Dark Day Campground

For Californians yearning to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature, Dark Day Campground offers an authentic and remarkably serene escape. Nestled within the expansive Tahoe National Forest and overlooking the stunning New Bullards Bar Reservoir, this campground provides a quintessential outdoor experience for those who appreciate tranquility, privacy, and direct access to a wealth of recreational activities. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves quiet evenings, clear starry skies, and days filled with adventure on and around the water, Dark Day Campground is a destination that truly delivers.

Dark Day Campground is specifically designed for tent campers, particularly those who don't mind a short walk to their secluded site. Unlike many larger, more commercialized campgrounds, Dark Day embraces a walk-in concept, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded environment. This design choice contributes significantly to the peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly feel immersed in the natural surroundings. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities, striking a balance between rustic charm and necessary comforts. The campground’s setting amidst the lush conifer and hardwood forests, with ample natural shade, enhances the sense of being truly "away from it all," making it an ideal retreat for families, couples, and individuals seeking solace in the wilderness.

Dark Day Campground is situated within the vast expanse of the Tahoe National Forest, specifically overlooking the New Bullards Bar Reservoir. While the address is broadly listed as California 95922, USA, more precise information indicates its location near Camptonville, approximately 21 miles north of Nevada City. The campground can be reached from Marysville Road, which provides a scenic drive through the heart of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. This location places it perfectly for Californians looking for a mountain and lakeside retreat that is accessible yet feels wonderfully remote.

The accessibility of Dark Day Campground is generally good, with paved access roads leading to the parking areas. From these parking areas, campsites are typically a short walk (around 100 feet for tent-only sites). This walk-in design, while adding to the secluded feel, means campers should be prepared to carry their gear a short distance. The proximity to New Bullards Bar Reservoir is a major highlight, with a boat ramp conveniently located near the campground, offering easy access for water-based activities. Additionally, nearby communities such as Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins provide access to supplies and services, ensuring that campers can easily restock if needed. The region is a popular recreational hub, meaning roads are generally well-maintained during the open season (typically mid-April to mid-October), making the journey itself part of the scenic adventure.

Dark Day Campground provides essential services and facilities designed to support a comfortable and authentic camping experience, focusing on functionality and environmental stewardship. While it does not offer extensive luxury amenities, it ensures that campers have access to necessary comforts for an enjoyable stay in nature.

• Tent-Only Campsites: The campground primarily features walk-in tent campsites, offering a more traditional and secluded camping experience.
• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate for cooking, and a food storage locker (bear box) to safely store food and deter wildlife.
• Potable Drinking Water: Access to safe, drinkable water is available, which is a crucial amenity for any camping trip.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided for restrooms, ensuring basic sanitation facilities.
• Paved Access Roads: The main access roads within the campground are paved, contributing to easier navigation and reduced dust.
• Parking Areas: Designated parking areas are available, with varying maximum vehicle lengths (ranging from 29 to 44 feet) to accommodate different vehicle types.
• Cell Service: Good cell service is available in the area, allowing for connectivity if needed, though many campers seek to disconnect.
• Trash Collection: Facilities for trash collection are provided, encouraging campers to maintain a clean environment.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: Direct access to a boat launch ramp near the campground facilitates water activities on New Bullards Bar Reservoir.
• Firewood Information: While not always sold on-site, the park emphasizes fire safety and advises campers to buy firewood locally to protect against pests.

It is important to note that Dark Day Campground does not typically offer utility hookups (for RVs), showers, or a dump station. This aligns with its rustic and tent-camping-focused nature, encouraging campers to be prepared for a more traditional outdoor experience.

Dark Day Campground is rich in features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Californians seeking a truly memorable outdoor adventure. These elements combine to create a unique and highly enjoyable camping environment.

• Stunning Location on New Bullards Bar Reservoir: The campground overlooks the beautiful reservoir, providing picturesque views and direct access to its clear waters.
• Secluded Tent Camping Experience: The walk-in, tent-only design ensures a high degree of privacy and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for those escaping crowded areas.
• Abundant Water-Based Activities: The reservoir is ideal for boating, fishing (known for bass and other species), kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming (though limited to specific areas due to steep slopes).
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The surrounding Tahoe National Forest offers over 20 miles of scenic trails, including Bullards Bar Trail, 7 Ball Trail, 8 Ball Trail, Rebel Ridge Trail, and Schoolhouse Trail, catering to various skill levels.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The diverse forest environment provides excellent chances for wildlife spotting, allowing campers to observe local flora and fauna.
• Bear Boxes at Each Site: The provision of food storage lockers (bear boxes) at every campsite emphasizes safety and helps protect both campers and wildlife.
• Plenty of Shade: The campsites are surrounded by abundant conifer and hardwood trees, offering ample natural shade, which is a significant comfort during warm California days.
• Good Cell Service: For those who need to stay minimally connected, good cell service is available, a convenient feature for a remote campground.
• Proximity to Marina and Supplies: A marina near Camptonville offers boat rentals and supplies, adding convenience for water sports enthusiasts. Nearby communities also provide access to necessities.
• Seasonal Operation: Typically open from mid-April to mid-October, allowing campers to experience the best weather conditions in the region.

These highlights ensure that campers at Dark Day Campground can truly immerse themselves in a natural setting while enjoying a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

For inquiries, reservations, or to obtain more specific information about Dark Day Campground, please use the following contact details. It is always advisable to check availability and specific campground rules before planning your trip, especially during peak seasons.

Address: California 95922, USA

Phone: (530) 362-8259

Mobile Phone: +1 530-362-8259

For facility-specific information or reservations through the official system, Recreation.gov is often the primary platform for booking sites in national forests. While the provided phone numbers are direct contacts, always cross-reference with official forest service websites or Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information regarding fees, availability, and specific campsite details.

Dark Day Campground is an ideal destination for Californians seeking a genuine, tranquil, and active outdoor experience away from the bustling crowds. Its primary suitability for locals stems from its location within the easily accessible yet wonderfully secluded Tahoe National Forest, offering a true escape without an excessively long journey from many parts of the state. For those who prioritize peace and quiet, the walk-in tent-only design ensures a uniquely serene camping environment, allowing for deep immersion in nature.

The wealth of recreational opportunities, particularly on and around New Bullards Bar Reservoir—from boating and fishing to extensive hiking and biking trails—means there's always an adventure waiting right outside your tent. This combination of peaceful relaxation and active outdoor pursuits caters to a broad range of preferences. For Californians accustomed to busy urban lives, Dark Day Campground offers a refreshing contrast: a chance to breathe clean mountain air, enjoy clear starry nights, and reconnect with the natural world. It’s the perfect spot to create lasting memories, whether you're embarking on a solo retreat, a romantic getaway, or a family adventure, providing an authentic slice of California's stunning wilderness.

Dark Day Campground

California 95922, USA