Hornswoggle Group Campground

Star3.85
41 reviews
Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road
Summer Destination

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

Opens Yuba River Ranger Station 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
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

3.85

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

Driving directionsFrom Nevada City, California, travel approximately 20 miles on Highway 49 to Marysville Road. Take a left on Marysville Road and travel approximately 4 miles to Hornswoggle Campground.
The roads leading to Hornswoggle Group Campground are paved and accessible year-round, but steep terrain can present challenges. Availability of access may also depend on seasonal conditions.
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

From April through October, Hornswoggle welcomes visitors with its most inviting weather, when comfortable temperatures hover around 50°F during the day and dip to a crisp 37°F at night—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings and refreshing morning hikes. As autumn transitions to winter, the landscape transforms with increased rainfall that nourishes the surrounding forests and fills the reservoir to its seasonal peaks. These cooler months offer their own quiet beauty, though most visitors prefer the sun-drenched days and star-filled nights of the warmer season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season Apr-Oct: excellent boating and warm days, but busy, noisy, and more wildlife incidents.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall described as quieter and relaxing with pleasant conditions and less crowding.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

April–May offers mild temps and opening season; late spring can be busy with more wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 15 - Apr 17; winter camping unavailable.

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 are highly active, and thefts have occurred in group sites. Campers are advised to use bear-resistant containers and cable locks.

About Hornswoggle Group Campground

Tucked away in the scenic embrace of Bullards Bar Reservoir, Hornswoggle Group Campground offers an ideal retreat for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking shared adventures. This spacious group camping destination sits beneath a canopy of towering conifers and graceful hardwoods, where dappled sunlight filters through the branches and the sounds of nature create a peaceful soundtrack. Whether you're planning a lakeside getaway, embarking on nearby hiking expeditions, or simply gathering around the campfire under starlit skies, Hornswoggle provides the perfect basecamp for creating lasting memories together.
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.
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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking trails are available in the area. There is a non-motorized trail system that includes five different trails, such as Bullards Bar Trailhead (14 miles) and 7 Ball Trail (1 mile). These trails offer a mix of distances and experiences for hikers.
FishingFishing is available year-round at Bullards Bar Reservoir, catering to both warm and cold-water fish species. Specific fish types are not identified.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are limited due to steep slopes, but boaters can access various swimming spots around the reservoir.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity at the campground, with trails available for exploring the surrounding area.
BoatingBoating is a key activity here. Visitors can use two developed and one undeveloped boat launches. Activities such as canoeing, paddling, and water skiing are prominent.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlighted activity at the campground, although specific animal species are not detailed.
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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 are highly active, and thefts have occurred in group sites. Campers are advised to use bear-resistant containers and cable locks.
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.

Weather at Hornswoggle Group Campground

Reviews

3.9
41 reviews
Mixed 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,...
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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...
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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.'...
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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...
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Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews focus on pet-related experiences.
Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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