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswatersites

"User reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with many praising the natural beauty, water-based activities, and the unique aspect of the boat-in access. However, complaints include issues with water levels, steep terrain, and the lack of facilities or ranger presence."

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Campground Map

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

Garden Point Boat-In Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles north on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Turn left onto Marysville Road and travel approximately 3 miles to the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp and launch from the ramp. Or travel approximately 7 miles to Emerald Cove Marina and launch from the ramp there.
This is a boat-in campground. You cannot drive directly to this campground. The nearest launch points are the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp (approx. 1 mile by boat) and Emerald Cove Marina (approx. 3 miles by boat).
Nearby places
Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins are nearby communities with supplies available.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the marina and nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.

Best Time to Camp at Garden Point Boat-In Campground

Blessed with California's signature moderate temperatures and abundant clear skies, Garden Point enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate with refreshingly dry air. As the seasons change, so does the reservoir's personality – water levels rise and fall throughout the year, creating an ever-changing landscape that makes each visit unique. Spring brings full waters perfect for easy landing, while late summer reveals hidden coves and beaches as levels recede.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer offers warm weather and water sports but late-season low water can hamper access and beaches.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Late summer/early fall often brings low water levels and reduced shoreline access per reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring/early summer favored by reviewers for higher water levels and cooler weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 15–Oct 15 season; winter visits not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April 15, 2025, to October 15, 2025
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions or weather closures may be imposed due to hot, dry conditions. Contact the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.

About Garden Point Boat-In Campground

Escape to Garden Point Boat-in Campground, where adventure begins with a scenic boat journey across the pristine waters of Bullards Bar Reservoir. Tucked away among towering conifers and vibrant hardwoods on steep, forested slopes, this hidden gem offers the ultimate secluded camping experience. Here, the only way in is by water, ensuring your stay remains peaceful and undisturbed by the outside world.
Garden Point is a remote and primitive boat-in campground. Visitors must launch their boats from designated boat ramps. The sites are suitable for tent camping and have a rugged, backcountry feel.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit and total at the campground within each year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Garden Point Campground offers a wide array of activities including boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and other water sports. Additionally, the surrounding area features opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing and exploring the diverse natural environment are also popular pursuits. However, swimmers should note that the steep slopes limit the presence of designated swimming areas.
HikingThe area boasts a network of hiking trails, including 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). Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station.
FishingThe reservoir offers year-round fishing opportunities for warm and cold-water fish species. Some users specifically mentioned fishing for bass as a highlight of their visit.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are mentioned as limited due to steep slopes, but swimmers can find suitable spots accessible via boat.
BikingMountain biking is noted as a popular activity in the surrounding area, though specific details about trails and terrain are limited.
BoatingBoating is a central activity due to the boat-in nature of the campground. Various types of boats are permitted, and visitors often use them to access swimming areas or explore the reservoir.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as an activity, though specifics about the types of wildlife commonly seen are not provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep slopes around the reservoir limit swimming opportunities. Accessibility to campsites is affected by water levels, which may require climbing steep terrain.
Active AlertsFire restrictions or weather closures may be imposed due to hot, dry conditions. Contact the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Garden Point Boat-In Campground

Reviews

4.0
46 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Garden Point Boat-In Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with many praising the natural beauty, water-based activities, and the unique aspect of the boat-in access. However, complaints include issues with water levels, steep terrain, and the lack of facilities or ranger presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praised the scenic beauty, especially the views from specific campsites like site 20. The abundant recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, were...
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Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the steep hike to some campsites (especially during low water levels), and disturbances from noisy neighbors in the absence of camp hosts. Vault...
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Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking early to secure desired sites, especially those with good views. Packing light and preparing for steep terrain is advised, particularly during low water levels. Spring is...
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Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that spring and early summer are the most enjoyable seasons due to higher water levels and cooler weather. Late summer and early fall can pose challenges with low water levels and...
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Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsite is amazing, but water access is just about non-existent from site 7.' 2. 'We stayed at site 20, and I really liked the view we had.' 3. 'Depending on the water level, it could be a...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 20 is frequently praised for its views, while site 7 is noted for its challenging water access. Sites 3, 4, 1, 5, and 6 are described as good options by campers.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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