Emerald Cove Marina used to administer the campgrounds around the lake, but starting in 2020 reservations for campgrounds at Bullards Bar Recreation Area are being administered by the Forest Service. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov (links below). Camping is offered at several drive-to campgrounds around the reservoir and at a number of boat-in campsites.
Located on the South Shore, off Marysville Road
Campground Facilities: About 50 Sites (some double), Flush Toilets, Piped Water
Campsite Amenities: RVs allowed, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings with Grills, Bear Box
Fees: $24 per night
Reservations: Schoolhouse Campground Reservations
Nearby Facilities: Lake, 1 mile to Bullards Bar Trail or Dark Day Area
Located on a Peninsula on the South Shore, off Marysville Road
Campground Facilities: About 10 Sites (Some Double and Triple), Vault Toilets, Piped Water
Campsite Amenities: Tents Only (No RVs), Picnic Tables, Fire Rings with Grills, Bear Box
Fees: $24 per Night
Reservations: Dark Day Campground Reservations
Nearby Facilities: Lake, Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the South Shore, off Marysville Road
Campground Facilities: 6 Sites- Most for 25 People, One for 50 People; Vault and Flush Toilets, Piped Water
Campsite Amenities: RVs allowed, Bear Boxes, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings with Grills
Fees: $88 per Night for 25-person Sites, $155 for 50-person Site
Reservations: Hornswoggle Group Campground Reservations
Nearby Facilities: 1 mile to Bullards Bar Trail or Dark Day Area
Located at North End of Lake
Campground Facilities: 10 Sites, Vault Toilet, No Water
Campsite Amenities: Picnic Tables, Fire Rings with Grills
Fees: $24 per Night
Reservations: Madrone Cove Boat-in Campground Reservations
Located on a Peninsula on the North Shore
Campground Facilities: 13 Sites (some double sites), Vault Toilets, No Water
Campsite Amenities: Picnic Tables, Fire Rings with Grills
Fees: $24 per Night
Reservations: Garden Point Boat-in Campground Reservations
575 East Broad Street, Nevada City, CA
(530) 265-2233
Outside Inn
Amenities: Free WiFi, summer swimming pool, BBQ, outdoor shower in addition to individual bathrooms in all rooms, free neighbors vegetable cart, short walk to the heart of Nevada City
Accommodations: unique, themed rooms plus cottage, cabin and creek-side hideaway; king and queen beds, cable TV, mini-fridge, AC, kitchenettes available.
13919 Lake Frances Rd., Dobbins, CA
(530) 692-1700 or (888) 993-7344 (toll free in CA only)
Lake Francis RV Resort
Facilities and Amenities: Palace Restaurant, Lodge, Creamery, Swimming Pool, Near Lake Frances, Boat Rentals, Outdoor Sports
Accommodations: Rustic Cabins without Baths and Deluxe Cabins with Baths and Kitchenettes, No Linens, Sleep up to 8; Deluxe cabins, and others in between
211 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA
(530) 265-4551 National Hotel
Hotel Facilities: 130-year old Historic Hotel in downtown Nevada City, Swimming Pool
Accommodations: Suites furnished with Gold Rush-era Antiques, Most Rooms with Private Baths
Dark Day Campground
9 Kidder Ct., Nevada City, CA
Website: Inn Town Campground
Amenities: , camp store, kitchen, laundry, TV, reading nooks, swimming pool, and BBQ, situated in a beautiful pine forest
Camping Sites: RV sites with full or partial hook-ups, tent and Glamping sites (furnished platform tents)
Reservations: Inn town Campground Reservations
13919 Lake Frances Rd., Dobbins, CA
(530) 692-1700 or (888) 993-7344 (toll free in CA only)
Website: Lake Francis RV Resort
Facilities and Amenities: Palace Restaurant, Lodge, Creamery, Swimming Pool, Near Lake Frances, Outdoor Sports
Camping and RV Sites: Full Hook-ups or Water & Electric Only, Tent Sites have Picnic Table, Cooking Hearth, Sink
4360 Pacific Heights Road, Oroville, CA
1 mile south of Oroville on the Feather River
(530) 533-1995
Website: River Reflections RV Resort
Amenities: 100 Sites, Full Hook-ups, 20/30/50 amp, Internet, Laundry, Game Room
121 Bank Street, Grass Valley, CA
(530) 477-1700 Gold Miners Inn, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Hotel Amenities: Free hot breakfast, fitness center, outdoor parking, guest laundry
Accommodations: Free WiFi, microwave, refrigerator, flat panel TV, fireplace rooms available
10492 Harmony Ridge Rd., Nevada City, CA
(530) 265-6596 or (800) 273-0556 Website: Harmony Ridge Resort
Facilities: Camping, RV Park, Log Cabins - in Nevada County's Gold Country, Swimming Pool, Teen Rec Room, Playground, Outdoor Sports, Children's Fishing,
Family Spa, Adult Spa, Cafe
Trailers and Cabins: Sleep 4 - 6, No Linens Provided
1200 Athens Avenue, Lincoln, CA
(916) 408-7777 or (877) 468-8777 Website: Thunder Valley Casino Hotel
Amenities: Casino, Entertainment, Swimming Pool, Spa, Dining
Accommodations: Flat Screen TV, WiFi