How much does camping cost at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Camping fees at Hornswoggle Group Campground range from $88-$155/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hornswoggle Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hornswoggle Group 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.

What is the best time to visit Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Hornswoggle Group Campground is open April 15 - 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 Hornswoggle Group Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Cell phone service at Hornswoggle Group Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Hornswoggle Group Campground have?

Hornswoggle Group 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 Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hornswoggle Group 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 Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Hornswoggle Group 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 Hornswoggle Group Campground?

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

Hornswoggle Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Fire policies at Hornswoggle Group Campground: Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent pests. Restrictions may apply during dry seasons.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.47

41 reviews

Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road

Great for GroupsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$88 - $155/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger Station Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 5 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$88 - $155/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger Station Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Hornswoggle Group Campground

$88.00 - $155.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group RV and standard nonelectric sites range from $88 to $155 per night. Discounts, taxes, and incremental charges may apply.

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$88.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

3.47

Mixed Reviews

Based on 41 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyspaciouslocationhiking

Some mention

noise

"The campground receives mixed reviews with a general sentiment of 3.91/5. Common themes include the spacious and shaded sites, presence of bears, and issues with theft. Some highlight the privacy and amenities, while others criticize noise issues and safety concerns involving wildlife and theft."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road

Hornswoggle Group Campground

Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road

Nearby places

Nevada City (21 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)

Camptonville (approximately 12 miles)

North San Juan (approximately 15 miles)

Dobbins (approximately 20 miles)

Nearby supplies

Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins have supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel. Supplies are also available at Emerald Cove Marina.

Best Time to Camp at Hornswoggle Group Campground

Fall delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime temperatures sit in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with nights around 40-50°F. Hardwood foliage turns, boat traffic thins after Labor Day, and trails stay accessible. April through October sees the warmest weather, with spring and summer days around 50°F and nights dipping to 37°F. Winter brings increased rainfall that fills the reservoir but keeps most visitors away.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers most reliable conditions, cooler days, thinner boat traffic, and quieter camps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 15 - October 15. First-come-first-served period: June 20 - June 21. Closed season: October 15 - April 17.
Current Alerts: Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers

About Hornswoggle Group Campground

Hornswoggle Group Campground sits at 2,000 feet in Tahoe National Forest, where the North Yuba River has carved steep slopes down to Bullards Bar Reservoir. The five group sites accommodate tents and trailers under a mixed canopy of conifers and hardwoods. Fees run $88-$155 per night. Bears are active here, and the campground provides bear lockers at each site.

Hornswoggle Group Campground provides options for group camping, including tent sites and open areas that can accommodate trailers. It's primarily designed for group activities.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime temperatures sit in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with nights around 40-50°F. Hardwood foliage turns, boat traffic thins after Labor Day, and trails stay accessible. April through October sees the warmest weather, with spring and summer days around 50°F and nights dipping to 37°F. Winter brings increased rainfall that fills the reservoir but keeps most visitors away.

ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Hornswoggle occupies a sweet spot in the Sierra foothills where mountain air meets moderate temperatures year-round. This thoughtful elevation gifts visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness while maintaining a comfortable climate that's neither too hot in summer nor too cold for spring and fall camping. The altitude creates perfect conditions for both relaxation and adventure, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasant afternoons.

Natural Features and ScenerySteep, forested slopes drop toward Bullards Bar Reservoir through layers of conifers, hardwoods, and native brush. The terrain creates shade across the campground and makes direct lake access challenging. The mixed forest supports squirrels, birds of prey, and seasonal wildflowers in the understory. The topography offers views of the reservoir but limits easy swimming access.

Geological RegionHornswoggle Group Campground rests in the rugged terrain carved by the North Yuba River, where centuries of geological forces have sculpted the dramatic landscape surrounding Bullards Bar Reservoir. The steep slopes that characterize this region tell a story written in stone and soil, while the thriving mixed forest of conifers, hardwoods, and native brush species creates a multilayered ecosystem. This diverse woodland provides natural shade throughout the campground and serves as a living reminder of the Sierra foothills' remarkable ability to support varied plant communities in close proximity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights per year is enforced.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The Manzanita group site accommodates up to 50 people.

