Frenchy Point Campground

For California residents seeking a truly secluded and authentic wilderness experience accessible primarily by water, Frenchy Point Campground offers a unique opportunity on the stunning Bullards Bar Reservoir near Camptonville, CA. Located within the vast Tahoe National Forest, this campground is a prime destination for those who prefer a more primitive camping style, emphasizing direct connection with nature and water-based recreation. If you're an adventurous Californian with a boat, looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a deep blue reservoir, Frenchy Point provides an ideal, off-the-beaten-path retreat.

Frenchy Point Campground distinguishes itself as a "boat-in only" access campground, making it a truly unique destination for water enthusiasts. This characteristic ensures a level of seclusion and tranquility often hard to find at drive-up campgrounds in California. It primarily functions as an "overflow campground," suggesting that while it provides campsites, it's designed to accommodate visitors who are seeking a more self-sufficient and independent camping experience. The absence of traditional restroom facilities reinforces this rustic approach, encouraging campers to practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for a truly wild setting.

Despite its primitive nature regarding facilities, Frenchy Point's location on Bullards Bar Reservoir opens up a world of recreational possibilities. The reservoir itself is a popular spot for a variety of water activities, including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The deep, clear waters are inviting for a refreshing dip directly from your boat or a quiet cove, and the fishing opportunities are abundant, with various species thriving in the reservoir. For California locals who own boats or enjoy water sports, Frenchy Point serves as a fantastic base to explore the expansive waters of Bullards Bar.

The surrounding Tahoe National Forest, with its mix of pine and fir trees, provides a beautiful forested backdrop to the campground. While the trees at the immediate campground may not offer extensive shade, the overall natural environment is picturesque and conducive to outdoor enjoyment. This combination of boat-in access, a focus on self-sufficiency, and direct connection to a vibrant recreational lake makes Frenchy Point Campground an excellent choice for adventurous Californians looking to truly get away from it all and embrace a more rugged, water-centric camping adventure.

Frenchy Point Campground is located in Camptonville, CA 95922, USA, nestled on the shores of the New Bullards Bar Reservoir within the expansive Tahoe National Forest. This geographical positioning is key to understanding its unique accessibility and the type of experience it offers to California residents.

The most defining characteristic of Frenchy Point Campground's accessibility is that it is a "boat-in only" campground. This means that unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, visitors must access their campsite by boat across Bullards Bar Reservoir. This unique access method is a significant filter, ensuring that the campground attracts experienced boaters and those seeking a more secluded and tranquil environment, as it naturally deters casual visitors who prefer roadside camping. Access points to the reservoir, such as the Cottage Creek and Dark Day boat launches near Camptonville, would be the starting points for reaching Frenchy Point.

Bullards Bar Reservoir itself is a large, deep body of water, making it ideal for various motorized and non-motorized boating activities. The surrounding terrain is forested, with temperatures ranging from winter lows in the 30s Fahrenheit to summer highs in the 80s, providing a diverse seasonal experience. The scenic Yuba River is also nearby, offering additional opportunities for water activities and hiking, although direct access from Frenchy Point would still primarily involve navigating by water or accessing other nearby land-based trailheads after a boat trip.

While the campground is listed with a Camptonville address, its true "location" from a camper's perspective is on the reservoir's shoreline. This boat-in nature implies a level of preparedness for self-sufficiency, as there are no roads leading directly to the campsites. For Californian boaters and those looking for an immersive experience where their watercraft is an integral part of their camping adventure, Frenchy Point's location offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vastness of Bullards Bar and its surrounding wilderness.

Frenchy Point Campground offers a very minimalistic and rustic set of services, aligning with its boat-in, primitive camping ethos:

• Campsites: Provides designated campsites for overnight stays.
• Boat-In Access Only: The primary service is access to campsites exclusively by boat from Bullards Bar Reservoir.
• Overflow Campground Function: It is utilized as an overflow area, suggesting it provides basic camping spots when other, more developed campgrounds might be full.
• No Bathrooms: A critical detail is that there are no restroom facilities provided on-site. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient regarding sanitation, typically requiring a portable chemical toilet.
• No Potable Water: There is no mention of potable water being available. Campers must bring all their own drinking water.
• No Picnic Tables or Fire Rings (Implied): While not explicitly stated, the lack of restrooms and its overflow status suggests that traditional amenities like picnic tables or designated fire rings may not be consistently available at all sites, or are very basic. Campers should be prepared with their own portable cooking and seating solutions.
• Pets Allowed: While not a direct service, pets are generally allowed in National Forest campgrounds, but owners are responsible for their waste and control.
• Campfire Allowed: Campfires are generally permitted, but campers should always check current fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons in California.

