Campground
Tahoe National Forest, California
Public access for boating and recreation is limited to 2 developed and 1 undeveloped boat launches: the Cottage Creek Boat Launch ramp at Emerald Cove Marina, the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp, and the undeveloped site at the end of Moran Road.
Cottage Creek is a new campground with all new amendities.
Activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports.
Know before you arrive
Official facility and campsite inventory, supplemented by clearly marked community reports when the official listing does not publish the detail.
Community-reported service can change with terrain, weather, congestion, and carrier coverage.
Official campground guide
Facility information, site rules, booking windows, and published rates. Source snapshot checked Oct 18, 2026.
Cottage Creek is a new campground with all new amendities. It has double and triple sites. It has a beautiful view of the Bullards Bar Reservior.
Public access for boating and recreation is limited to 2 developed and 1 undeveloped boat launches: the Cottage Creek Boat Launch ramp at Emerald Cove Marina, the Dark Day Boat Launch ramp, and the undeveloped site at the end of Moran Road. The area includes 6 campgrounds, 2 picnic areas, 2 boat launch ramps, 1 marina, 1 overlook, 1 day use area and several developed hiking trails.
Activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports. Swimming opportunities are limited because of the steep slopes; however boaters will find numerous opportunities for swimming in various locations around the reservoir. The reservoir provides yearlong fishing opportunities for both warm and cold water fish species. Supplies are available at the marina as well as the nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.
The sides of the reservoir are generally steep and public access for boating and recreation is limited. The reservoir is surrounded by both conifer and hardwood forests with numerous brush spieces. There is plenty of shade at the campsites
There is a beautiful non- motorized trail system in the area, with 5 different trails to choose from. Bullards Bar Trailhead is 14 miles, 7 Ball Trial is 1 mile, 8 Ball Trail is 3.8 miles, Rebel Ridge Trail is 1.6 miles and Schoolhouse Trail is 0.7 miles. Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station just a couple miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.
What Recreation.gov or the campground’s official source specifically lists.
Published inventory grouped by site type. Individual sites can have stricter limits.
Facility rules, inventory procedures, and price seasons published by the official source.
Recreation.gov publishes a rolling booking window. The dates below are the official snapshot captured for this catalog build.
| Season | Site type | Nightly rate | Additional person | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak SeasonApr 15, 2026 – Oct 15, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $48 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonApr 15, 2026 – Oct 15, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $72 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonApr 15, 2027 – Oct 15, 2027 | Standard Non-Electric | $48 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonApr 15, 2027 – Oct 15, 2027 | Standard Non-Electric | $72 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonApr 15, 2028 – Oct 15, 2028 | Standard Non-Electric | $48 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonApr 15, 2028 – Oct 15, 2028 | Standard Non-Electric | $72 | — | — |
Read these with current closure and fire notices before departure.
From Nevada City, travel north on Higway 49 from approximately 20 miles to Maryville Road , turn left onto Maryville Road and travel west approximatley 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. Please see the attached map for the overview of the directions through the parking lot to the campground.
530-478-6253