Groups

The group camping area is spacious and well-suited for gatherings. For example, 'We stayed at Manzanita (the 50-person site) with a group of 30ish folks and it fit us well—a mix of tent campers and 4 trailers.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup sites spread apart with decent spacing for privacy. Some require uphill walks from parking pads. Bear lockers fit full-size coolers. Tent campers should bring a wagon to haul gear from vehicles.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited to the first-come-first-served period from June 20 to June 21. Walk-up availability is generally restricted outside reservation windows.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in) will forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur $20 fees plus forfeiture of the first night.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground has paved roads and parking, which may aid accessibility.

Site SizeThe sites at Hornswoggle Group Campground are described as spacious and suitable for group camping. One reviewer stated, 'We stayed at the Manzanita site with a group of 30ish folks and it fit us well - a mix of tent campers and 4 trailers.

PrivacyThe campground offers privacy between group sites. A user noted, 'Nice spot for group camping, the spacing between sites is good.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Manzanita for larger groups and proximity to amenities such as flushing toilets and water access. Bring mosquito repellents and yellow jacket protection.

Need help booking Hornswoggle Group 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

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hornswoggle Group Campground offers a variety of outdoor and recreational activities. Visitors can engage in camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and a range of water sports like water skiing. While swimming is limited due to steep slopes, boaters can find numerous swimming opportunities around the reservoir. Wildlife viewing and mountain biking are also popular activities at and near the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a notable hazard, regularly seen roaming campsites at night according to user reviews. Thieves have also been reported cutting locks and stealing items.

Active AlertsBears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided free of charge and can accommodate full-size coolers. Campers are advised to use them due to frequent bear activity.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire pits. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent pests. Restrictions may apply during dry seasons.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are required after specified times, although enforcement has been inconsistent per user reviews.

Emergency ServicesNorth Yuba Ranger Station is located approximately 4 miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road. Emergency services such as hospitals and police stations are null.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available at the campground. A reviewer mentioned, 'There are large trash bins nearby that can be utilized when needed.'

Water FeaturesLocated near Bullards Bar Reservoir, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Swimming is restricted to specific areas accessible by boat due to steep terrain.

Camp HostThe campground is unstaffed, but inquiries can be directed to the North Yuba Ranger Station at 530-265-4531.

Weather at Hornswoggle Group Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.5

41 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

The campground receives mixed reviews with a general sentiment of 3.91/5. Common themes include the spacious and shaded sites, presence of bears, and issues with theft. Some highlight the privacy and amenities, while others criticize noise issues and safety concerns involving wildlife and theft.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious group sites, good privacy between camps, plentiful amenities like bear lockers and picnic tables, and proximity to boating and hiking trails. 'Tall shady trees,...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include aggressive bears ('They grabbed a hold of a couple of tents and took them for a ride'), theft ('several cable locks were cut'), and noise issues ('Noise ordinance needs to be...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing a wagon for tent campers, properly utilizing bear lockers ('Those containers fit full-size coolers and plenty of food'), and being prepared for mosquitoes and yellow jackets.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter closures prevent camping during the colder months. Late spring through summer sees high usage, with complaints about bears and noise. Fall is described as quieter and relaxing.

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We stayed at the Manzanita group camp site. Lots of amenities available.' 2. 'Nice spot for group camping, the spacing between sites is good.' 3. 'Tall shady trees, prime tent setup locations.'...

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Manzanita Group Camp: Positive for spaciousness and amenities. Dogwood Site: Theft concerns. Sugarpine Site: Aggressive bear activity. Douglas Fir Site: Restroom issues and noise complaints. Madrone...

Based on 41 reviews