Frenchy Point Campground's unique features and highlights cater specifically to adventurous, self-reliant campers:

• Boat-In Only Access: This is the most defining feature, ensuring a secluded and less crowded camping experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from road-accessible sites.
• Located on Bullards Bar Reservoir: Offers direct access to a large, beautiful reservoir, ideal for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and swimming directly from your boat.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Bullards Bar Reservoir is known for its diverse fish species, providing ample opportunities for anglers.
• Overflow Capacity: Serves as a valuable option for finding a spot when other campgrounds in the area might be full, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• Primitive & Rustic Experience: Appeals to campers who prefer to be fully self-sufficient and immerse themselves in the wilderness without modern amenities.
• Secluded Environment: Due to its boat-in nature and limited facilities, it offers a high degree of privacy and a quiet atmosphere.
• Tahoe National Forest Setting: Surrounded by the natural beauty of pine and fir forests, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Proximity to Yuba River: The scenic Yuba River is nearby, offering additional opportunities for hiking and water activities for those willing to explore further by boat or short drive from a main launch point.
• Temperatures: Experience cool winter lows (30s F) and warm summer highs (80s F), allowing for year-round planning with appropriate gear.

For information regarding Frenchy Point Campground, its current status, or general inquiries about the Bullards Bar Reservoir area, please use the following contact details, primarily through Emerald Cove Marina which manages permits for shoreline camping and boat access sites on Bullards Bar:

Address: Camptonville, CA 95922, USA (General area of the campground's access point)

Phone: (530) 692-3200 (This number often connects to Emerald Cove Marina, which handles Bullards Bar Reservoir camping information)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-692-3200

Given its boat-in nature and primitive facilities, direct reservations for individual sites at Frenchy Point might not be handled in the traditional way. It's best to inquire about "shoreline camping permits" or "boat access campground" availability for Bullards Bar Reservoir when calling this number.

For California residents, Frenchy Point Campground on Bullards Bar Reservoir offers a uniquely suitable and highly appealing camping experience, especially for those who possess a spirit of adventure and a love for water-based recreation. Its defining characteristic as a "boat-in only" campground makes it an exclusive retreat, naturally filtering out the crowds and providing a level of seclusion that is increasingly rare to find in California's popular outdoor destinations. This makes it perfect for locals seeking a true escape from the bustle of everyday life and a deeper immersion in the wilderness.

The primary suitability for Californians lies in its direct access to the expansive and beautiful Bullards Bar Reservoir. For boat owners, kayakers, paddleboarders, and avid anglers, Frenchy Point serves as an unparalleled basecamp. The ability to pull your boat right up to your campsite and have immediate access to prime fishing spots, clear swimming waters, and endless stretches for water sports is a significant draw. This directly caters to the active Californian lifestyle that often revolves around enjoying the state's abundant lakes and rivers.

Furthermore, the rustic and primitive nature of Frenchy Point Campground appeals to a specific segment of the local population – those who embrace self-sufficiency and the "Leave No Trace" ethos. The absence of traditional amenities like bathrooms or potable water on-site means campers must be fully prepared, which for experienced outdoor enthusiasts in California is often a desired challenge rather than a drawback. It provides an authentic wilderness experience, fostering skills in resourcefulness and environmental responsibility. As an "overflow campground," it also offers a valuable alternative for finding a spot when other more developed sites around Bullards Bar or in the Tahoe National Forest are fully booked, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips.

In essence, Frenchy Point Campground is perfectly tailored for the adventurous Californian who values tranquility, water-centric activities, and a back-to-basics camping approach. It’s a place where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination, promising a memorable and truly immersive outdoor experience on one of California's most beautiful reservoirs.

Frenchy Point Campground

Camptonville, CA 95922, USA